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Kiriwhakapapa Campsite

No reviews yet · ~NZD 10 / night (typical night)$$$$$ · Department of Conservation

A lovely family campsite beside a creek in Tararua Forest Park, with historical logging trails and exotic redwood forest nearby. Located 15 km north of Masterton, accessed via a 7 km drive including 5 km of gravel road to the campsite entrance. The site sits alongside a creek and offers access to the Kiriwhakapapa Loop Track (1-hour walk) and Blue Range Hut climbing trail (2 hours one way). A conservation campsite operated by the Department of Conservation. (via official site)

Car access

Rates & prices

Prices as published on Kiriwhakapapa Campsite’s official website (NZD).

ItemPrice
AdultAge 18+NZD 10 per night
ChildAge 5-17NZD 5 per night
InfantAge 0-4, freeNZD 0 per night
Visitor centre booking service feePhone or in-person visitor centre bookings only; online bookings have no feeNZD 10

Key facts

At-a-glance details for Kiriwhakapapa Campsite, from its official website.

Booking & season

Booking windowBookings available online through 30 June 2027
Walk-in policyNo spaces reserved for campers without a booking; walk-ins cannot be guaranteed accommodation

Location & access

Address596 Kiriwhakapapa Road, Tararua Forest Park 5881
GPS Coordinates (decimal)-40.80798898, 175.5461171
GPS Coordinates (NZTM2000)E1814686, N5479284
Access directionsTurn off SH2 15 km north of Masterton onto Kiriwhakapapa Road, then 7 km to road end (5 km gravel road)

Rules & policies

Not allowedCampfires prohibited at all times

Awards & certificates

StatusDepartment of Conservation (DOC) conservation campsite

Facilities & details

Amenities and on-site features reported for Kiriwhakapapa Campsite.

Reservation
Toilets
Open fires
Dogsleashed

Know before you go

Practical things to prepare for a trip to Kiriwhakapapa Campsite.

Location

Where Kiriwhakapapa Campsite sits on the map and how to get there.

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Nearby cities & towns

Towns and cities closest to Kiriwhakapapa Campsite — browse campsites near each.

What’s nearby

Shops, drinking water, fuel and attractions within reach of the site.

🏞️ Attractions

Old tram trackAttractions0 km · ~1 min walkDirections ↗
Te Mara (1,104 m)Summits & peaks

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3 km · ~16 min driveDirections ↗
Whakapapa (735 m)Summits & peaks

hill in New Zealand

3.6 km · ~17 min driveDirections ↗
OctorariumAttractions5.3 km · ~13 min driveDirections ↗
Rovers Hill (823 m)Summits & peaks

hill in New Zealand

7.2 km · ~33 min driveDirections ↗
Mitre FallsWaterfalls

waterfall in New Zealand

21.4 km · ~49 min driveDirections ↗

🛒 Amenities & services

🎾 Sports

Weather

Current conditions and the forecast to help you plan your trip.

Best time to visit

Typical monthly temperature and rainfall at Kiriwhakapapa Campsite.

Good to know

Quick answers to common questions about Kiriwhakapapa Campsite.

Can I light a campfire at Kiriwhakapapa?

No, fires are not allowed at any time.

Can I book without visiting in person?

Yes, online bookings are available through 30 June 2027. Same-day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

Do I need to book in advance?

No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking. All accommodation requires a reservation.

What is the nightly cost to stay?

Adults (18+) pay $10/night, children (5-17) pay $5/night, and infants (0-4) are free.

What are the main nearby activities?

Kiriwhakapapa Loop Track offers a 1-hour walk; the Blue Range Hut trail is a 2-hour climb one way.

Do I need to book ahead for Kiriwhakapapa Campsite?

No — it's first-come, first-served.

Are campfires allowed at Kiriwhakapapa Campsite?

Yes, campfires are permitted — always check for seasonal fire bans before you go.

Are there toilets at Kiriwhakapapa Campsite?

Yes, toilets are available on site.

Are dogs allowed at Kiriwhakapapa Campsite?

Yes, dogs are allowed.

Who runs Kiriwhakapapa Campsite?

Kiriwhakapapa Campsite is operated by Department of Conservation.

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