Piano Flat Campsite
Waikaia Forest Conservation Area • Southland
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 is a riverside campsite in a farmland area. There are walks and tramps from here or go horse riding, biking, hunting or on 4WD excursions.
- Facilities
- BBQ
- Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans)
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Water from stream
- Toilets - non-flush
- Toilets
- Water supply
- Activities
- Four wheel driving, Horse riding, Mountain biking
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only.
- Landscape
- Rivers and lakes
- Access
- 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 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 Piano Flat Campsite online.
Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.
Getting there
23 km north of Waikaia via SH 93, then Riversdale-Waikaia Rd, and Whitecoomb Street.
Location
Grid reference: NZTM2000, E1289053-N4946997
Latitude: -45.56103398, Longitude: 169.015603
Know before you go
- Recreational 4X4 vehicles and motorcycles to be used on roads only.
- Be mindful of children, campers and other road users.
- It is recommended that water is boiled or for campers to bring their own treated water.
- Young children require supervision when near river. Visit Water Safety NZ for more info.
Hazards
- Mine shafts and tomo’s are present throughout the area. Keep to marked tracks.
- The area is prone to flooding in bad weather. It is recommended to check forecast- MetService New Zealand and river levels- Environmental Data by Environment Southland
- NZ falcons are present and may dive bomb.
Weather
Forecast at the campsite