Free. 

Approximately one hour's drive from Napier and Taupō.

Take SH 5 (Napier–Taupo Road). The entrance to Waitara Road is 2.1 km south of the Mohaka River Bridge on SH 5. Follow Waitara Road for 8.1 km.

The roadside reserve sign is missing so it may be easy to drive past the entry. It is currently marked by two green signposts.

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.

This campsite was damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle and there are no toilet facilities available. Other DOC campsites within Hawke’s Bay with toilet facilities include Waikare landing, Lake Tutira, Maungatutu Hot Springs and Kuripapango.

This site has had minimal works completed so you will find it weedy, with rocky, uneven ground and signage missing. Further works to improve the site will progress over the coming year.

Flooding Risk

This campsite is at risk of flooding during significant weather events. Monitor river levels during storms. Evacuate the campsite if necessary.

To monitor water levels in the vicinity of the campground refer to this resource:

Mohaka River flow rate – Mc Vikars Bridge | Whitewater Kayaking, Rafting, Jetboating, and Fishing New Zealand

Use these numbers as a guide:

• ≤ 60 m³/s: Normal river conditions; campsite fully open.
• > 60–120 m³/s: Rising river; avoid lowest terrace; enhanced monitoring required.
• > 120–200 m³/s: Lower terraces closed; restrict access; hazard likely.
• ≥ 200 m³/s or rapid rise forecast: Full evacuation and closure required.