Located in Whanganui National Park in the Manawatu/Whanganui region
In this remote setting, you will be able to look and listen for kererū, tūī and fantail, while brown kiwi can often be heard at night. The forest is a mix of rata, rewarewa, rimu, tawa and kowhai trees.
You need to follow some simple rules around behaviour in and around the whare, pou (carved post), and Tīeke Marae/Kāinga or open courtyard space.
These rules are within Māori culture but are also based on respect, hygiene, and your own personal safety.
If in doubt about any rules or process feel free to approach your local hosts.
Money is preferred when giving koha. You can give your koha when you arrive. Koha here is usually between $10 and $30 dollars per person. For Tīeke Marae/Kāinga, any money given is used for the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of both the wharenui.
There is a zero-tolerance approach to alcohol and drugs. You’ll be reported to the police if you’re intoxicated or suspected of using drugs.
It’s culturally inappropriate to put objects that have touched your body where food will be eaten.
Ask the local people if in doubt.
Carved pou depict revered ancestors of the people of this place and land.
A whare, no matter how big or small, regardless of whether it is carved or not, is the focal point for an extended group of families usually descended from a single ancestor.
On visiting a marae and undergoing a formal welcome by Tangata Whenua or “People of the Land”, it is customary for visitors to give a koha. This is a contribution to the marae or the event or directly to the host whānau in the event of tangi or an unveiling.
Koha traditionally included bulk foodstuffs including meat, vegetables, birds or shellfish, and fish. This helped offset the host's responsibility to feed everyone in attendance. It could also include taonga like pounamu or greenstone and pakohe or whale bone.
In today’s times, koha is more commonly given in the form of money. This is easier to transport, doesn’t spoil, and gives the hosts the flexibility to meet their costs as they see appropriate.
The DOC Campsite Pass cannot be used at this campsite.
Bookings are required if you want to stay between 1 October – 30 April as part of the Whanganui Journey.
You can only access this campsite from the Whanganui River.
The campsite is situated 124 km downstream from Taumarunui.
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1771834, N5643904
Latitude: -39.33729494, Longitude: 174.99316377
Maximum 2 consecutive nights stay for Whanganui Journey river trip campers. You won’t be charged for staying an extra night at a campsite or hut due to high river levels – don’t canoe the river when water levels are predicted to rise or flooded.
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 |
Full office details |