Waiohine Gorge swimming hole

Image: Benhi Dixon | Creative Commons

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

Category

  • Category
Standard

Bookings

  • Bookings

Bookings not required - first come, first served

Facilities

  • Campfires permitted (except in fire bans)
  • Non-powered/tent sites
  • Toilets - flush
  • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
50 non-powered/tent sites

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

Dogs on a leash only

About this campsite

  • Clear water with deep pools and rocks to jump off.
  • Only an hour up river to unnamed creek which has another swing bridge and a great view of the river. 
  • Wade up stream to find a secret beach then float back down to bridge.

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 with rough, narrow, and windy sections. There are 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 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

  • Sandflies may be prolific near the river.
  • Swing bridge surface may not be suitable for some dogs.

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
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