Ōtaki Forks Campsite
Ōtaki Forks area
3.3 15 reviews
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Ōtaki Forks Campsite
One of the main entrances to Tararua Forest Park, the campsite is surrounded by open river terraces and regenerating bush.
Camp on a river terrace within Ōtaki Gorge.
Notices
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Predator control for Southern Tararuas
To control possums and prevent the spread of bovine TB, we plan to distribute non-toxic cereal bait pellets by helicopter on 4 March 2026.
The area will remain open. Warning signs will be placed at all main access points to the operational area. View a factsheet and map (PDF, 4,380K)
DOC will distribute toxic bait containing 1080 within a month of applying the non-toxic bait.
This operation is part of OSPRI's TBfree programme.
First published on 3 March 2026.
Accommodation
DOC Campsite Pricing
Ōtaki Forks Campsite is categorised as a DOC Standard Campsite. The following pricing indicates usual pricing. Prices vary for some campsites and may include seasonal pricing. Visit the DOC website for exact pricing.
DOC Standard Campsite
Standard campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services than Serviced campsites. These campsites have toilets, a water supply that could be treated or untreated tap water, or from a stream or lake, and vehicle or boat access. Bring your own soap for washing hands. Untreated water should be boiled before use to ensure it's safe. Wood BBQs and fireplaces, cold showers, picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided; this will vary from site to site.
| Feature | Value | Value |
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| Unpowered Site | Adult | $15.00 to $20.00 per night |
| Unpowered Site | Child | $7.50 to $10.00 per night |
| Unpowered Site | Infant | $0.00 per night |
Adults are 18+ years, children are 5-17 years, infants are 0-4 years.
Details
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Organisation |
DOC Wellington/KapitiCentral government organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Otaki |
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Basic Camping
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Reviews
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Very cheap in great bush.
Zara Leyden -
Nice spot.
Grant Duguid -
Beautiful spot at the end of a valley.
Dick Kooij -
Outstanding!
Don Strachan -
This is such a great spot!
Peter Pan
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The camp site further up the end of the road is closed until october so I had to stay at the first campsite which wasnt too bad.
Couple cars drove in through the night other than that it was quiet. Theres a toilet there. No good veiws but was still an ok spot for one night 👍🏼 care takers house is not far
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Outstanding!
BIG space on a number of different levels with heaps of little hide-away corners. Great bush views & flushing toilet! One of the best DOC sites. Last few ks drive in are "interesting" and probably not for big Van's or caravans? Don't stop at the first little site - drive the extra k to on of the best spots ever. Bugs weren't bad either.
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This campground is perfect!
There is so much space and the setting us idyllic. This spot is right beside the river, with a man-made swimming hole. There are also some awesome walks nearby. Basic facilities. Ample privacy.
We paid $13 per person. Just make sure to stop at the caretakers cabin to pay before driving to the campsite so you don't have to go back.
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This is such a great spot!
Long, long gravel road with a river crossing to get there, so be careful if you have a big van or caravan, but well worth the drive. We were the only ones in the whole site, which we couldn't quite believe! Plenty of space and DOC standard flushing toilets and running water. Beautiful spot!
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Long gravel road to get there but the place was nice and you get woken up with nice bird songs.
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The occasional speeding hoon will come through for a fast drive, so pick your tent site with this in mind -- away from the thouroughfare is best.
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Beautiful spot at the end of a valley.
Last 5km is very narrow road, but possible for campervans.
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One hell of an unsealed road to get to it, the water/river is not as accessible as described/mapped and the millions of crickets everywhere wasn't great.
But nice loos and recycling.
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Camping in the middle of the forest with only a couple of possums for company is something I'll never forget!!!
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