Waiohine Gorge Campsite
Located in Tararua Forest Park in the Wairarapa region
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Introduction
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.Access
- Campervan
- Car
- Caravan
Landscape
- Rivers and lakes
Facilities
- Fire pit/place for campfires (except in fire bans)
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Toilets - flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Activities
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Rafting
- Swimming
- Walking and tramping
Seasonal restrictions
Fires permitted in designated fire places and only if there is no fire ban. Check rules and fire bans before you light.
Dog access
Image gallery
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A spot at the Waiohine Gorge Campsite Image: Benhi Dixon | Creative Commons
![Car at camping spot.]( "Car at camping spot.")
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Waiohine Campsite camping area Image: | DOC
![Campsite camping area with picnic table.]( "Campsite camping area with picnic table.")
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Swing bridge at Waiohine Gorge Image: Benhi Dixon | Creative Commons
![Bridge over river.]( "Bridge over river.")
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Walking over the Waiohine Gorge swing bridge Image: Benhi Dixon | Creative Commons
![People on swing bridge.]( "People on swing bridge.")
- 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
Payment with a DOC Campsite Pass is preferred. Otherwise, pay your fees with cash at the self-registration stand at the campsite or to the camp warden if present. Put the correct fee in the envelope provided and place the receipt section of the envelope on your vehicle or tent.
- 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.
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
- Sandflies may be prolific near the river.
- Swing bridge surface may not be suitable for some dogs.
Adventure activities
Visitors must contact DOC before using the abseiling site.
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
Contacts
| Wellington/Kapiti information | |
| Phone: | +64 3 546 9339 |
| Email: | nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| About: | Whakatū/Nelson Visitor Centre provides visitor information for this area |