Puketī Recreation Area conservation campsite: Puketi & Omahuta forests, Northland region

Introduction

Camp at the eastern edge of the forest, close to kauri trees. Look out for kiwi and short-tailed bats. This is an ideal base for day or overnight tramps.

About this campsite

Puketī Forest Hut is located nearby. The hut must be booked online.

Facilities

Long drop toilets usually with toilet paper but it's a good idea to bring your own.
Outdoor fireplaces available outside of summer.

Fees and bookings

Fees

Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
Child (5–17 years): $5 per night
Infant (0 - 4 years): free

Book online or pay cash on arrival at the self-registration stand.

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.

Te Araroa – The Trail Pass

Te Araroa Trail walkers should register and purchase the Te Araroa Trail Pass.

Bookings

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2026.

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.

Bookings are required all year.

Book Puketī Recreation Area 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 or selected on arrival.

Getting there

The camp is located in Puketi Forest, near the Puketī Forest Hut.

Turn off SH10 at Pungaere Rd, 600 m north of Waipapa and follow signs to the camp.

Access: 7 km of gravel. Accessible to vehicles and you can park next to your campsite.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1672203, N6103217
Latitude: -35.25809716, Longitude: 173.75371779

Know before you go

Your tent site is the area on which you have pitched your tent.
Use plant-based detergent, shampoos, soaps and toothpaste when camping here or else the septic treatment system gets damaged.
Campers do not have access to the facilities of the hut, and do not have access to the areas directly in front of the hut or the cabins.
The water is not treated. Boil the water or treat it before drinking.
021 and 027 cellphone coverage is available.
Education groups are welcome to get in touch as DOC staff can share their knowledge to improve your experience.

Activities

The campsite is an ideal base from which to explore the attractions of these forests, which provide a range of walking and tramping opportunities for all fitness levels.

Information about permits for hunting goats and pigs.

Stop kauri disease and protect kauri

Scrub all soil off shoes and gear.
Use cleaning stations.
Always stay on the track.

How you can help save kauri

Puketī Recreation Area Campsite