For self contained vehicles only. Camp across the road from the river and explore the Kauaeranga Valley on one of the many short walks.
Keys to powered sites must be collected from the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre before 4 pm.
Discover the Outdoors interactive map
Number of powered sites is 18, including 4 sites suitable for large mobile homes/buses.
Maximum number of people per site is 4.
Arrival and departure times
On arrival, check in at the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre to collect the key to access power at your site. Keys to powered sites must be collected before 4 pm.
As this campsite is for certified self-contained, facilities are limited.
Emergency toilets are located in the visitor centre carpark.
Campsite rules
Certified self-contained vehicles only: No camping in tents or other vehicles. The facilities are not adequate to support campers who are not self-contained.
The campsite is for certified self-contained units who want to use powered sites.
Motorhomes must have a current Electrical Warrant of Fitness (WOF) to be presented to visitor centre staff. If you don't have this, you won't be issued with a key to the power supply and no refunds will be given.
Tents are not permitted but are welcome at other campsites in the Kauaeranga Valley.
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.
There's a $3 fee per Campsite Pass user to book a powered site.
Bookings
Bookings for 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026
Bookings open at 9.30 am on Tuesday 20 May 2025.
All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.
If you haven't booked and arrive when the visitor centre is shut
If you arrive after hours and wish to stay in one of the nine campgrounds you can pay by cash in the envelope provided at the visitor centre. The envelopes and dropbox are to the right of the main doors.
Follow the Kauaeranga Valley Road for 14 km from Thames. The Kahikatea campsite is on the left hand side of the road, opposite Shag Stream Campground and 100 m before the Visitor Centre.
Nearest shops and petrol stations in Thames.
Nearest public dump station at BP – Stuart Moore Motors, 100 Banks Street, Thames, 8 km from the campsite.
Limited mobile coverage in Kauaeranga Valley but a public pay phone is available at the visitor centre.
