Waiohine Gorge Campsite
Tararua Forest Park • Wairarapa
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 secluded campsite is at the head of two spectacular gorges above the Waiohine River. A popular area for rafting, canoeing, swimming, and outdoor education.
- Facilities
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Toilets - flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Toilets
- Water supply
- Activities
- Kayaking and canoeing, Rafting, Swimming, Walking and tramping
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only.
- Landscape
- Rivers and lakes
- Access
- Campervan, Car, Caravan
- Unpowered sites
- 50
About this campsite
- Clear water with deep pools and rocks to jump off.
- Only an hour up river to unnamed creek which has another swing bridge and a great view of the river.
- Wade up stream to find a secret beach then float back down to bridge.
Fees and bookings
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Passes
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.
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.
Getting there
From Carterton drive through Matarawa. Follow Moffats Rd, Joseph Rd then Waiohine Gorge Rd to end. 18 km NW of Greytown.
Waiohine Gorge Road is gravel with rough, narrow, and windy sections. There are two forded stream crossings. Drive carefully.
Location
18 km northwest from Greytown in the Tararua Forest Park.
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1800980, N5458936
Latitude: -40.9960276, Longitude: 175.39027388
Know before you go
- Sandflies may be prolific near the river.
- Swing bridge surface may not be suitable for some dogs.
Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Activities
Walking and tramping
There are a number of short tracks that descend from Waiohine Gorge Road into the gorge, giving access for picnicking, swimming, fishing and watersports. At the end of Waiohine Gorge Road a track leads down to the river. Near the Waiohine Shelter another track leads down to the river. At the ford at Devil Creek a route leads down the creek to the river.
Longer walks start across the suspension bridge at the campsite.
Huts
Totara Flats Hut: 4–5 hrs from Waiohine Gorge Campsite
Cone Hut: 2–3 hrs from Waiohine Gorge Campsite
Nearby
Weather
Forecast at the campsite