Image: DOC
Campsite camping area with picnic seat.
Waiohine Gorge Campsite

Located in Tararua Forest Park in the Wairarapa region

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.
  • 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

  • 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 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.

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.

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