Poukaria Campsite

Located in Whanganui National Park in the Manawatu/Whanganui region

Introduction

This is a boat-in only campsite on the Whanganui Journey. There is no drive on access.

Campsite overview

Access

  • Boat

Landscape

  • Rivers and lakes

Category

  • Category
Great Walk

Bookings

  • Bookings

Bookings required

Facilities

  • Non-powered/tent sites
  • Shelter for cooking
  • Toilets - non-flush
  • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
12 non-powered/tent sites

Seasonal restrictions

In the Great Walks season (1 October 2020 – 30 April 2021):

  • Bookings are required

Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2021 – 30 September 2021):

  • Bookings are not required - first come, first served

Dog access

No dogs

About this campsite

In this remote setting, you will be able to look and listen for kereru, tui and fantail, while brown kiwi can often be heard at night. The forest is a mix of rata, rewarewa, rimu, tawa and kowhai trees.

Getting there

You can only access this campsite from the Whanganui River.

Tracks to the campsite

Location

The campsite is situated 35.5 km downstream from Taumarunui.

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1783600, N5682000
Latitude: -38.99191318, Longitude: 175.1195009

Fees

In the Great Walks season (1 October 2020 – 30 April 2021):

  • Adult (18 years and over): $20 per night
  • Child (under 17 years): free but booking still required

Outside the Great Walks season (1 May 2021 – 30 September 2021):

  • Adult (18 years and over): free
  • Child (under 17 years): free

Bookings

Booking required if staying between 1 October - 30 April as part of the Whanganui Journey.

Book Poukaria Campsite online.

Know before you go

  • Maximum 2 consecutive nights stay for Whanganui Journey river trip campers
  • No fires are permitted at this campground
  • Boil, filter or treat water if you doubt its purity
  • There is no cellphone coverage on the Whanganui River.
  • Wasps are a known hazard and are particularly common from January until May. Carry antihistamine if you are allergic to their stings
  • New Zealand's weather can be highly unpredictable - expect weather changes and be prepared for them. More information: Check the Whanganui rural area weather forecast of the MetService website.

On the Whanganui River, be aware that:

  • Heavy rain and flooding can occur at any time of year on the Whanganui River and the weather can change quickly. You will need to be prepared for rain, cold and windy conditions.
  • Don’t canoe the river when water levels are predicted to rise or it is in flood - you won't be charged for staying an extra night at a campsite or hut due to high river levels. If you capsize, you may not be able to get back in, or swim to the river’s edge.
  • Canoeing into the wind can be demanding – allow extra travelling time between stopovers in windy conditions.
  • Always pull your canoe up high on the bank and tie it to something secure. It may not be raining on the river, but rain elsewhere in the large catchment can cause the river to rise several metres overnight.

More information:

For a comprehensive gear list, read New Zealand Recreational Canoeing Association’sGuide to the Whanganui River.

Trip intentions

Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.

Contacts

Whanganui Office
Phone:   +64 6 349 2100
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   whanganui@doc.govt.nz
Address:   34-36 Taupo Quay
Whanganui 4500
Postal Address:   Private Bag 3016
Whanganui 4540
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