People swimming at Waiohine Gorge
Image: Nina Mercer | ©
Waiohine Gorge Campsite
Located in Tararua Forest Park in the Wairarapa region
Introduction
This secluded campsite is at the head of two spectacular gorges above the Waiohine River. A popular area for rafting, canoeing, swimming, and outdoor education.
Campsite overview
Access
- Campervan
- Car
- Caravan
Landscape
- Rivers and lakes
Facilities
- Campfires permitted (except in fire bans)
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Toilets - flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Activities
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Rafting
- Swimming
- Walking and tramping
Seasonal restrictions
Fires permitted in designated fire places and only if there is no regional fire ban. Check for fire bans before you light.
Dog access
About this campsite
- Waiohine gorge is easy to get to with caravan.
- It is self-contained with two toilets.
- Only an hour up river to unnamed creek which has another swing bridge and a great view of the river.
- Very clear clean water with deep pools and rocks to jump off. For a change wade up stream to find a secret beach then float back down to bridge.
- Project kaka predator control work means your woken up with tui song.
Getting there
From Carterton drive through Matarawa. Follow Moffats Rd, Joseph Rd then Waiohine Gorge Rd to end. 18 km NW of Greytown.
Waiohine Gorge Road is gravel, narrow and windy in places with two forded stream crossings – drive carefully.
Location
18 km northwest from Greytown in the Tararua Forest Park.
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1800980, N5458936
Latitude: -40.9960276, Longitude: 175.39027388
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $8 per night
- Child (5 - 17 years): $4 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Pay cash on arrival at the self-registration stand at the campsite.
Passes
The campsite pass for rental campervans cannot be used at this campsite.
The DOC/NZMCA Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.
Backcountry Hut Passes cannot be used at this campsite.
Activities
Adventure activities
Visitors must contact DOC before using the abseiling site.
Walking and tramping
There are a number of short tracks that descend from Waiohine Gorge Road into the gorge, giving access for picnicking, swimming, fishing and watersports. At the end of Waiohine Gorge Road a track leads down to the river. Near the Waiohine Shelter another track leads down to the river. At the ford at Devil Creek a route leads down the creek to the river.
Longer walks start across the suspension bridge at the campsite.
Know before you go
Campfires
Permission to have a campfire at this site is determined by the Wairarapa Rural Fire District (WRFD) fire season status. See the WRFD website for the current status.
- 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 campfires.
Contacts
| Kapiti Wellington Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 4 384 7770 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
18 - 32 Manners Street Wellington 6011 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 10420 The Terrace Wellington 6143 |
| Full office details | |
