Kahikatea Campsite (self-contained only)

Located in Coromandel Forest Park and Kauaeranga Valley in the Coromandel region

For self contained vehicles only. Camp across the road from the river and explore the Kauaeranga Valley on one of the many short walks.

Number of powered sites is 18, including 4 sites suitable for large mobile homes/buses. 

Maximum number of people per site is 4.

Facilities and services

As this campsite is for certified self-contained, facilities are limited.

  • Filtered water is available from the tap on corner of the visitors centre.
  • Emergency toilets are located in the visitor centre carpark.

Campsite rules

Certified self-contained vehicles only: No camping in tents or other vehicles. The facilities are not adequate to support campers who are not self-contained.

  • The campsite is for certified self-contained units who want to use powered sites.
  • Motorhomes must have a current Electrical Warrant of Fitness (WOF) to be presented to visitor centre staff. If you don't have this, you won't be issued with a key to the power supply and no refunds will be given.
  • Tents are not permitted but are welcome at other campsites in the Kauaeranga Valley.

Arrival and departure times

  • On arrival, check in at the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre to collect the key to access power at your site.
  • If you are arriving outside visitor centre hours, contact the staff during office hours to arrange key collection. Kauaeranga Visitor Centre contact information.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $13 per night
  • Child (5 - 17 years): $6.50 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. 

There's a $3 fee per Campsite Pass user to book a powered site.

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.

Book Kahikatea Campsite online.

You can book for a maximum of 3 weeks.

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.

Follow the Kauaeranga Valley Road for 14 km from Thames. The Kahikatea campsite is on the left hand side of the road, opposite Shag Stream Campground and 100 m before the Visitor Centre.
  • Nearest shops and petrol stations in Thames.
  • Nearest public dump station at BP – Stuart Moore Motors, 100 Banks Street, Thames, 8 km from the campsite.
  • Limited mobile coverage in Kauaeranga Valley but a public pay phone is available at the visitor centre.

Read the Kauaeranga and Broken Hills campground rules.