Mangatutu Hot Springs Campsite
Campground
4.6 from 6 users
Contact
Makahu Road, Hastings District, North Island
doc.govt.nz/search-results/?query=Mangatutu+Hot+Springs+Campsite
Description
This is a popular camping, picnic and fishing spot, and a starting point for tramping, hunting or day walks up the Mohaka River and into the Kaweka Forest Park. No fees apply. Bookings not required - first come, first served.
There are 45 non-powered sites. Facilities include toilets, water from a stream, picnic table and shelter.
A short, steep track descends from the campsite to Mangatutu Hot Springs. Thermal water issues from a deep hole in an undercut bank near the top terrace. The water trickles down a riverside bluff, where it is channelled into two pools.
From Napier, follow Puketitiri Road for 40 km, then turn into Pakaututu Road. Follow this for 9 km then turn into Makahu Road and follow this for a further 10 km to the end.
The trip involves about 1 hr of travel on unsealed gravel roads, as well as a river ford on Makahu Road 7.5 km from the road end. Take care when driving through the ford as heavy rain and snow melt can affect the water level.
The road is narrow, and may be slippery when wet. Check with Hastings District Council (external site) for temporary road closures. Makahu Road is not suitable for caravans or campervans.
Fires are not permitted at any time.
No dogs.
Features
Location
Lat: -39.184256 Lng: 176.457468
User Reviews
@the.wandering.viking
Open now, long drop toilet, road has alot of potholes be careful and you cross a river. @the.wandering.viking
WikiCamps-Russ
15 July 2020: Mangatainoka Hot Pools and Campsite temporary closure. The Mangatainoka Hot Pools, a 40 minute walk from Te Puia Lodge, will be closed for the construction of new pools from 1 September 2020 for approximately four weeks. Camping will not be available during this time. Check DOC website for re-opening.
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User 225469
Amazing spot. We had the hot springs to ourselves in the 15+ dips that we took. A sketchy little path goes down to the river from the hot springs which is nice if you like the cold plunge. Really a magical place. The ford had red painting poles which means "do not cross" but the water was 4 cm deep or so. Not a risk for us and I imagine no doc workers have been out in a while or something. Lots of weekenders