Image: Benhi Dixon | Creative Commons
Putangirua Pinnacles Campsite at dusk.
Putangirua Pinnacles Campsite

Located in Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve in the Wairarapa region

Sited beside the Putangirua Stream with views of Cook Strait and a pebbly beach across the road. You can drive to the seal colony near Cape Palliser lighthouse.

Facilities

There is tap water available but it is not safe for drinking. Water is not always available, so take your own.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

Passes

The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite. 

Bookings

Bookings for the 2026/27 season open at 12 noon on Thursday 14 May 2026.  

  • If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked.
  • No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking.
  • Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
  • Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

The campsite is located halfway between Cape Palliser and Lake Ferry. 58 km south of Martinborough via Lake Ferry Rd, turn on to Cape Palliser Road and continue for approximately 13 km. 

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1785772, N5408882
Latitude: -41.45015607, Longitude: 175.22403217

Address: 1341 Cape Palliser Road, Featherston 5772

Campfires

Check it's alright before lighting campfires:

  • Campfires are allowed during open season.
  • A permit is required during a restricted season.
  • Campfires are banned during a prohibited season.
  • Extreme care must be taken with camp fires.