Arohena Campsite
Arohena
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Arohena Campsite
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.
DOC Campsite Pricing
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.
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 WaikatoCentral government organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Tokoroa |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
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Basic Camping
Reviews
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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4.5/5
Beautiful site on the edge of the lake, lovely countryside driving there, heaps of room.
Highly recommended.
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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
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3.5/5
It’s a beautiful place, lovely views!
Flush toilets and a washing up area .
$8 pp.
There was no shade, and and was in the scorching sun all day! Also no walking tracks.
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4.5/5
Awesome open space for camping.
Toilets on the top of the hil was a downfall. There was only one main area to swim the other side was muddy and rocky if u dont mid swimming in that. The area has a flat levels to camp on with big standard posts to fence off each level which kept it safe from cars driving everywhere.
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4.5/5
One of our favourites!
+ Great place right by the lake, The a stunning view and good, clean facilities. 4 Flush toilet with sink, two dish sinks under cover and picnic bences with fireplaces.
- No shower, not drinking water.
Come prepared and enjoy. Worth the 8$ per night / adult.
We had Conservation Campsite Pass, which worked.
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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.
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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!
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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.
-
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.
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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.
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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.
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4.5/5
Beautiful site on the edge of the lake, lovely countryside driving there, heaps of room.
Highly recommended.
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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
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3.5/5
It’s a beautiful place, lovely views!
Flush toilets and a washing up area .
$8 pp.
There was no shade, and and was in the scorching sun all day! Also no walking tracks.
-
4.5/5
Awesome open space for camping.
Toilets on the top of the hil was a downfall. There was only one main area to swim the other side was muddy and rocky if u dont mid swimming in that. The area has a flat levels to camp on with big standard posts to fence off each level which kept it safe from cars driving everywhere.
-
4.5/5
One of our favourites!
+ Great place right by the lake, The a stunning view and good, clean facilities. 4 Flush toilet with sink, two dish sinks under cover and picnic bences with fireplaces.
- No shower, not drinking water.
Come prepared and enjoy. Worth the 8$ per night / adult.
We had Conservation Campsite Pass, which worked.
-
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.
-
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!
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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.
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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.
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