Purakaunui Bay Campsite
Catlins Coast
Little Secrets
Cymen Crick
Rankers Crew
Wow, wow, wow
Wow, wow, wow
It's easy to be so taken by this place as you drive in, that you forget to keep your eye out for boggy areas, which have caught many a traveller out.
The cliffs make this feel like somewhere from a movie.
This is a top surfing location, but if you don't surf, no worries, the views are quite something.
The beach is gorgeous and worth a good wander.
It's not really the place to be if the wind is blowing from the South to the East (often with rain). But if there's a whiff of westerly in the air, then I gravitate to this place.
One of the spots in NZ that reminds you why you choose to travel by Campervan.
Photos
Information
Purakaunui Bay Campsite
Camp on the coast at this standard campsite.
What a place! Beautiful beach, vast grassy areas, seals, striking cliffs as well as a good surf beach.
The famous Purakaunui Falls are not far away.
This camp site is definitely well worth the trip.
Striking cliff faces can be seen and Purakaunui Falls are not far. There is a good surf beach south of the camp.
Cosgrove Island, a wildlife refuge, is off the coast and Jacks Blowhole is 10 km to the north.
Getting there:
Not too far off the main road, down a narrow unsealed section - watch out for sheep.
Turn off SH1 at Balcutha.
Drive south past Owaka until Ratanui turnoff.
Follow Purakaunui Falls Rd to Long Point Rd,
then follow Purakaunui Bay Rd to end.
Narrow and gravel road.
Notices
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Purakaunui Bay campsite wet and unsuitable for heavy vehicles
The area around Purakaunui Bay campsite is very wet. The un-gravelled roads and grass camping areas are compromised and are unsuitable for campervans and heavy vehicles.
First published on 30 June 2026.
Accommodation
DOC Campsite Pricing
Purakaunui Bay 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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
| Feature | Value | Info |
|---|---|---|
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Organisation |
DOC OtagoCentral government organisation |
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Location |
South Island ▷ Southland ▷ Owaka |
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Categories |
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Operating Season And Hours |
Bookings for the 2026/27 season open at 12 noon on Friday 15 May 2026. Same-day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain. |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
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Websites |
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Basic Camping
Reviews
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-
Incroyable site avec vue sur la mer ! 🤩
Silene.arvinberod -
Amazing place.
Nes -
Absolutely beautiful spot and plenty of room.
CB -
Just a superb place to stay.
Arthur -
BEAUTIFUL!!!
Vera Kreipe
-
Our favourite spot to stay in the Catlins.
Good kiwi camping vibes with a great mix of international and local folk. Hectors dolphins swimming in the bay and sea lion on the shore. Only improvement would be better upkeep of the toilets, especially on a long Easter weekend, BYO toilet paper :)
-
Amazing place.
We had 2 overnights here, on a flat sie(one of the few).
We hiked uphill and had an even greater view over the beach and the campground. In the afternoon a male seal on the beach. Views are stunning!
Wish to come back!
-
Location and scenery is amazing!
The loos were a bit dirty and needed some maintained but otherwise fine. Dog friendly, fire pit friendly. Massive space for campers, motor homes, tents and roof top tents. No cell phone reception. Great surf spot.
-
Stunning views and alright amenities at the campsite.
Just be sure you take care where you hole up for the night; there are deep and sludgy areas at the campsite where many people have gotten stuck (two on "out morning", and others the day before. So, a recommend, but careful where you place your car/rv
-
Incroyable site avec vue sur la mer !
🤩
Il y a pas mal de monde alors il fait arriver tôt pour avoir une bonne place, mais l’endroit est magique
Pas de réseau et un peu cher pour juste avoir des toilettes à disposition, heureusement que la vue vaut le coup !
-
Absolutely amazing view.
The best we have been to in a 8-week NZ trip. No cell phone service but you don't need it because the scenery is so breathtaking. Fur seals were on the beach and the waves are great for surfers.
Campground is very uneven and there were other 15 cars/vans although we didn't expected others after the 20 minute drive from the main street. Absolutely recommended!!!
-
The road is a little gnarly, but so worth it.
Lush green hills, white walled sea cliffs and a perfect little beach with good swell. There was a rainbow as I drove in, it was literally paradise. One of the coolest spots I’ve been, highly recommend 👌🏻
-
The road in was scary.
It had been raining for a few days so the 10km unsealed, narrow road was challenging in a 7m motorhome. But well worth the mud! We arrived before Easter and selected (for us) a perfect sheltered spot on flat land. We were tucked behind trees so no sea view but the sound of the ocean did not disappoint us. 1 minute walk to toilets which were clean, plenty of loo paper but they are not flushable. Easter is busy so there was a queue every morning.
We had a group arrive late on Good Friday who proceeded to party until I told them at 2.30am to shut up. This escalated the next morning when they clearly had no respect for other campers. I get the excitement of camping with friends but it’s not your lounge or backyard and there are lots of others trying to enjoy the site.
Fabulous walk to the beach. Take gumboots as you always have to cross the estuary. This trip there were large sea lions on the beach. Stay well clear! Always helps to make a donation to DOC to keep these sites available to all. Highly recommend Purakaunui Bay.
-
Awesome surf beach.
No wildlife spotted on my trip. Lots of surfers camping out, heaps of room though. Toilets well used but still sweet as, had loo paper. Best spots are to the right of the toilets, the others are more sheltered behind a row of trees but no sea view.
-
Absolutely beautiful spot and plenty of room.
Huge grass fields open to tents and vans alike, unfortunately some people were blasting music from several different sites so it took away from the feel. The beach is incredible, just beware of sandflies!
-
Probably the only campsite we travelled to and left again.
Huge, but still very full. Impressive landscape right at the beach but no shade. And countless redneck families that do not care about cleanliness or nice neighbourhood. Loud, inconsiderate families who seem to have a dislike for tourists. We were told that somw rowdies park and urinate on private farmland but the owner is too scared to do anything about it. Too few toilets which get overused by the day guests. Not clean.
Access is via curvy gravel road. Beware of rash 4x4 drivers.
-
Hey I lost my greenstone bracelet here.
It is a round and blueis stone with an M wave engraved. If found please contact me 0220108136. It would mean the world to me.
-
Gorgeous spot on the coast.
Would go back again and again. No reception for the phone or shops nearby, so take everything you need. Spend a couple of nights to really enjoy it.
Toilets were clean even with a number of campers during school holidays.
-
Pros - Very scenic spot.
Stream and beach. Some trees for wind protection. Lots and lots of well behaved dogs, our pup loved the beach. Great dog friendly walks within a half hours drive. Cons - We stayed over New Years, so most spots were in the open. Cold and windy, but what you expect in the Catlins - bring warm layers. Longdrop toilet and non potable water.
-
A family favorite in the heart of the Catlins.
Popular spot for freedom camping, photography, surfing, paua diving, wildlife viewing and beach walks. Long drop toilets, non treated water taps and fire bowls in campsite. Saw lots of seals and stars during our stay, highly recommend!
-
Absolutely amazing place.
The peace and surrounds were incredible. Clean drop toilets. Be careful choosing your spot, a small campervan got bogged while we were there. There were several sea lions on the beach. It's not far off the main road, well worth the effort, not at all difficult in a motorhome.
-
We arrived early found an out of the way place in the camping area.
Set up the caravan. Went out exploring and when we got back, found someone had parked right up our bum. After awhile we went exploring in the car. Went to Longpoint. Amazing veiws of coast line from the walking track. Got an found another group of drinkers had set up right in front of us, blocking out our veiws. We packed up and left. Unfortunately I had paid online so wasted our 2 nights accomodations which was dearer than if we paid at the camping kiosk. Road was narrow as we found out. Met a caravan coming the other way and had to backup as we couldn't pass one another. I would not recommend this camp site for long weekends
-
I'm giving this campsite a 10 because it was near deserted when we stayed there and made this an awesome quiet spot for the night.
Its such a beautiful area I imagine during peak times this place would be heaving and noisy so pick your moment to come stay here.
We have a small 4x4 so drove along the beach for two minutes and scored one of the flat grassy sites against the cliff and away from everyone. You are literally on the mouth to the stream/ocean intersection and the sunrise is amazing. Just have to remember you'll lose the sun earlier in the evening compared to the rest of the campground because of the cliffs.
Toilets are pretty standard DOC, they'll do.
There's a tap with clean water which is free. You'll have to treat it first if you want to drink it.
So when your planning your Catlins tour, make this a must stop destination.
-
Our favourite spot to stay in the Catlins.
Good kiwi camping vibes with a great mix of international and local folk. Hectors dolphins swimming in the bay and sea lion on the shore. Only improvement would be better upkeep of the toilets, especially on a long Easter weekend, BYO toilet paper :)
-
Amazing place.
We had 2 overnights here, on a flat sie(one of the few).
We hiked uphill and had an even greater view over the beach and the campground. In the afternoon a male seal on the beach. Views are stunning!
Wish to come back!
-
Location and scenery is amazing!
The loos were a bit dirty and needed some maintained but otherwise fine. Dog friendly, fire pit friendly. Massive space for campers, motor homes, tents and roof top tents. No cell phone reception. Great surf spot.
-
Stunning views and alright amenities at the campsite.
Just be sure you take care where you hole up for the night; there are deep and sludgy areas at the campsite where many people have gotten stuck (two on "out morning", and others the day before. So, a recommend, but careful where you place your car/rv
-
Incroyable site avec vue sur la mer !
🤩
Il y a pas mal de monde alors il fait arriver tôt pour avoir une bonne place, mais l’endroit est magique
Pas de réseau et un peu cher pour juste avoir des toilettes à disposition, heureusement que la vue vaut le coup !
-
Absolutely amazing view.
The best we have been to in a 8-week NZ trip. No cell phone service but you don't need it because the scenery is so breathtaking. Fur seals were on the beach and the waves are great for surfers.
Campground is very uneven and there were other 15 cars/vans although we didn't expected others after the 20 minute drive from the main street. Absolutely recommended!!!
-
The road is a little gnarly, but so worth it.
Lush green hills, white walled sea cliffs and a perfect little beach with good swell. There was a rainbow as I drove in, it was literally paradise. One of the coolest spots I’ve been, highly recommend 👌🏻
-
The road in was scary.
It had been raining for a few days so the 10km unsealed, narrow road was challenging in a 7m motorhome. But well worth the mud! We arrived before Easter and selected (for us) a perfect sheltered spot on flat land. We were tucked behind trees so no sea view but the sound of the ocean did not disappoint us. 1 minute walk to toilets which were clean, plenty of loo paper but they are not flushable. Easter is busy so there was a queue every morning.
We had a group arrive late on Good Friday who proceeded to party until I told them at 2.30am to shut up. This escalated the next morning when they clearly had no respect for other campers. I get the excitement of camping with friends but it’s not your lounge or backyard and there are lots of others trying to enjoy the site.
Fabulous walk to the beach. Take gumboots as you always have to cross the estuary. This trip there were large sea lions on the beach. Stay well clear! Always helps to make a donation to DOC to keep these sites available to all. Highly recommend Purakaunui Bay.
-
Awesome surf beach.
No wildlife spotted on my trip. Lots of surfers camping out, heaps of room though. Toilets well used but still sweet as, had loo paper. Best spots are to the right of the toilets, the others are more sheltered behind a row of trees but no sea view.
-
Absolutely beautiful spot and plenty of room.
Huge grass fields open to tents and vans alike, unfortunately some people were blasting music from several different sites so it took away from the feel. The beach is incredible, just beware of sandflies!
-
Probably the only campsite we travelled to and left again.
Huge, but still very full. Impressive landscape right at the beach but no shade. And countless redneck families that do not care about cleanliness or nice neighbourhood. Loud, inconsiderate families who seem to have a dislike for tourists. We were told that somw rowdies park and urinate on private farmland but the owner is too scared to do anything about it. Too few toilets which get overused by the day guests. Not clean.
Access is via curvy gravel road. Beware of rash 4x4 drivers.
-
Hey I lost my greenstone bracelet here.
It is a round and blueis stone with an M wave engraved. If found please contact me 0220108136. It would mean the world to me.
-
Gorgeous spot on the coast.
Would go back again and again. No reception for the phone or shops nearby, so take everything you need. Spend a couple of nights to really enjoy it.
Toilets were clean even with a number of campers during school holidays.
-
Pros - Very scenic spot.
Stream and beach. Some trees for wind protection. Lots and lots of well behaved dogs, our pup loved the beach. Great dog friendly walks within a half hours drive. Cons - We stayed over New Years, so most spots were in the open. Cold and windy, but what you expect in the Catlins - bring warm layers. Longdrop toilet and non potable water.
-
A family favorite in the heart of the Catlins.
Popular spot for freedom camping, photography, surfing, paua diving, wildlife viewing and beach walks. Long drop toilets, non treated water taps and fire bowls in campsite. Saw lots of seals and stars during our stay, highly recommend!
-
Absolutely amazing place.
The peace and surrounds were incredible. Clean drop toilets. Be careful choosing your spot, a small campervan got bogged while we were there. There were several sea lions on the beach. It's not far off the main road, well worth the effort, not at all difficult in a motorhome.
-
We arrived early found an out of the way place in the camping area.
Set up the caravan. Went out exploring and when we got back, found someone had parked right up our bum. After awhile we went exploring in the car. Went to Longpoint. Amazing veiws of coast line from the walking track. Got an found another group of drinkers had set up right in front of us, blocking out our veiws. We packed up and left. Unfortunately I had paid online so wasted our 2 nights accomodations which was dearer than if we paid at the camping kiosk. Road was narrow as we found out. Met a caravan coming the other way and had to backup as we couldn't pass one another. I would not recommend this camp site for long weekends
-
I'm giving this campsite a 10 because it was near deserted when we stayed there and made this an awesome quiet spot for the night.
Its such a beautiful area I imagine during peak times this place would be heaving and noisy so pick your moment to come stay here.
We have a small 4x4 so drove along the beach for two minutes and scored one of the flat grassy sites against the cliff and away from everyone. You are literally on the mouth to the stream/ocean intersection and the sunrise is amazing. Just have to remember you'll lose the sun earlier in the evening compared to the rest of the campground because of the cliffs.
Toilets are pretty standard DOC, they'll do.
There's a tap with clean water which is free. You'll have to treat it first if you want to drink it.
So when your planning your Catlins tour, make this a must stop destination.
-
Beautiful campsite, really back to basics, able to park overlooking the beach for stunning views.
Great surfing beach, nice chilled out vibes even though was fairly busy on easter monday and saw a sea lion on the beach. Basic long drop toilet, no locks on 2 out of 3 but did have toilet paper. Untreated water good enough for cooking but not nice to drink so advise bringing some fresh water.
-
The most stunning scenery of any campsite we’ve been to!
We got a flat site right on the beach (you have to drive down on to the beach, and around the corner then up again to find these) and got amazing sunset and sunrises right through the door of our tent. Lots of beach space, ok surf, cool exposed reef to explore and plenty of space for everyone to spread out. There was even a resident sea lion sleeping on the beach on our first two days! The road there is gravel and narrow and the sandy paths to the beach became increasingly rugged as cars drive up and down them but there were no bugs to worry about and the toilets were relatively clean and odor free. BYO Toilet paper to be safe tho. No sinks to wash dishes (only a few taps) and no cooking areas but that wasn’t an issue for us. Loved it!