Waiohine Gorge Campsite
Tararua Forest Park
4.2 6 reviews
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Waiohine Gorge Campsite
This secluded campsite is at the head of two spectacular gorges above the Waiohine River. A popular area for rafting, canoeing, swimming, and outdoor education.
Waiohine Gorge Campground is set in a beautiful bush setting, located above a river junction and next to one of the best accessible swing bridges in New Zealand. Access along a lengthy gravel road that gets quite tight as you get towards the gorge - Something to consider if you have a large vehicle. However, the effort is well rewarded!
The Waiohine Gorge Campsite is still open, however vehicle access to the campsite is prevented by the road being washed away earlier in the year. Vehicles can be parked at the bus turn-around car park about a km from the campsite, so it involves a walk-in to the camp.
Notices
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Predator control for Southern Tararuas
DOC and OSPRI distributed toxic cereal bait pellets by helicopter near this area on 11 and 23 March 2026. Taraua Forest Park will remain open.
A caution period is in place for approximately 8 months. Visitors are advised not to take dogs into the area until the caution period has ended. 1080 is deadly to dogs. How to keep dogs safe around 1080.
First published on 3 March 2026. Last reviewed on 13 April 2026.
Accommodation
DOC Campsite Pricing
Waiohine Gorge 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 WairarapaCentral government organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Wairarapa ▷ Carterton |
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Operating Season And Hours |
Bookings are required. Same-day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain. Bookings for the 2026/27 season open at 12 noon on Thursday 14 May 2026. |
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Basic Camping
Google Maps
Reviews
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Nice place with a decent amount of space across several secluded areas, giving plenty of privacy.
Toilets were fine, not particularly clean but I'll take that over stinky drop toilets any day. I came here in late April and it was pretty much empty, although with lots of rain recently (and overnight for me) the campsite was flooded in some areas.
Very scenic drive to get there, although it's a long gravel road that's fairly steep in some parts. There's also no phone signal from about as soon as you enter the valley (at least, on Spark). Still, would recommend if you're well prepared!
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Great campsite for bushwalks and swimming down by the river.
Can get really busy on long weekends, hard to find a spot if you're not there early. The gravel road before the actual campsite is abit harsh if you're not driving a 4WD. otherwise awesome scenic spot.
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A beautiful campsite which was well maintained.
We really enjoyed swimming in the river and the swing bridge was amazing. Some lovely bush walks too. Access is down a narrow, winding gravel road which might be challenging for those with large vehicles or towing.
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The road was fixed and I drove right to my camping area.
I loved the river and the swing bridge made my heart pound. The hidden waterfall was real cold but I enjoyed it. The tramping was spectacular. I will go back and take a tube next time. I love the place. They have flush toilets, but you need to bring your water.
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Stayed on jan 1st.
Campground is nice but flushing toilet is not working and appeared to not be working for sometime. People were continuing to poo in them and it is piling up. If you are self contained it is best. The river was ver pretty and the bridge fun.
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We spent a night here in late December with not many other people around.
The campground sits on a terrace, high above a river junction. A spectacular setting. The highlight is the nearby swingbridge. Our kids loved it and just quietly....I did too. We had to visit it again the next day.
Access isn't easy and we were happy not to meet any other large campervans coming the other way on some parts of the road.
