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Pahautea Hut Campsite

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Pahautea Hut Campsite

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Pahautea Hut Campsite

There are camping pads next to Pāhautea Hut and a shelter provided with water, sink, bench and table.

It's pretty basic but there's a camping area next to Pahautea Hut and a shelter provided with water, sink, bench and table.

There are seven non-powered/tent sites. The tent sites are about 4X4 m squares to pitch your tent on.

Water is untreated here - boil before use.

Even though this campsite is free, you still need to book a space at it.

Notices

  • Pirongia track closures

    These tracks are closed due to track damage from a severe weather event in February 2026:

    • Bell Track
    • Kaniwhaniwha: Kahikatea tree
    • Mahaukura Track
    • Wharauroa Track.

    The following tracks are open:

    • Tirohanga Track
    • Ruapane Track
    • Tahuanui Track
    • Hihikiwi Track
    • Mangakara Nature Walk (note that the two bridges have been washed away in the storm and have not been replaced yet)
    • Link Track
    • Nikau Walk
    • Kaniwhaniwha Caves.

    The following facilities are open:

    • Kaniwhaniwha Campsite
    • Pahautea Hut
    • Pahautea Campsite.

    This is a long-term alert.

    First published on 14 February 2026. Last reviewed on 6 October 2026.

DOC Campsite Pricing

Pahautea Hut Campsite is categorised as a DOC Backcountry Campsite. The following pricing indicates usual pricing. Prices vary for each campsite but is usually very cheap. Visit the website for exact pricing.

DOC Backcountry Campsite

Backcountry campsites have toilets and a water supply which may be from a stream. Picnic tables, cooking shelters or fireplaces may be provided.

Feature Value Value
Unpowered Site Adult Varies per night
Unpowered Site Child Varies per night
Unpowered Site Infant Varies per night

Adults are 18+ years, children are 5-17 years, infants are 0-4 years.

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

DOC Waikato

Central government organisation

Location

North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Cambridge

Categories

Operating Season And Hours

Operating year-round. Bookings required in advance.

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-37.9683244335328

175.036353969574

Latitude
-37.9683244335328
Longitude
175.036353969574

Websites
Feature Value Info

Overnight Camping Site Cost

  • Low Cost Camping Low Cost Camping

Overnight Camping Site Cost

What is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight?

Low Cost Camping

Low Cost Camping

You can expect very basic facilities only and often a beautiful location. A nominal fee is charged.

Overnight Stay Rules

  • Camping only Camping only

Overnight Stay Rules

What are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite?

Camping only

Camping only

You are permitted to camp only in a tent. Staying in vehicles is not possible.

Campsite Managing Organisation

  • DOC Managed DOC Managed

Campsite Managing Organisation

What type of organisation operates this campsite?

DOC Managed

DOC Managed

This campsite is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.

Original

Payment Requirement

  • Paid access/participation Paid access/participation

Payment Requirement

Is there a cost for this experience or is it free?

Paid access/participation

Paid access/participation

The experience costs money to access or take part in.

Booking Required

  • First Come, First Served

Booking Required

Is it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight?

First Come, First Served

Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot.

Large Vehicle Access

  • No large vehicles

Large Vehicle Access

Can large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access?

No large vehicles

The site is not accessible for large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers.

Vehicle Access

  • No vehicle access

Vehicle Access

Can vehicles drive in?

No vehicle access

This location is not accessible in a vehicle.

DOC Campsite Category

  • DOC Backcountry Campsite

DOC Campsite Category

What category does this Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite fall into?

DOC Backcountry Campsite

Department of Conservation Backcountry Campsites have toilets and a water supply which may be from a stream. They may have picnic tables, cooking shelters or fire places. Backcountry Campsites generally can not be booked.