Te Kauaeranga Thames has been a camping destination for over 100 years with a rich history of DIY holidays.

For those seeking to explore the backcountry of Thames, Kauaeranga Valley is the place to go. With lush native forests, cool rivers, history of the kauri logging era, and numerous tracks and trails, including the world-renowned Pinnacles, there’s something for everyone.

Drop into the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre for information on tracks, huts, campsites, and visual displays of the area’s history. If you’re into overnight tramping, the Pinnacles Hut is a must-visit, but booking in advance is recommended. If you’re in the area mid-week, it’s worth checking for last-minute availability.

Kauaeranga Valley DOC Campsites

Kahikatea Campsite has the only powered sites and is located just next to the visitor centre. This site has space for 14 self-contained, electrically certified motorhomes. Four large sites are available for buses. Best access to the Model Kauri Dam walk, Visitor Centre with the river across the road. Find out more.

Shag Stream Campsite is adjacent to the Visitor Centre with 30 sites. Located beside the river, a summer swim is never too far away. Open October until 30 April. Find out more.

Hotoritori Campsite is across the road from the river and gives access to an array of mountain bike tracks. It is one of two campsites where dogs are permitted and has 30 sites. Open all year. Find out more.

Whangaiterenga Campsite is the largest campsite in the Kauaeranga Valley with 50 sites. A pretty campsite, located beside the Whangaiterenga stream amongst native trees. The perfect place to relax. There are flush toilets at the campsite. Open all year. Find out more.

Booms Flat Campsite is a popular summer camping spot. Nearby swimming holes can be accessed in the Kauaeranga river through a track opposite the campsite. Dogs are permitted here. Open October until 30 April. Find out more.

Catleys Campsite is on the river side of the road with 30 sites. Open October until 30 April. Find out more.

Wainora Campsite has an attractive bush setting with 30 sites. It’s located at the start of the magnificent Cookson Kauri Walk. Open October until 30 April. Find out more.

Totara Flat Campsite is between the road and river. Open all year. Find out more.

Trestle View Campsite is at the road end and the last campsite and closest to the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail with 20 sites. Open all year. Find out more.

Dancing Camp Campsite is located 5mins from the Pinnacles Hut with only 3 small sites. The campsite was once used by Scottish gumdiggers, who used to have merry dances into the night. The dam, one of the last remaining in New Zealand has been partially restored. Find out more.

Thames Coast

Dickson Holiday Park
Nestled in native bush in Tararu, Dickson Holiday Park was once a gold mining battery and garden planted by Robert Graham in the early 1900s. Just 5 mins north of Thames it’s an ideal spot to access the Tararu Valley swimming holes, including the creek that borders the property. The park offers a wide range of facilities, including a library, games room, laundry, mini-golf, basketball, and bike storage and hire. Cooking options include a communal kitchen and outdoor pioneer kitchen and BBQ area. Additional amenities include a fish cleaning station, waste station, and free WiFi. Both powered and unpowered sites are available, along with caravans, bunk rooms, and cabins. Pets are generally welcome but must be discussed during booking.

Te Puru Holiday Park
Located 15 mins up SH25 from Thames, Te Puru Holiday Park is a short drive from Thames, so stock up on supplies beforehand. The campground hosts permanent residents as well as holiday makers, so it is a great place to meet locals. It’s a popular spot for fishing, where you might even score a boat ride or a fresh fillet from a fellow camper. Facilities include free hot showers, a covered outdoor BBQ area, a kids’ playground, waste station, laundry, and fish filleting area. Accommodation ranges from character trams to modern caravans and campervan sites, both powered and unpowered. Pets are allowed with motorhomes at the campground’s discretion. Sites start at $24 per person.

Tapu Camp
Originating in the 1930s when the community bought a paddock to host a New Year’s Day celebration. In the 1960s, a camp was built on the land to raise funds for the Tapu Community Hall. Today, Tapu Camp offers non-powered and powered sites, as well as cabins. Facilities include two laundries and kitchens, two amenities blocks, a camp shop, fish cleaning facilities, and a dump station for campervans. The Royal Oak Hotel is right across the road for pub meals.

Tapu Creek Caravan Park
Tapu Creek Caravan Park offers beautiful river views with many swimming holes nearby, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers. The Water Garden and Square Kauri are also nearby. Pets are welcome on agreement with the owners. Facilities include powered and unpowered sites, a bathroom block, a basic camp kitchen, BBQ, and an outdoor pizza oven. The road up from Tapu is sealed but can be narrow in places, so larger motorhomes should proceed with caution.