Ōtaki Forks Campsite
Standard campsiteLocated in Ōtaki Forks area, Wellington/KapitiDOC data as at 20 September 2026
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.
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.
Contact
Wellington/Kapiti information
Regional DOC service centre.
Nearby stops
Parawai Lodge
Standard • 18 bunks • Wellington/Kapiti • 1.3 km
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Unnamed campsite
Wellington • 1.4 km
Field Hut
Standard • 20 bunks • Wellington/Kapiti • 4.1 km
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Penn Creek Hut
Standard • 6 bunks • Wellington/Kapiti • 5.8 km
Heating • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Scout Camp
Wellington • 6.4 km
All details
- Facilities
- Non-powered/tent sitesToilets - flushWater from tap - not treatedboil before useWheelchair accessibleToiletsWater supply
- Activities
- FishingKayaking and canoeingSwimmingWalking and tramping
- Access
- CampervanCarCaravan
- Setting
- ForestRivers and lakes
- Unpowered sites
- 150
- Bookable
- Yes
- Category
- Standard
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only.
- Location
- Located in Ōtaki Forks area
- Toilets
- Yes
- Drinking water
- untreated
- Reservations
- No
- Website
- This place on doc.govt.nz
- Source data
- View source data
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.40.88177° S, 175.22209° E
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Sources
- OpenStreetMap Campsites · ODbL (Open Database License)Contains information from OpenStreetMap, made available under the ODbL.
- DOC Campsites · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.
- 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).