Kauaeranga and Broken Hills campground rules
These rules apply to facilities in the Kauaeranga Valley and Broken Hills.

The aim of these rules is to ensure everyone has a pleasant and positive experience during their stay at DOC campgrounds in the Kauaeranga Valley and Broken Hills. These rules may be adjusted by DOC as circumstances dictate.

Acceptance and use of your booking constitute acceptance of the camp rules.

The campgrounds are family-friendly. DOC staff have the right to refuse access to any person that they believe will not contribute to the family atmosphere.

Our campgrounds provide visitors with a remote conservation experience, so come prepared.

A camp manager or DOC ranger may not be present onsite 24/7. Instructions for emergency situations will be displayed at the kiosk.

Waste

All facilities are operating under a pack in/pack out policy for waste. There is no rubbish collection, this includes compost and recycling.

The nearest waste transfer station to the Kauaeranga is in Thames, there is also a rubbish compacter at Rhodes Park on the way out of Thames to the south. The closest refuse station to Broken Hills is in Tairua.

Arrivals and departures

  • Book online. At Broken Hills this needs to be done before you arrive as there is no cell phone reception there. The Kauaeranga Visitor Centre has free wifi for bookings.
  • Holders of a DOC camping pass must also book on-line to secure a place in a campsite.
  • The Kauaeranga Visitor Centre is open daily (except Christmas day) from 8:30 am to 4 pm.
  • Campers without a booking must register at the visitor centre or, out of hours, use the self-registration forms. For Broken Hills the forms are at the kiosk. Full fees are payable on arrival.
  • Proof of online bookings and/or camp registration must be placed in your vehicle in a way that it can be verified by DOC staff.
  • Registrations will be checked by the DOC camp managers/rangers
  • Check-in is no earlier than 2 pm and campsites must be vacated by 11 am.

Vehicle use and parking

  • Campsite parking – always consider other campers.
  • Maximum speed in the camp is 10 km. Vehicle use in camp is subject to New Zealand road code and includes all motorised conveyances and bicycles. 
  • Friends and family (not booked to camp) must leave by 8 pm.

Prohibited behaviour and equipment

  • There is a total ban on open fires and fireworks both in the campgrounds and on the riverbanks. This is year-round and will be strictly enforced.
  • All other devices with a naked flame are banned including califonts.
  • Only gas cookers, fridge/freezers and lanterns may be used.

  • Unsociable, disruptive or intoxicated behaviour will not be tolerated. The use of abusive or obscene language is not acceptable. You will be asked to leave.
  • Excessive noise will not be tolerated at any time, especially between 10 pm and 7 am.
  • No business or commercial activity to be undertaken unless a concession has been granted and displayed or presented on request.

  • Private toilet or shower tents may not be set up – toilets are provided. Our campgrounds do not have showers.
  • Chainsaws, compressors and amplifiers are prohibited. Generators may be used at the discretion of the campground manager.
  • No emptying of chemical toilet waste or other material in campground toilets. For the Kauaeranga, the nearest dump station is the BP station in Thames. For Broken Hills, the closest dump station is in Tairua.

  • All DOC property, vegetation, birds and animals are protected and must not be interfered with. No cutting trees or digging holes. Do not tie your tent, clothesline or swings to the trees.
  • Dogs are permitted at only Booms Flat and Hotoritori camps. All other domestic animals (cats, birds etc.) are not permitted in the campgrounds.
  • Access to adjacent private farmland or buildings is prohibited.
  • Use of drones over public conservation land and the campgrounds is prohibited without a valid concession.

Safety practices

  • Fire safety – tent walls must be 3 m from neighbouring tents.
  • Water is from the stream and should be boiled or treated before drinking.
  • Do not touch, damage, or remove bait stations laid in the area as toxins may be present. Ensure young children are always supervised.

Campground-specific booking conditions

  • Maximum stay is 21 consecutive days followed by a minimum seven-day break before returning. All the campgrounds in the Kauaeranga Valley are classed as a single camp for this purpose. It is not possible to shift between individual camps.
  • No refunds will be issued at the campground. Refunds are only issued in exceptional circumstances such as closure of the camp by DOC and can be applied for in writing to the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre.

Please refer to the general booking terms and conditions as provided with your booking confirmation.

Specific to Kauaeranga cottages

  • Additional accommodation or structures (tents, campervans, etc) may not be erected or placed at the cottages.
  • Use is limited to the number of persons listed on the website and booked. Penalty rates or eviction from the facility may result if you bring additional persons.
  • Accommodation to be left clean and tidy for the next guests.

Specific to Kahikatea (powered sites)

  • Kahikatea is gated. If you are arriving after 4 pm please contact the Kauaeranga Visitor Centre for directions to the lock box and your keys.
  • Tents are not permitted in Kahikatea campsite.