Pohangina Base Campsite

Located in Pohangina Valley area and Ruahine Forest Park in the Manawatu/Whanganui region

A standard campsite above the Pohangina River near the Ruahine Forest Park

Location and layout

Situated on the western bank of the Pohangina River, the Pohangina Base Campsite provides an ideal base for day trips into the Ruahine Forest Park, or to explore the Kahikatea Walk or Totara Reserve Regional Park. Access to the Pohangina River is a 15 minute drive away via Piripiri bridge.

Note that the eastern boundary of the site is a high cliff – caution is required.

A large grassy clearing at the back of the grounds, overlooking the Pohangina River and across to the Ruahine Forest Park, provides an ideal spot for pitching your tent. A smaller clearing sheltered by trees south of the Pohangina Base buildings may also be used for camping.

Each campsite caters for up to six people.

Adjacent lodge

Pohangina Base lodge is adjacent to the campsite. It has bookable bunkrooms, a communal living space.

Pohangina Base lodge

Facilities and services

Campsite users will have access to an outdoor tap, a flush toilet and two hot showers in the outer building.

Campsite users are not permitted to use the indoor facilities in the lodge (kitchen, communal living area, and indoor bathroom).

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $12 per night
  • Child (5 - 17 years): $6 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. 

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.

Book Pohangina Base Campsite online.

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 your chosen site.

Pohangina Base is located on Pohangina Valley East Road, approximately 45 minutes drive from Palmerston North. From Ashhurst, drive north along Pohangina Road, then turn right onto Pohangina Valley East Road. As you pass the Highland Youth Camp on your right, Pohangina Valley East Road veers off to the right. Stay on this road. Pohangina Base is located on the right approximately 1 km past Takapari Road.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1852270, N5562835
Latitude: -40.04734031, Longitude: 175.95671025

The facilities are locked, using combination padlocks that can be tricky to operate. You must contact DOC to obtain current codes for locks before your stay, so you will need to allow time for this when planning and booking your visit. If you will be arriving after dark, take a flashlight so you can see the locks.

There is no mobile reception on site.