Date:  29 June 2020

Matata Campground and Whirinaki Recreation Camp both needed upgrade and safety work undertaken and had extended closures after the Covid-19 lockdown while the work was done.

Both will be open to the public from Wednesday 1 July.

DOC Operations Manager Jade King-Hazel is pleased with her team’s work to complete the upgrades and safety improvements.

 “We’re stoked to have Matata Campground and the Whirinaki Recreation Camp open to the public, it comes just in time for the school holidays”

The Matata Campground is located right next to the Matata Wildlife Refuge where you can take a stroll around the lagoon. If you're interested in birds, there's a shelter to sit in and observe the birdlife. Try and spot the elusive Matuku/Australasian Bittern or Mātātā/Fernbird, or just head down to the beach to do a spot of fishing. 

Bookings can be made for Labour Weekend, 18 December 2020 - 7 February 2021 and Easter 2021. At other times spaces are available on a first come, first served basis.

Whirinaki Recreation Camp - an outdoor recreation and education centre ideal for families, schools and other groups (sleeping up to 30 people) - is located in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park. Whirinaki features pristine podocarp forest comprising massive totara, rimu, kahikatea trees and is a stronghold for many threatened species including whio/blue ducks. It boasts recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities including short day walks close to the camp.

Bookings are now open for stays from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.

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