Image: DOC
Arohena campsite.
Arohena Campsite

Located in Lake Arapuni Conservation Area in the Waikato region

This campsite on the western shores of Waikato River is perfect for swimming, picnicking, fishing and water sports.

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 for the 2026/27 season open at 12 noon on Thursday 14 May 2026.  

  • 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 Arohena Campsite online.

Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.

From Putāruru to Arohena Campground via Arapuni St and Mangare Rd:

  1. Leave Putāruru via Arapuni Rd.
  2. After around 18.4 km turn left onto Rotongata Rd.
  3. After around 1.8 km turn left onto Mangare Rd.
  4. Continue down Mangare Rd for around 10.7 km.
  5. 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

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.

Swimming, picnicking, fishing and other water sports.