Purakaunui Bay Campsite
Catlins coastal area • Otago
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
- Camp on the coast at this standard campsite.
- Facilities
- Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans)
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Wheelchair accessible with assistance
- Toilets - non-flush
- Toilets
- Water supply
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only.
- Landscape
- Coastal
- Access
- Campervan, Car, Caravan
- Unpowered sites
- 40
About this campsite
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.
Fees and bookings
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $7.50 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.
Book Purakaunui Bay Campsite online.
Your booking will be for the number of people in your party – there are no designated sites. Find space for your party on arrival.
Getting there
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.
The campsite is unsuitable for campervans and heavy vehicles.
Location
Grid reference: NZTM2000, E1340242-N4839816
Latitude: -46.54501713, Longitude: 169.61183024
Know before you go
- No mobile phone coverage.
- Bring your own firewood.
Unsuitable for heavy vehicles
The area around the campsite is very wet. The ungravelled roads and grass camping areas are compromised and are unsuitable for campervans and heavy vehicles.
Weather
Forecast at the campsite