Raetea North Side Campsite

Located in Raetea Forest and Mangamuka Gorge Scenic Reserve in the Northland region

Introduction

Take a break at the northern foot of Raetea, a lowland coastal forest situated in the Mangamuka Gorge.

Campsite overview

Access

  • Campervan
  • Car
  • Caravan

Landscape

  • Coastal

Category

  • Category
Basic

Bookings

  • Bookings

Bookings not required - first come, first served

Facilities

  • Non-powered/tent sites
  • Toilets
  • Water from stream
65 non-powered/tent sites

Activities

  • Bird and wildlife watching
  • Swimming

Seasonal restrictions

Vehicle access is restricted from July to Labour Weekend – foot access only is available to the reserve and campsite during this time.

Fires are not permitted at any time.

Dog access

Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only
  • Help stop kauri dieback

    Kauri dieback disease is killing our native kauri. It spreads by soil movement, but you can help prevent it.

    • Stay away from kauri tree roots.
    • Clean your footwear and gear before and after visiting kauri forest.

About this campsite

Stay over night and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of camping underneath a beautiful forest.

Getting there

The campsite is located on SH1 at the northern foot of Raetea Forest (Mangamuka Gorge).

It is 18 km south-east of Kaitaia along SH1 at Mangataiore. Look for ‘Raetea Reserve’ sign and follow and cross the stream ford to the campsite.

Access: Gravel.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1639462, N6108053
Latitude: -35.16848283, Longitude: 173.43488949

Fees

Free

Passes

The DOC/NZMCA Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.

Activities

This is an ideal spot for a rest during long distance travel. Have a picnic or take a refreshing swim.

Bird and wildlife watching

This campsite is set in one of the last remaining lowland coastal forests. Look and listen for kūkupa (NZ pigeon), short tailed bats and parakeets. Kauri snails are present here too.

Swimming

Have a picnic on the river bank followed by a refreshing dip in the crystal clear water. At times of heavy rain beware of the increase in strength of river currents.

Tracks and walks

The 9-10 hr Mangamuka Tramping Track is suited to the experienced recreational tramper and takes you through scenic Raetea Forest.

Know before you go

  • There is a composting toilet.
  • Mosquitoes prolific – take insect repellent.
  • Always thoroughly clean your equipment (cars / shoes / camping gear etc.) before and after trips to minimise spreading invasive pests, weeds and diseases.
  • Read the camp rules.
  • From July to Labour Weekend, rocks are placed across the internal entranceway to the reserve leaving the internal carpark for those people wanting to stay overnight.

Contacts

Kaitaia Office
Phone:   +64 9 408 6014
Fax:   +64 9 408 6019
Email:   kaitaia@doc.govt.nz
Address:   25 Matthews Ave
Kaitaia 0441
Postal Address:   PO Box 569
Kaitaia 0441
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