Located in Abel Tasman National Park in the Nelson/Tasman region
From 26 December – 8 February there is a minimum charge, and restrictions on the length of stay.
Fires permitted in designated fire places and only if there is no fire ban. Check rules and fire bans before you light.
Tōtaranui is a large campground catering for up to 850 people. Sites are across the camp road from the Tōtaranui beach, and alongside the estuary. Camping on the beach side of the camp road for Abel Tasman Coast Track walkers only.
The campground is divided into 23 zones separated by shelter belts, with six modern amenities blocks spread throughout. View a map of campground zones (PDF, 2,744K).
Tōtaranui 'Ngarata' Homestead functions as an education centre and may be booked for private stays when not used by school groups.
Rules for Tōtaranui Campground.
Outside of a fire ban, there are designated fireplaces where you can light fires. Bring your own firewood.
You must remove all rubbish and recycling. The nearest transfer station is at 45 Scott Road, off Abel Tasman Drive, 40 minutes from Tōtaranui.
During peak season food scraps are collected daily from the campsite by staff for composting.
9 February to 25 December
26 December to 8 February
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite except between 26 December to 8 February inclusive.
Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not pre-book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge.
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2023.
Bookings are required all year. Book well in advance for the peak period from 1 December - 28 February and for public holiday weekends.
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.
A minimum fee of $36 per night applies from 26 December to 8 February with a maximum stay of 14 nights.
Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.
Nelson to Tōtaranui is about two and a half hours. Take SH6 south out of Nelson and turn onto SH60 (the Coastal Highway) once past Richmond. Follow SH60 over the Takaka Hill to Takaka.
From Takaka follow signs to Pohara and Tata Beach, which will lead you past the Abel Tasman Memorial and onto Tōtaranui. The last 12 km is a narrow, winding, unsealed road.
Camp gates are locked overnight. Opening times as follows.
There is a seasonal bus service, and daily water taxis from Kaiteriteri, Marahau and many of the beaches in the park. See commercial operators for Abel Tasman National Park.
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1600414, N5481379
Latitude: -40.81860657, Longitude: 173.00490919
A concession is required to fly a drone on any public conservation land.
See Totaranui walks.
The nearest shops are in Pohara (25 minutes away). Pohara has a shop, takeaways and a good choice of cafes.
Takaka is the nearest town (45 minutes away) and has a supermarket, petrol stations, information centre, banks, cafes and restaurants, museum, art and craft galleries and a movie theatre.
Awaroa Lodge is a 2.5–3 hour walk south on the Abel Tasman Coast Track or a short boat ride away, and is open daily with both a cafe and restaurant.
Whakatū / Nelson Visitor Centre | |
Phone: | +64 3 546 9339 |
Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
Email: | nelsonvc@doc.govt.nz |
Address: |
Millers Acre/Taha o te Awa 79 Trafalgar Street Nelson 7010 |
Postal Address: |
Private Bag 5 Nelson 7042 |
Full office details |