Kōhaihai Campsite
Kahurangi National Park • West Coast
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
- Enjoy the beautiful nīkau forest at this campsite on the Kōhaihai River mouth. There are short, day or overnight walks from here, as well as kayaking and swimming opportunities in the river.
- Facilities
- BBQ
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Toilets - flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Wheelchair accessible with assistance
- Toilets
- Water supply
- Activities
- Kayaking and canoeing, Swimming, Walking and tramping
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only.
- Landscape
- Coastal, Rivers and lakes
- Access
- Campervan, Car, Caravan
- Unpowered sites
- 50
About this campsite
Facilities and services
- Maximum two nights consecutive stay
- Picnic shelter
Fees and bookings
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Pay online 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.
Book Kōhaihai Campsite online.
Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.
Getting there
North of Karamea at the end of Council Rd, and the start of the Heaphy Track. Last 3 km is on gravel road.
Location
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1524647, N5448696
Latitude: -41.10952921, Longitude: 172.10254117
Know before you go
It is dangerous to wade or swim at the mouth of the Kōhaihai River or anywhere along the Heaphy coastline, due to extreme tidal currents and rips.
If you wish to swim at Kōhaihai, the better location is in the lagoon upstream from the river mouth. We strongly recommend that you stay well back from the neck of the lagoon, where it narrows and exits into the sea. Be very careful when there are high tides or big waves.
- Dogs are permitted in the campsite but not in Kahurangi National Park or on the Heaphy Track.
- Sandflies may be present especially in summer so take insect repellent with you.
- The beach at the Kōhaihai campsite can be affected by large rogue waves at all times.
- The low lying grassed area next to the river is prone to flooding.
Activities
Walking and tramping
Nearby
Weather
Forecast at the campsite