Kōhaihai Campsite
Located in Kahurangi National Park in the West Coast region
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Introduction
Enjoy the beautiful nīkau forest at this campsite on the Kōhaihai River mouth. There are short, day or overnight walks from here, as well as kayaking and swimming opportunities in the river.Access
- Campervan
- Car
- Caravan
Landscape
- Coastal
- Rivers and lakes
Facilities
- BBQ
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Toilets - flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Wheelchair accessible with assistance
Activities
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Swimming
- Walking and tramping
Seasonal restrictions
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Dog access
Image gallery
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Campers at Kohaihai Campsite Image: Shellie Evans ©
![Campers at Kohaihai Campsite.]( "Campers at Kohaihai Campsite.")
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Campers at Kohaihai Campsite Image: Shellie Evans ©
![Campers at Kohaihai Campsite.]( "Campers at Kohaihai Campsite.")
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Kohaihai Campsite and coastline Image: Shellie Evans ©
![Looking down on Kohaihai Campsite.]( "Looking down on Kohaihai Campsite.")
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BBQ area at Kohaihai Campsite Image: Shellie Evans ©
![BBQ area at Kohaihai campsite.]( "BBQ area at Kohaihai campsite.")
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Kohaihai Campsite is at the start of the Heaphy Track Image: Shellie Evans ©
![Kohaihai Campsite - start of the Heaphy Track.]( "Kohaihai Campsite - start of the Heaphy Track.")
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There are short, day or overnight walks from Kohaihai Campsite Image: Shellie Evans ©
![Sign with walks available at Kohaihai Campsite.]( "Sign with walks available at Kohaihai Campsite.")
Facilities and services
- Maximum two nights consecutive stay
- Picnic shelter
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Pay online at the time of booking.
Passes
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.
Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book.
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.
All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.
North of Karamea at the end of Council Rd, and the start of the Heaphy Track. Last 3 km is on gravel road.
Location
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1524647, N5448696
Latitude: -41.10952921, Longitude: 172.10254117
It is dangerous to wade or swim at the mouth of the Kōhaihai River or anywhere along the Heaphy coastline, due to extreme tidal currents and rips.
If you wish to swim at Kōhaihai, the better location is in the lagoon upstream from the river mouth. We strongly recommend that you stay well back from the neck of the lagoon, where it narrows and exits into the sea. Be very careful when there are high tides or big waves.
- Dogs are permitted in the campsite but not in Kahurangi National Park or on the Heaphy Track.
- Sandflies may be present especially in summer so take insect repellent with you.
- The beach at the Kōhaihai campsite can be affected by large rogue waves at all times.
- The low lying grassed area next to the river is prone to flooding.
Walking and tramping
Contacts
| Paparoa National Park Visitor Centre | |
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| Phone | +64 3 731 1895 |
| paparoavc@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | 4294 Coast Road Punakaiki RD 1 Runanga 7873 |
| Hours | Visitor centre hours and services |