Welcome to New Zealand's most comprehensive database of freely available camping information. This is the only travel map of its kind in NZ.
One of the district's most popular and well-used picnic and camping reserves.
The name of the reserve, "Putai Ngahere" or "Putai's Forest" is named in remembrance of Putai, the ancestor of Utiku Potaka, a prominent Ngati Hauiti rangatira of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Putai Ngahere reserve is situated on an expanse of land known as Otamakapua which is an integral part of the Ngati Hauiti tribal estate. Some culturally significant sites in the immediate vicinity of the reserve
include the cemetery of Manukahoka (father of Putai) and the river crossing called Tauahuruhuru (named after an incident involving Hauiti's mother Paratuae).
At the northern end of the reserve itself are the rapids known as Hauhau which were notoriously hazardous to the old totara dug-out canoes traditionally used on the Rangitikei River.
The other name "Vinegar Hill" was derived after a bullock cart carrying barrels of vinegar overturned on the muddy track on the hillside, covering the hillside in vinegar.
There are large open grass areas to recreate and a great river for swimming, canoeing, and fishing. There are two main camping areas shown on the map.
This is a beautiful and special site. Please help us care for and protect it.
Main attractions
The bush entrance to the reserve features giant redwood, totara and other native species. The reserve provides for a range of recreation activities including swimming, fishing, whitewater rafting and canoeing. It is a popular holiday camping spot for families and large groups. There are three main camping areas but people can camp where they wish. There are showers (cold) available but no BBQ's.
We have been working hard to ensure we provide a safe and enjoyable place for everyone over summer so we ask that you read and respect the following guidelines:
• Use the litter bins provided or take your litter away with you.
• Be considerate. Other people have the right to stay here as well.
• Please keep noise down to a respectful level after 11pm. For New Year's Eve this will be after 2am.
• Bonfires and the use of wood fires is prohibited.
• Drink driving laws apply within the reserve.
• No dogs are permitted on the reserve between Labour weekend and Easter weekend.
Summer season
Vinegar Hill is the place to be over the Summer months. It is the hub for our LGBTQ community over New Years as well. Fees to stay at Vinegar Hill come into effect December 15th through to February 9th. Outside of that period camping is free.
Feature | Value | Info |
---|---|---|
Organisation |
Vinegar Hill ReserveCommercial organisation |
|
Location |
North Island ▷ Manawatu - Wanganui ▷ Marton |
|
Categories |
|
|
Directions To Coordinates |
||
Coordinates |
||
Websites |
|
Feature | Value | Info |
---|---|---|
Overnight Camping Site Cost |
|
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. $5 per person, per night between 26 December and 1 January |
Overnight Stay Rules |
|
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. |
Water Supply |
|
Water SupplyIs there fresh water available? Water supply available A supply of fresh water is available. |
Shower |
|
ShowerIs there a shower at this location? Shower At least one shower is available (it's unknown if it's hot or cold). |
Booking Required |
|
Booking RequiredIs it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? First Come, First Served Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot. |
Large Vehicle Access |
|
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. |
Dogs |
|
DogsDoes this establishment allow dogs? Dogs allowed The location allows dogs. There may be conditions that may be met eg. dogs must be on a leash. Must be under control at all times. No dogs are permitted on the reserve between Labour weekend and Easter weekend. |
Toilet |
|
ToiletIs there a toilet available? Public toilet There are toilet facilities available to the general public. |
Cell Phone Service |
|
Cell Phone ServiceWhat level of cell phone service is available at the location? Limited poor service There is little cell phone service at the location. You may be able to make calls or get a poor data connection on a mobile phone at certain spots. |
✓ Spacious area near river
✓ Quiet and peaceful
✓ Free during off months
✓ Lots of shade
✓ Allows campfires
𐄂 Cold showers
𐄂 Basic toilet facilities
Absolutely beautiful -- stayed two nights.
So much space!
Secluded valley.
Next to the river and could have campfires.
Stayed here for one night in october.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
---|---|---|---|
10/10 | 7 |
|
30% |
9/10 | 1 |
|
4% |
8/10 | 8 |
|
35% |
7/10 | 5 |
|
22% |
6/10 | 2 |
|
9% |
5/10 | 0 |
|
0% |
4/10 | 0 |
|
0% |
3/10 | 0 |
|
0% |
2/10 | 0 |
|
0% |
1/10 | 0 |
|
0% |
4.0/5
Nice spacious area down near the river, plenty of shade.
Toilets and cold showers, peaceful spot comfortably off the main road.
Reviewed 10 months ago
3.5/5
Beautiful place nice and quite even on Easter weekend river current is very stronge showers are cold only toilets we're average
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.0/5
Good little spot.
Quiet, clean and lots of space. You are allowed a fire if you want.
Free in March
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.0/5
Tons of land and not many other campers staying in march.
Free during the off months. Toilets were fine and it looked like they had cold showers but we didn’t use them. Land was kinda wet and you could tell it had recently flooded but our van didn’t have any issues getting out.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
5.0/5
What can I say absolutely tons of space one side of the park is locked after 8 p.m.
and I think that has better access to the river and swimming spots nice and flat for tenders we stayed in a self contained van everybody was friendly no issues looks like someone has abused the skip that would take away the general rubbish though over the holidays cell phone reception is extremely spotty I advise paying your fee ahead of schedule to avoid walking around with your phone in front of your face aimlessly who does that these days 😄
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.5/5
Stayed here for one night in october.
Much space and amazing to spend the night close to the river. Its’s a big open field but there’s also space near trees for more cover. Facilities were basic and clean, bring your torch as there is no light.
Reviewed about 2 years ago
3.5/5
We were here a few days before New Year's during which half the campsite was taken up with an LGBT+ Festival of sorts.
Toilets were in a pretty poor state, certainly not enough considering the size of the site.
Otherwise its a nice place to be, essentially a big field at the bottom of a gorge with some trees
Reviewed almost 2 years ago and experienced in January 2022
5.0/5
So much space!
Toilets and showers very well maintained. Great quiet winter stop over with very few people, and North end only is open over winter months. Walking along the river, and through the bush is lovely. Imagine this is super popular in summer. River current dangerously strong in the wet months. History of the area is very interesting. Perfect stop over if you're doing the Manawatu Scenic Route loop through the Rangitikei and Manawatu.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
4.0/5
Huge grassy area alongside a beautiful river.
Plenty space to find your own private campsite. We found a spot in the trees overlooking the river. No road noise unless you park near the bridge.
Clean toilets and cold showers.
Unfortunately some locals seem to use this space as a Saturday night haunt and they aren’t interested in cleaning up after their riverside fires and booze fests. We did our bit and picked up a couple of bags of cans and broken bottles once they had their fun.
Reviewed over 5 years ago and experienced in March 2018
3.0/5
Very basic, but free.
Nearby a river. Facilities could be cleaner.
Reviewed almost 13 years ago
3.0/5
A lovely spot beside the river under the trees, but spoilt by broken glass bottles through the reserve, and some agressive behaviour and uncalled abuse by some drunken iwi
Reviewed almost 13 years ago
4.0/5
Nice spacious area down near the river, plenty of shade.
Toilets and cold showers, peaceful spot comfortably off the main road.
Reviewed 10 months ago
3.5/5
Beautiful place nice and quite even on Easter weekend river current is very stronge showers are cold only toilets we're average
Reviewed over 1 year ago
4.0/5
Good little spot.
Quiet, clean and lots of space. You are allowed a fire if you want.
Free in March
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.0/5
Tons of land and not many other campers staying in march.
Free during the off months. Toilets were fine and it looked like they had cold showers but we didn’t use them. Land was kinda wet and you could tell it had recently flooded but our van didn’t have any issues getting out.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
3.5/5
We were here a few days before New Year's during which half the campsite was taken up with an LGBT+ Festival of sorts.
Toilets were in a pretty poor state, certainly not enough considering the size of the site.
Otherwise its a nice place to be, essentially a big field at the bottom of a gorge with some trees
Reviewed almost 2 years ago and experienced in January 2022
5.0/5
What can I say absolutely tons of space one side of the park is locked after 8 p.m.
and I think that has better access to the river and swimming spots nice and flat for tenders we stayed in a self contained van everybody was friendly no issues looks like someone has abused the skip that would take away the general rubbish though over the holidays cell phone reception is extremely spotty I advise paying your fee ahead of schedule to avoid walking around with your phone in front of your face aimlessly who does that these days 😄
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
4.5/5
Stayed here for one night in october.
Much space and amazing to spend the night close to the river. Its’s a big open field but there’s also space near trees for more cover. Facilities were basic and clean, bring your torch as there is no light.
Reviewed about 2 years ago
5.0/5
So much space!
Toilets and showers very well maintained. Great quiet winter stop over with very few people, and North end only is open over winter months. Walking along the river, and through the bush is lovely. Imagine this is super popular in summer. River current dangerously strong in the wet months. History of the area is very interesting. Perfect stop over if you're doing the Manawatu Scenic Route loop through the Rangitikei and Manawatu.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
4.0/5
Huge grassy area alongside a beautiful river.
Plenty space to find your own private campsite. We found a spot in the trees overlooking the river. No road noise unless you park near the bridge.
Clean toilets and cold showers.
Unfortunately some locals seem to use this space as a Saturday night haunt and they aren’t interested in cleaning up after their riverside fires and booze fests. We did our bit and picked up a couple of bags of cans and broken bottles once they had their fun.
Reviewed over 5 years ago and experienced in March 2018
5.0/5
Absolutely beautiful -- stayed two nights.
Parked our rented camper overlooking the river and listened to the water rushing by 24/7. Flush toilets and cold showers provided. Cost $6 per person. Not crowded, but enough people nearby to feel comfortable. We understand that it can be rather crowded Christmas/New Years, but was most pleasant late January. Will be back!
Reviewed almost 8 years ago
5.0/5
Secluded valley.
For self-contained vehicles only. Woke up to beautiful sound of birds. Nature at its best. When you come out of the very small road through the woods, check out the left side then the right side. Right side is better, we think. Very bright in the morning. Awesome view.
Reviewed over 8 years ago
5.0/5
This a great spot, right by the river, lots of space & toilets.
Showers too but didn't test those, was too cold!
Reviewed over 8 years ago
3.5/5
The area was nice and peaceful with the river just around.
We had a lot of space. The toilet was very dark, it felt a bit creepy. But it was not too dirty. Theres a shower (cold water, you gotta be brave) which is a plus.
Reviewed almost 10 years ago
4.0/5
Great swimming hole.
Plenty of spaces to camp. Busy in weekends and can get bit loud during summer weekends, and therefore unfortunately there can be bit of rubbish around. New toilet block clean and tidy. Lovely place for families, can take pets and great to have fire to toast marshmallows!
Reviewed almost 10 years ago
4.0/5
Next to the river and could have campfires.
Nice big grass area and showers/toilets.
Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in March 2014
4.0/5
A lovely secluded spot by the river.
You can make your bonfire and watch the beautiful starlit sky. A bit dirty though but wonderful and free!
Reviewed about 10 years ago and experienced in March 2014
3.5/5
Technically Vinegar Hill is NOT free.
They have a posted fee of $15 (on the toilets) but don't seem to enforce it. Although, the payment methods are either mail-in or directly to the ranger so that would suggest that the ranger does come along once in a while to collect.
Reviewed almost 12 years ago
3.0/5
Very basic, but free.
Nearby a river. Facilities could be cleaner.
Reviewed almost 13 years ago
3.0/5
A lovely spot beside the river under the trees, but spoilt by broken glass bottles through the reserve, and some agressive behaviour and uncalled abuse by some drunken iwi
Reviewed almost 13 years ago
3.5/5
Lovely spot by the river, heaps of room to spread out.
There is a very tired amenities block at one end, and a newer one at the other. Disappointed that so many other users had left their rubbish behind - please please PLEASE be responsible and take it with you! - this is why freedom campers get a bad reputation! Otherwise lovely reserve - keep an eye out for the apple trees and olives in season!
Reviewed over 13 years ago and experienced in March 2011
5.0/5
Free staying near by a river.
So quiet and peaceful with no one around! A romantic little camp fire in the starlight made it complete!
Reviewed over 13 years ago
4.0/5
FREE - Just off SH1 - on SH54.
Right on the banks of the Rangatikei river
Reviewed almost 15 years ago