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This campsite on the western shores of Waikato River is perfect for swimming, picnicking, fishing and water sports.
Smaller vehicles towing caravans or boats may struggle with traction when attempting to leave the campsite.
Large motor homes/caravans/towed boats may struggle to get around tight corners on the road.
Fees
Adult (18+ years): $10 per night
Child (5–17 years): $5 per
Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Pay 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.
Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.
Bookings are open for the 2023/24 season.
Bookings are required all year.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking.
This is a limited service – book online first.
If you do not pre-book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge.
An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
Getting there:
- From Putāruru to Arohena Campground via Arapuni St and Mangare Rd:
- Leave Putāruru via Arapuni Rd.
- After around 18.4 km turn left onto Rotongata Rd.
- After around 1.8 km turn left onto Mangare Rd.
- Continue down Mangare Rd for around 10.7 km.
- Turn left onto Landing Rd and continue for around 2.6 km to Arohena Campsite.
- The last 1 km is a sharp descent down a metal road to the campsite.
On the Waikato River there is no formal boat ramp but a pumice beach to land and launch.
Arohena 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.
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.
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
DOC WaikatoCentral government organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Tokoroa |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
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Websites |
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Feature | Value | Info |
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Overnight Camping Site Cost |
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Overnight Camping Site CostWhat is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight? Low Cost Camping You can expect very basic facilities only and often a beautiful location. A nominal fee is charged. |
Overnight Stay Rules |
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Overnight Stay RulesWhat are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite? Camping and any vehicle You are permitted to stay overnight and camp (with a tent) or in any vehicle. |
Booking Required |
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Booking RequiredIs it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? Booking is Required Staying overnight requires booking a site in advance. |
Campsite Managing Organisation |
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Campsite Managing OrganisationWhat type of organisation operates this campsite? DOC Managed This campsite is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation. |
Payment Requirement |
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Payment RequirementIs there a cost for this experience or is it free? Paid access/participation The experience costs money to access or take part in. |
Maximum Sites Available |
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Maximum Sites AvailableHow many camping or parking sites are available for staying overnight in? More than 20 sites There are more than twenty camping/parking sites available to stay overnight in. |
Water Supply |
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Water SupplyIs there fresh water available? Water supply available A supply of fresh water is available. |
Shower |
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ShowerIs there a shower at this location? No shower No shower is available. |
Dump Station |
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Dump StationDump stations allow the safe disposal of sewage and greywater from self-contained vehicles. Does this site have a dump station? No dump station This location has no dump stations for the disposal of waste water from recreational vehicles. |
Powered Sites |
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Powered SitesDoes this establishment have powered sites? No powered sites This campsite does not offer any powered sites with an electricity supply. |
Large Vehicle Access |
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Large Vehicle AccessCan large vehicles such as motorhomes, housebuses and caravans gain access? Large vehicle accessible The site is accessible with large vehicles such as motorhomes and 5th wheelers. Take care around the tight corners in the last 1km of gravel road |
Dogs |
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DogsDoes this establishment allow dogs? No dogs allowed The location does not allow dogs under normal conditions. Their may be be exceptions granted under specific circumstances eg. guide dogs. |
Vehicle Access |
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Vehicle AccessCan vehicles drive in? Vehicle accessible This location is accessible in a vehicle. |
DOC Campsite Category |
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DOC Campsite CategoryWhat category does this Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite fall into? DOC Standard Campsite Department of Conservation Standard Campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services. Toilets (usually composting or pit variety) water supply (tap, stream, or lake) and vehicle or boat access. Wood barbeques and fireplaces, showers (cold), picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided. Standard Campsites generally can not be booked. |
WiFi Internet |
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WiFi InternetWhat type of WiFi internet access is available? No WiFi There is no WiFi access available. |
Campfire Rules |
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Campfire RulesWhat are the rules for open air fires? Fires allowed Open air fires are permitted. Open air fires are not allowed if a total fire ban is currently in place. |
Toilet |
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ToiletIs there a toilet available? Public toilet There are toilet facilities available to the general public. |
✓ Gorgeous river location
✓ Plenty of space
✓ Clean toilets
✓ Nice and warm weather
𐄂 Long drive on gravel road
𐄂 Steep and bumpy sections
The campsite is ok, seen much better.
We went in the winter month of August.
A nice place right next to the water.
It’s a beautiful place, lovely views!
Awesome open space for camping.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
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10/10 | 1 |
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7% |
9/10 | 4 |
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27% |
8/10 | 7 |
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47% |
7/10 | 1 |
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7% |
6/10 | 0 |
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0% |
5/10 | 1 |
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7% |
4/10 | 0 |
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0% |
3/10 | 1 |
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7% |
2/10 | 0 |
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0% |
1/10 | 0 |
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0% |
4.0/5
Beautiful site with fire pits.
Only no internet so don’t expect a signal.
Reviewed 18 days ago and experienced in March 2024
4.5/5
Gorgeous spot on the river.
Plenty of space but it was almost empty when I went in mid-April. Weather was still nice and warm and the toilets were nice and clean. A bit buggy in the evening though. And be prepared for a long drive down the gravel track with some fairly steep and bumpy sections towards the end.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.0/5
We went in the winter month of August.
We were very lucky to have the entire place to ourselves. You can camp as close to the lake or as far from it as you want. Either way the views are lovely. The entire area is surrounded by hills and trees. It was pin drop silence and very clear skies. We spent a lot of time stargazing.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
5.0/5
Visited Arohena Campsite on 26-28 Mar 2021.
Grounds were clean and tidy, with plenty of room for kids with bikes. 4x flush toilets near entrance were clean, includes 2x disabled. Separate washing up area of 3 sinks with cold water. Must boil water before drinking. There were 2 tap hoses on grounds for use. Campsite allows dogs, need to apply for permit with DOCS Te Kuiti office - kiwi aversion training not required. Campsite grounds are terraced, with bulk of camping sites on same level of toilets while rest of campsites are on uneven hill terrain towards the lake. There are bollards to break the sites up into bays. Sites against the hill are more private and sheltered from the wind, while sites that will get epic views are far more exposed. Lake water was clean and cool with mix of sandy and rocky bottom, shallow for little kids along the shore but deepens within a few metres. DOC warden is on-site and will do spot check of new arrivals. Recommend booking online in advance. There are concrete fire pits dotted around, as well as fixed picnic tables. Boat ramp was busy with boats and jetskis on Saturday. Found the jetskis on Saturday afternoon were noisy. Likely locals, as they left before dark. Didn't have issues with other campers, their kids or dogs, everyone was happy - but we deliberately went on a quiet weekend. Easter weekend or the popular school holidays will have a different vibe to the zen one we had. Expect your vehicle to end up covered in dirt from the road. We arrived after 9pm on Friday and the view of the lake as you snake around the entrance, was stunning. The lake glistened in the moonlight on a cloudless night. Was my first time staying at a DOC campsite, chose this one specifically as they allow dogs without Kiwi training. I'd definitely stay there again.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
1.5/5
The campsite is ok, seen much better.
We stayed 2 nights on the 30th and 31st December 2020, the amount of noise produced by stayers was just awful, young people playing loud music up until 4am. burning fires, shouting and screaming. No ranger on site so you will have to deal with it yourself. At 4 am we asked to keep the noise down and almost got into a fight as those rednecks couldn't' careless. Some locals just come there anytime and do whatever they like, and those are far from being noble sirs and madams. This is defiantly no the place if you have small kids, not family oriented. The water in the lake was pretty dirty and green too. Only 4 flush toilets for the whole campground means constant ques at any time of the day. Lots of boats and noise. There is no shade so you will burn unless you take cover with you. If you have allergy beware, there is something in the air, 2 of our mates had a reaction. Water supply was pretty weak too and the water was smelly as well. Will not be visiting this campsite anymore, I d rather go up north where it is much more civilised.
Reviewed almost 4 years ago
4.5/5
Beautiful site on the edge of the lake, lovely countryside driving there, heaps of room.
Highly recommended.
Reviewed almost 4 years ago
4.0/5
Beautiful view of the Waikato River.
A great place to set up for a few days. We spent one night on our drive down the island. A bit of a county drive to get there but it was worth it. Narrow gravel road for the last stretch. Clean flushing toilets with Tp. A Few fire pits scattered around. Water must be boiled. Lots of people with boats, jet skis and dogs. Family friendly area. Great for large groups. $8pp
Reviewed about 4 years ago
3.5/5
It’s a beautiful place, lovely views!
Flush toilets and a washing up area .
$8 pp.
There was no shade, and and was in the scorching sun all day! Also no walking tracks.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
4.5/5
Awesome open space for camping.
Toilets on the top of the hil was a downfall. There was only one main area to swim the other side was muddy and rocky if u dont mid swimming in that. The area has a flat levels to camp on with big standard posts to fence off each level which kept it safe from cars driving everywhere.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
4.5/5
One of our favourites!
+ Great place right by the lake, The a stunning view and good, clean facilities. 4 Flush toilet with sink, two dish sinks under cover and picnic bences with fireplaces.
- No shower, not drinking water.
Come prepared and enjoy. Worth the 8$ per night / adult.
We had Conservation Campsite Pass, which worked.
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
4.0/5
A nice place right next to the water.
Not sure if it’s classified as lake or river. Can definitely go swimming there in summer. The drive is a bit steep the last bit but very doable with campervan.
The place seems to be popular with young Kiwis as mentioned by other reviewe. There were quite a few you people having fun and playing music for some time. However once dark it didn’t really bother us and there is plenty of space. We were able to enjoy a beautiful night sky.
Toilet facilities are very good and clean. Water available too although needs to be boiled for consumption.
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
4.0/5
Beautiful site with fire pits.
Only no internet so don’t expect a signal.
Reviewed 18 days ago and experienced in March 2024
4.5/5
Gorgeous spot on the river.
Plenty of space but it was almost empty when I went in mid-April. Weather was still nice and warm and the toilets were nice and clean. A bit buggy in the evening though. And be prepared for a long drive down the gravel track with some fairly steep and bumpy sections towards the end.
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.0/5
We went in the winter month of August.
We were very lucky to have the entire place to ourselves. You can camp as close to the lake or as far from it as you want. Either way the views are lovely. The entire area is surrounded by hills and trees. It was pin drop silence and very clear skies. We spent a lot of time stargazing.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
5.0/5
Visited Arohena Campsite on 26-28 Mar 2021.
Grounds were clean and tidy, with plenty of room for kids with bikes. 4x flush toilets near entrance were clean, includes 2x disabled. Separate washing up area of 3 sinks with cold water. Must boil water before drinking. There were 2 tap hoses on grounds for use. Campsite allows dogs, need to apply for permit with DOCS Te Kuiti office - kiwi aversion training not required. Campsite grounds are terraced, with bulk of camping sites on same level of toilets while rest of campsites are on uneven hill terrain towards the lake. There are bollards to break the sites up into bays. Sites against the hill are more private and sheltered from the wind, while sites that will get epic views are far more exposed. Lake water was clean and cool with mix of sandy and rocky bottom, shallow for little kids along the shore but deepens within a few metres. DOC warden is on-site and will do spot check of new arrivals. Recommend booking online in advance. There are concrete fire pits dotted around, as well as fixed picnic tables. Boat ramp was busy with boats and jetskis on Saturday. Found the jetskis on Saturday afternoon were noisy. Likely locals, as they left before dark. Didn't have issues with other campers, their kids or dogs, everyone was happy - but we deliberately went on a quiet weekend. Easter weekend or the popular school holidays will have a different vibe to the zen one we had. Expect your vehicle to end up covered in dirt from the road. We arrived after 9pm on Friday and the view of the lake as you snake around the entrance, was stunning. The lake glistened in the moonlight on a cloudless night. Was my first time staying at a DOC campsite, chose this one specifically as they allow dogs without Kiwi training. I'd definitely stay there again.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
1.5/5
The campsite is ok, seen much better.
We stayed 2 nights on the 30th and 31st December 2020, the amount of noise produced by stayers was just awful, young people playing loud music up until 4am. burning fires, shouting and screaming. No ranger on site so you will have to deal with it yourself. At 4 am we asked to keep the noise down and almost got into a fight as those rednecks couldn't' careless. Some locals just come there anytime and do whatever they like, and those are far from being noble sirs and madams. This is defiantly no the place if you have small kids, not family oriented. The water in the lake was pretty dirty and green too. Only 4 flush toilets for the whole campground means constant ques at any time of the day. Lots of boats and noise. There is no shade so you will burn unless you take cover with you. If you have allergy beware, there is something in the air, 2 of our mates had a reaction. Water supply was pretty weak too and the water was smelly as well. Will not be visiting this campsite anymore, I d rather go up north where it is much more civilised.
Reviewed almost 4 years ago
4.5/5
Beautiful site on the edge of the lake, lovely countryside driving there, heaps of room.
Highly recommended.
Reviewed almost 4 years ago
4.0/5
Beautiful view of the Waikato River.
A great place to set up for a few days. We spent one night on our drive down the island. A bit of a county drive to get there but it was worth it. Narrow gravel road for the last stretch. Clean flushing toilets with Tp. A Few fire pits scattered around. Water must be boiled. Lots of people with boats, jet skis and dogs. Family friendly area. Great for large groups. $8pp
Reviewed about 4 years ago
3.5/5
It’s a beautiful place, lovely views!
Flush toilets and a washing up area .
$8 pp.
There was no shade, and and was in the scorching sun all day! Also no walking tracks.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
4.5/5
Awesome open space for camping.
Toilets on the top of the hil was a downfall. There was only one main area to swim the other side was muddy and rocky if u dont mid swimming in that. The area has a flat levels to camp on with big standard posts to fence off each level which kept it safe from cars driving everywhere.
Reviewed almost 5 years ago
4.5/5
One of our favourites!
+ Great place right by the lake, The a stunning view and good, clean facilities. 4 Flush toilet with sink, two dish sinks under cover and picnic bences with fireplaces.
- No shower, not drinking water.
Come prepared and enjoy. Worth the 8$ per night / adult.
We had Conservation Campsite Pass, which worked.
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
4.0/5
A nice place right next to the water.
Not sure if it’s classified as lake or river. Can definitely go swimming there in summer. The drive is a bit steep the last bit but very doable with campervan.
The place seems to be popular with young Kiwis as mentioned by other reviewe. There were quite a few you people having fun and playing music for some time. However once dark it didn’t really bother us and there is plenty of space. We were able to enjoy a beautiful night sky.
Toilet facilities are very good and clean. Water available too although needs to be boiled for consumption.
Reviewed almost 6 years ago
4.0/5
In the middle of nowhere with locals using it best as they find suits them which means parties, using it as a dog playground and jetski arena.
Dogs are not allowed for those staying in the camping site but obviously they are for locals. Pretty surrounding and drinking water, cooking shelter, flush toilets (4), hand soap and dish sink. So good facilities. Be very careful driving there and don't drive "the opposite" to what the locals expect you to do which means leave in the morning and arrive early afternoon. The roads there are really small and locals drive reeeeally fast on them and also in the middle of the road. So accidents could happen. But seem to the area of the north island I all and all feel it's a very nice campground!
Reviewed almost 7 years ago
4.0/5
Lovely scenic location on the lake edge.
Nice and quiet. Last bit of road is gravel but it's not very bendy or steep so wouldn't be a problem for most vehicles. Clean toilet block and drinking water points. Place for BBQ. Site is big enough that there is plenty of space, only 2 other people in there when I stopped in mid march. Honesty box to drop fees in ($8 with a tent). Useful location between Rotorua and Auckland to break the journey. Would camp there again.
Reviewed over 7 years ago
4.0/5
Just spent the weekend here, spacious camp ground on the shores of Lake Arapuni, in a very picturesque setting.
The toilets are excellent, stainless steel flush toilets, there is also an area undercover with sinks for washing dishes etc, two taps in the camp ground for water. There are Bar-b-que tables with a fireplace beside each table. Would appear to be quite popular as a few day visitors arrived for picnic's, fishing and boating activities. The cost was $6 per adult. The road into the camp site is gravel and winding with a steep hill as you drop down into the camp ground, I towed a 22 foot caravan behind a Toyota Hilux ute and had no problem with corners....Will be back again, awesome place.
Reviewed almost 11 years ago