Freedom Camping

If you’re freedom camping, please be aware that freedom camping in the Opotiki District is available at the following four locations:

Te Ahiaua (Pipi Beds), 8km west of  Ōpōtiki
Hukuwai Beach, 2km east of Ōpōtiki
Hoani Waititi Reserve - Omaio, 57km east of Ōpōtiki
Maraetai Bay (Schoolhouse Bay) - Te Kaha, 78km east of Ōpōtiki (in certain areas)

In addition, there are three camp sites located just out of the Ōpōtiki district. Boulders in Te Urutawa reserve south of Ōpōtiki; Whitikau forks (40km southeast of Ōpōtiki) and Manganuku in the Waioeka Gorge.

You will need to be fully self contained and have your own water.

Ask at the Ōpōtiki i-SITE for other camping options if you are not fully self-contained. 

Ōpōtiki is proud to be a Zero Waste area, so if you are freedom camping, take all rubbish and recycling to the Opotiki Resource Recovery Centre.

You can download a copy of the brochure here.

Hukuwai Recreation Reserve

Spectacular Hukuwai Beach is 3km east of Ōpōtiki, off SH35. The designated camping area is small, tucked between regenerating coastal bush and the Dunes Trail, which is part of the Motu Trails Great Ride.

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Hoani Waititi Reserve, Omaio

Hoani Waititi Memorial Reserve is on Omaio Beach Road, off State Highway 35. This is a very large freedom camping area, so you can stay longer. The camping field is elevated above the sea, behind mature Pohutukawa trees.

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