Ōtaki Forks Campsite
Standard campsiteLocated in Ōtaki Forks area, WellingtonOpen
Current advisories
Predator control Tararua Forest Park
20 May 2026
DOC and OSPRI distributed toxic cereal bait pellets by helicopter near this area on 11 and 23 March and 19 May 2026. A caution period is in place for approximately 8 months. Visitors are advised not to take dogs into the area until the caution period has ended. 1080 is deadly to dogs. How to keep dogs safe around 1080 . View the distribution map (PDF, 2749K) . View the pesticide summary map First published on 3 March 2026. Last reviewed on 21 May 2026.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai alerts.
- Sites
- 150
- Booking
- Can book
- Cost
- from $10
- Power
- None
- Toilet
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Boil first
- Dogs
- On a lead
Getting there
1 km south of Ōtaki, turn into Otaki Gorge Rd. Campsite is 19 km east of Ōtaki township, at the end of Ōtaki Gorge Rd.
Heavy vehicles note that the road is gravel and very narrow in some places with steep sections. There is one shallow concrete stream ford.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 40.88161° S, 175.22196° E
About this place
A family and dog friendly campsite, close to bush walks and river swimming. Large grassy camping areas surrounded by river terraces and regenerating bush.
Fees and bookings
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite. Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book.
Bookings are open for summer stays only. Winter bookings available at Boielles Campsite . If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked. There is no phone or internet reception at Ōtaki Forks so you will need to book before arriving. Paying with cash is available, pay either to the ranger on site or deposit into the 'Iron Ranger'. No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking. Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee. Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain. Book Ōtaki Forks Campsite online .
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Parawai Lodge
Standard • 18 bunks • Wellington • 1.2 km
Parawai Lodge is a standard 18-bunk hut located in the Kapiti region of Wellington.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Field Hut
Standard • 20 bunks • Wellington • 4.1 km
Field Hut is a standard 20-bunk hut located in the Kapiti region. It was one of the first purpose built tramping huts in the country and is the oldest…
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Penn Creek Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Wellington • 5.9 km
Penn Creek Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the Kapiti region of Wellington.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Scout Camp
Wellington • 6.4 km
Kapakapanui Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Wellington • 6.8 km
Kapakapanui Hut is a standard six-bunk hut located in the Kapiti region of Wellington.
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Walks nearby
Contact
Wellington/Kapiti information
Regional DOC service centre.
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
Something missing or out of date?
Closed, moved, wrong facts, or something we have missed? Travellers keep the Road Guide up to date. Tell us what you found at contribute@parkup.nz and we will check it and add it.
Ask us to take this down
A person reads every request. We do not remove a place until we have checked it.
Sources
- OpenStreetMap Campsites · ODbL (Open Database License)Contains information from OpenStreetMap, made available under the ODbL.
- DOC Campsites (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).
- DOC Campsites · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.