Ōtaki Forks Campsite
Ōtaki Forks area
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Ōtaki Forks Campsite
One of the main entrances to Tararua Forest Park, the campsite is surrounded by open river terraces and regenerating bush.
Camp on a river terrace within Ōtaki Gorge.
Notices
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Ōtaki Forks Campsite closed until mid November
Ōtaki forks Campsite at Schoolhouse Flat will remain closed until the Otaki Gorge Road reopens estimated mid November.
Bookings are open for stays from the 20 of November 2025. Walkers may continue to camp at Boielles Campsite until then.
First published on 15 December 2023. Last reviewed on 30 September 2025. -
Ōtaki Gorge Road closed
Ōtaki Gorge Road is closed due to a slip just past Blue Bluff. The slip is located 50 metres from the completed Blue Bluff repairs.
The road is accessible for walkers but be mindful of heavy machinery and consider avoiding the area while these repairs are underway.
First published on 13 October 2025. Last reviewed on 14 October 2025.
DOC Campsite Pricing
Ōtaki Forks Campsite is categorised as a DOC Standard Campsite. The following pricing indicates usual pricing. Prices vary for some campsites and may include seasonal pricing. Visit the DOC website for exact pricing.
DOC Standard Campsite
Standard campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services than Serviced campsites. These campsites have toilets, a water supply that could be treated or untreated tap water, or from a stream or lake, and vehicle or boat access. Bring your own soap for washing hands. Untreated water should be boiled before use to ensure it's safe. Wood BBQs and fireplaces, cold showers, picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided; this will vary from site to site.
| Feature | Value | Value |
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| Unpowered Site | Adult | $10.00 to $15.00 per night |
| Unpowered Site | Child | $5.00 to $7.50 per night |
| Unpowered Site | Infant | $0.00 per night |
Adults are 18+ years, children are 5-17 years, infants are 0-4 years.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC Wellington/KapitiCentral government organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Otaki |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Basic Camping
Google Maps
Reviews
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Beautiful spot at the end of a valley.
Dick Kooij -
Road closed through 2021...
Mark Dalgety -
Nice spot.
Grant Duguid -
This is such a great spot!
Peter Pan -
This campground is perfect!
Alyson Reid
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The camp site further up the end of the road is closed until october so I had to stay at the first campsite which wasnt too bad.
Couple cars drove in through the night other than that it was quiet. Theres a toilet there. No good veiws but was still an ok spot for one night 👍🏼 care takers house is not far
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Outstanding!
BIG space on a number of different levels with heaps of little hide-away corners. Great bush views & flushing toilet! One of the best DOC sites. Last few ks drive in are "interesting" and probably not for big Van's or caravans? Don't stop at the first little site - drive the extra k to on of the best spots ever. Bugs weren't bad either.
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This campground is perfect!
There is so much space and the setting us idyllic. This spot is right beside the river, with a man-made swimming hole. There are also some awesome walks nearby. Basic facilities. Ample privacy.
We paid $13 per person. Just make sure to stop at the caretakers cabin to pay before driving to the campsite so you don't have to go back.
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This is such a great spot!
Long, long gravel road with a river crossing to get there, so be careful if you have a big van or caravan, but well worth the drive. We were the only ones in the whole site, which we couldn't quite believe! Plenty of space and DOC standard flushing toilets and running water. Beautiful spot!
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Long gravel road to get there but the place was nice and you get woken up with nice bird songs.
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The occasional speeding hoon will come through for a fast drive, so pick your tent site with this in mind -- away from the thouroughfare is best.
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Beautiful spot at the end of a valley.
Last 5km is very narrow road, but possible for campervans.
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One hell of an unsealed road to get to it, the water/river is not as accessible as described/mapped and the millions of crickets everywhere wasn't great.
But nice loos and recycling.
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Camping in the middle of the forest with only a couple of possums for company is something I'll never forget!!!
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