Back

Pahautea Hut Campsite

List
Book Now

Pahautea Hut Campsite

Book Now
Map
Edit
Review

Photos

Information

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

    Some tracks in the Pirongia area are closed as tracks and bridges have been washed away following a severe weather event on 13-14 February 2026. If you have any bookings for Pahautea Hut or Pahautea Campsite, contact the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre. 

    Closed tracks:

    • Bell Track
    • Hihikiwi Track
    • Mahaukura Track
    • Mangakara Nature Walk
    • Ruapane Track
    • Tahuanui Track
    • Tirohanga Track
    • Wharauroa Track

    Tracks will need to be assessed before they can be reopened. 

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

  • Predator control for Pirongia Forest Park and Te Kauri Scenic Reserve

    We distributed toxic bait pellets containing 1080 by helicopter on 5 and 6 November 2025 in Pirongia Forest Park and Te Kauri Scenic Reserve.

    It is not safe to hunt for food or have your dog in this area for up to 8 months. Warning signs and this web alert will be removed once the area is safe again.

    This operation is part of DOC's National Predator Control Programme to protect native species.

    First published on 24 September 2025. Last reviewed on 11 February 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
  • Activity__basic_facility_campingBasic Camping

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.