Puketi Recreation Area
Alert/Important notice
Logging operations
Logging and forestry trucks will be active on Mokau Ridge Road from February 2013 until further notice. Mountain biking on Mokau Ridge Road is not permitted during this time. Please take care and listen out for trucks when walking/hunting on or near this forest road.
Campsite category
Standard
Facilities
Water from tap
Toilets
Barbecue
Picnic Table
Showers (cold)
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $6 per night
- Child (5 - 17 years): $3 per night
- Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Booking
Bookings are not required for the campground. Fees are to be paid at the kiosk in the 'iron ranger' (metal container). Fix the tag to your tent as proof of payment.
Campsite details
- Approximately 20 campsites
- Cold showers
- Long drop toilets (there is usually toilet paper available, however it pays to take your own)
- Cold water tap
- Outdoor fireplaces (wood may be available in the on-site woodstore). Be aware of any fire bans and increased fire risks during summer. Fire permits will not be issued during the prohibited fire season for campers wanting to use the outdoor fireplaces. Follow the onsite signs.
Location
The camp is located in Puketi Forest, about 20 km north of Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands.
Getting there
Puketi Recreation Area
Travelling from north, you can access Puketi camp turn off SH1 on to Puketi There are several places that you can access the recreational area from. The recommended entry point is from SH10 approximately 600 m north of the Waipapa Township.
Turn left along Pungaere Road past the sign directing you to the Puketi Forest Park. Follow Pungaere Road for approximately 15 kms. Take care as part of the road is gravelled.
At a T-intersection, turn left, follow the road for about 2 km. The entrance of the recreational area will be on your right.
If using alternative routes, refer to local maps as there is no DOC signage at other possible entry points to the Puketi Forest.
The campground is located in the vicinity of the Puketi Forest Hut and Puketi cabins. This campground is accessible to vehicles and you can park next to your campsite.
Grid reference: NZTM2000, E1668562-N6098074
Location map
Notes
- Your tentsite is the area on which you have pitched your tent.
- Campers do not have access to the facilities of the hut, and do not have access to the areas directly in front of the hut or the cabins.
- The water is not treated. You may wish to boil it before drinking.
- Self registration during the off-peak season
- Camp host on-site from December to late January
- Back country hut passes do not apply to Northland
- NZMCA passes do not apply to this campground
- 021 and 027 cellphone coverage is available
- No domestic pets or animals are permitted in or around the hut, cabins or campgrounds
Puketi Recreation Area has a hut and 2 cabins available for booking
Activities
Hunting
Mountain biking and cycling
Note: Mountain biking is not permitted on Mokau Ridge Road due to logging operations in the area.
The campsite is an ideal base from which to explore the attractions of these forests, which provide a range of walking and tramping opportunities for all fitness levels.
Permits for hunting goats and pigs are available from the Bay of Islands DOC office.
Plan and prepare
Although there is no reservation system in place for the campground, you are encouraged to be onsite before it gets dark as arriving late can unsettle other campers and hut/cabin occupants.
Help stop kauri dieback
Kauri dieback disease is killing our native kauri. It spreads by soil movement, but you can help prevent it.
- Stay on the track and off kauri roots.
- Clean your gear before and after visiting kauri forests.
Visit the kauri dieback website for more information on how you can help.