Image: Neil Hutton | ©
Whirinaki Recreation Camp.
Whirinaki Recreation Camp

Located in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park in the East Coast region

Located in Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park this outdoor recreation and education centre is ideal for schools and other groups.

There is a large grassy area around the cabins for activities and a number of tracks nearby, including the Whirinaki Forest mountain bike track.  

Facilities

  • Sleeps 30 in 3 cabins (each cabin sleeps 10)
  • One cabin has disabled access
  • Lighting by candle - take your own
  • Wood heater in all cabins
  • Large separate open-sided cooking shelter with wood BBQ - fuel provided
  • Flush toilets

Fees

Per cabin

  • Off-peak: $35 per night
  • Peak: (23 December – 16 January): $42 per night

Sole occupancy

  • Off-peak: $105 per night
  • Peak: (23 December – 16 January): $126 per night

 

Bookings

Bookings for the 2026/27 season open at 12 noon on Tuesday 12 May 2026.  

  • If no availability shows online for your dates, the lodge is fully booked.
  • No spaces are kept for visitors 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 Whirinaki Recreation Camp online

Outside normal hours or if the Whakatane Office is closed, direct booking enquiries to the Kauaeranga Valley Visitor Centre.

Drive south from Murupara to Minginui Village (28 km).

The cabins are 5 km from Minginui Village on Old Te Whaiti Road.

Access: The gate into the camp will be locked when you arrive. Your cabin key will open your cabin and the gate. Collect your key from the lockbox located on the front of the shower block near the carpark.

Use the code on your booking ticket to open the box. Take only the key numbered the same as your cabin booking.

 

Whirinaki has loads of recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities (including some purpose built facilities for wheelchairs):

Short day walks and multi-day tramps, hunting (some of the best wild pork in the country can be found within the park), fishing, mountain biking, four-wheel driving, horse trekking, and more birds, trees and waterfalls than you can photograph in a day!

Walking and tramping

There are three short walks that leave from Whirinaki Recreation Camp.