Kōhaihai Campsite
Kahurangi National Park
38 Rankers Reviews
18 Face-to-Face
9 Karamea
Accommodation
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This place is amazing! The large campsite is situated at the start of the Heaphy Track at the Kohaihai River mouth. It is a sheltered site surrounded by native west coast bush - heaps of nikau palms.
The campsite has BBQ and picnic areas and allows dogs as long as they are kept under control at all times (they are not allowed on the Heaphy Track).
Other than a multi-day mission along the Heaphy, there are loads of other shorter walks to do in the area as well as white water kayaking, wind surfing and safe swimming in the river or at Scotts Beach.
You can only stay here for maximum 2 nights in a row.
Notices
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Heaphy Track partially closed – through trips not possible
The Heaphy Track is closed between Heaphy Hut and James Mackay Hut because of severe damage to three bridges caused by storms in February. This section of the track will be closed until these bridges can be replaced or repaired. There is currently no bridge over the Heaphy River.
The Heaphy Track is still open at either end and all huts are open and bookable.
For walking ‘in and out’ from the Golden Bay end, use the Great Walks online booking system
The track between Brown Hut and James Mackay Hut is open and in good condition. Visitors can book Aorere Shelter Campsite, Brown, Perry Saddle, Gouland Downs, Saxon and James Mackay huts and campsites.
For walking 'in and out' from the West Coast end, use the Campsites and huts online booking system
The track between Kohaihai and Heaphy Hut is open and in good condition. Visitors can book the Heaphy Hut/Campsite, Katipo Creek Shelter Campsite and Scotts Beach Campsite.
First published on 1 February 2022. Last reviewed on 27 May 2022.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
Central government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ West Coast ▷ Karamea |
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Categories |
Reviews
Showing 13 reviews of 38.
Chrissy
Ranking: 7/10
Beautiful place to stay, toilets were nice & clean. Great day walks in stunning nature. No sink to clean dishes unless you use sink by the toilets so go prepared. Best way to protect from sandflies don't expose skin.
AMR
Ranking: 10/10
Brilliant spot for walking into the heaphy and other shorter walks. Beware the sandflies and the wekas they are both a menance
EvaBelle
Ranking: 10/10
Sandflies weren't terrible in late spring - they were much worse further south. Beautiful camping spot, pretty good toilets, and plenty of cheeky weka about! Awesome walk to Scott's Beach
Wayne
Ranking: 8/10
Top DoC camp in spectacular surrounds … sandflies and wekas think so too. 😎
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The Gillies
Ranking: 10/10
This was a fantastic spot. Beautiful, quiet, clean toilets. A lot of sand flies. Beautiful beach, too rough to swim. We walked for a day on the Heaphy track which was well worthwhile.
Gavin G
Ranking: 5/10
The sandflies drove us crazy even though we had drowned ourselves with bug spray, packed up after only one night. Campgrounds were fullish with lovely background settings.
Pablo Boris
Ranking: 7/10
Nice spot to do the hike tracks, bathrooms ok. Near 2 kmts of gravel road to get there, cash only in the trust box, 8pp, Jan 2021.
Windy open spots, means less sandflies, spots between the bush=Sandflies attack.
Sorry, but Sandflies level:9. One night there is ok, REPELLENT is a Must.
NoFearNomads
Ranking: 7/10
Nice campground, bathrooms were ok at best but the sand fly’s drove up away after 10 minutes. We ended up driving back into Karamea and stayed the night there.
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Michael Morgan
Ranking: 10/10
This is by far the best campsite I have ever been too. Stunning location, amazing flora and fauna. Beach cannot be swam at, however the lagoon is a great swim; deep enough at high tide for diving too! There are a lot of weka, so drive cautiously and keep your food and rubbish in secure locations! Toilets are clean and tidy. No potable water, but a spring can be tapped at low tide at drinkers caution. Lots to do, lovely nature walks and Scott’s beach is only 30m away. Will come back again, this campsite is a literal paradise!
Kel
Ranking: 10/10
What a truly great spot. Well done DOC. It is a long drive but worth it
Gee
Ranking: 9/10
Great location. So peaceful and chilled. Basic facilities but low costs. Lots of sand flys so remember repellent!
Rachel Mudge
Ranking: 6/10
Nice setting. Not many tent sites...better sites for camper vans. Sand flies were the worst we experienced... the walks were beautiful !
Laura Meelynn
Ranking: 10/10
BEAUTIFUL end of the road camping right by the beach at the western end of the Heaphy Track. Flush toilets and running water, no showers. Weka are everywhere. Sandflies galore so cover up, maybe even bug net and gloves.
DOC Managed
Thanks to all the good people working for the NZ Department of Conservation - for all your hard work - making NZ more beautiful, accessable and healthy! Cheers 😍
