Arohena Campsite
Lake Arapuni Conservation Area • Waikato
Alerts
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
- About
- This campsite on the western shores of Waikato River is perfect for swimming, picnicking, fishing and water sports.
- Facilities
- BBQ
- Boat launching
- Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans)
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Shelter for cooking
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Wheelchair accessible
- Toilets - non-flush
- Toilets
- Water supply
- Activities
- Fishing, Kayaking and canoeing, Picnicking, Swimming
- Dogs
- Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit.
- Landscape
- Rivers and lakes
- Access
- Boat, Campervan, Car, Caravan
- Unpowered sites
- 50
Fees and bookings
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Pay at the time of booking.
Passes
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.
Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book.
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2027.
- If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked.
- No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking.
- Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
- Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.
Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.
Getting there
From Putāruru to Arohena Campground via Arapuni St and Mangare Rd:
- Leave Putāruru via Arapuni Rd.
- After around 18.4 km turn left onto Rotongata Rd.
- After around 1.8 km turn left onto Mangare Rd.
- Continue down Mangare Rd for around 10.7 km.
- Turn left onto Landing Rd and continue for around 2.6 km to Arohena Campsite.
The last 1 km is a sharp descent down a metal road to the campsite. Smaller vehicles towing caravans or boats may struggle with traction when attempting to leave the campsite. Large motor homes/caravans/towed boats may struggle to get around tight corners on the road.
On the Waikato River there is no formal boat ramp but a pumice beach to land and launch.
Location
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1832829, N5772402
Latitude: -38.16623863, Longitude: 175.65767535
Know before you go
The campsite is beside the lake - beware of flooding.
No bonfires anywhere within the campground and surrounds.
Water sports and activities: If you plan to enjoy the water, be aware of what water you can enter and how to stay safe.
Activities
Swimming, picnicking, fishing and other water sports.
Weather
Forecast at the campsite