Bookings required
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Image gallery
Camp beside the Tairua River and explore the old gold mining area around the steep cliffs. Maximum number of people - 200.
Facilities
- Toilets
- Camp rangers service the campsite during summer
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Pay at the time of booking.
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 are open for stays up to 30 June 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.
Bookings are required all year. Bookings are restricted to three weeks for all stays.
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.
Kauaeranga Visitor Centre opening hours.
You can also pay using the online booking system.
The Broken Hills Campsite near the end of Puketui Valley Road is located beside the Tairua River amongst native bush. Hikaui/Puketui Road, 4 km off SH 25.
Turn off SH 25 at Hikuai opposite the Pauanui turnoff. Follow Puketui Valley Road to end.
Access is only through the Puketui Valley Road entrance. There are two entrance roads to Broken Hills (Puketui Valley Road and Puketui Road) but they don't connect and a stream crossing is required between them.
Access: Gravel road.
Location
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1843327, N5889933
Latitude: -37.1054751, Longitude: 175.73845024
- Mobile phone coverage is limited.
Swimming, canoeing and trout fishing nearby.
Kauaeranga Visitor Centre
Phone: | +64 7 867 9080 |
Email: | kauaerangavc@doc.govt.nz |
Address: | 995C Kauaeranga Valley Road Thames 3577 |
Hours: | Visitor centre hours and services |