Image: DOC
Kohaihai campsite.
Kōhaihai Campsite

Located in Kahurangi National Park in the West Coast region

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.

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.

Book Kōhaihai Campsite online.

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/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

Kōhaihai area short walks