Raetea North Side campsite

Campsite category

Basic

Facilities

Toilets
Water from stream

Fees

Free

Booking

No bookings - first come/first served.

back to top

Campsite details

Creek crossing at Raetea North Side
campsite

Take a break at the northern foot of Raetea, a lowland coastal forest situated in the Mangamuka Gorge.

This is an ideal spot for a rest during long distance travel. Have a picnic or take a refreshing swim.

Stay over night and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of camping underneath a beautiful forest.

• Number of tent sites - multiple (not marked out)

Notes

• Gravel access
• Composting toilet
• No fires at any time
• No fireworks at any time (sky lanterns are absolutely banned)
• No domestic animals permitted in campground
• No rubbish bins on site. Please remove your rubbish. 'Take in, take out' policy. Food scraps attract vermin.
• The closest garage is in Kaitaia

Open fires and fireworks are not permitted on any public conservation land in Northland, including DOC camp grounds and on the beach. A permit is required to light a fire within 1 kilometre of any public conservation land at any time of the year.
For more information, or to request a permit, please contact the local DOC office.

Entrance to Raetea North Side campsite

Please help by keeping rubbish, detergents, soaps and other chemicals out of our streams and reserves. Treat forests, streams and their inhabitants with respect and care.

Campsites are social places, but everyone needs some rest and relaxation. Show respect for others' quiet enjoyment of the outdoors by limiting noise between 10pm and 7am.

For more information view the camp rules for Raetea North Side campsite.

Activities

This campsite is set in one of the last remaining lowland coastal forests. Look and listen for kūkupa (NZ pigeon), short tailed bats and parakeets. Kauri snails are present here too.

Have a picnic on the river bank followed by a refreshing dip in the crystal clear water. At times of heavy rain beware of the increase in strength of river currents.

Tracks and walks

The 9-10 hr Mangamuka Tramping Track is suited to the experienced recreational tramper and takes you through scenic Raetea Forest.

Plan and prepare

• Mosquitoes prolific - take insect repellent.
• Always thoroughly clean your equipment (cars / shoes / camping gear etc.) before and after trips to minimise spreading invasive pests, weeds and diseases.
• Be prepared for all types of weather and conditions for short and long walks, rides and other activities. Have a first aid kit and survival kit, and know what to do if things go wrong.
• Always tell someone where you are going, for how long, and your expected time back.
• The Mangamuka Tramping Track is recommended to be used during the summer period. If using over winter, be prepared for muddy and slippery undulating conditions.

Environmental care code

Toitu te whenua (Leave the land undisturbed). Protect the environment for your own sake, for the sake of those who come after you, and for the environment itself.

View the New Zealand Environmental Care Code

Types of Conservation Campsite

You can drive to most Conservation Campsites and boat-in to some. Each Conservation Campsite is unique but the facilities and services provided at campsites are divided into categories: Serviced, Standard, Backcountry, Basic.

Fees are charged according to the campsite category and the level of facilities and services provided. Find out more about these campsite categories.