Image: Benhi Dixon | Creative Commons
Otaki Forks Campsite.
Ōtaki Forks Campsite - School House Flat

Located in Ōtaki Forks area and Tararua Forest Park in the Wellington/Kapiti region

A family and dog friendly campsite, close to bush walks and river swimming. Large grassy camping areas surrounded by river terraces and regenerating bush.

School House Flat Campsite is the main summer camping area in Ōtaki Forks with 150 sites. There are many large grassy areas to camp.

Facilities include two large cooking shelters and three toilet blocks. Fires are not allowed at any time. Gas cookers and Gas BBQs are allowed.

There are three access points to the Waiotauru River from the campsite and great swimming holes nearby.

No rubbish facilities are provided at this campsite. You need to take all your rubbish including food scraps with you when you leave.

There is no phone or internet reception in the Ōtaki Forks area.

A campsite ranger is on site from December to April.

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. 

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 open at 12 noon on Thursday 14 May 2026. Summer only, winter bookings available at Boielles Campsite.

  • If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked.
  • There is no phone or internet reception at Ōtaki Forks so you will need to book before arriving.
  • Paying with cash is available, pay either to the ranger on site or deposit into the 'Iron Ranger'.
  • 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 Ōtaki Forks Campsite online.

1 km south of Ōtaki, turn into Otaki Gorge Rd. Campsite is 19 km east of Ōtaki township, at the end of Ōtaki Gorge Rd.

Heavy vehicles note that the road is gravel and very narrow in some places with steep sections. There is one shallow concrete stream ford.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1787182, N5471884
Latitude: -40.88273913, Longitude: 175.22165329