Frequently Asked Questions

The park water supply is currently safe for drinking.

The park water supply is currently safe for drinking. Tōtara Reserve has a new UV water treatment system. As required by national drinking water standards, water is tested on a regular basis for E.coli which is an indicator of faecal contamination. If our regular tests reveal the need to boil water for drinking, hygiene and cleaning, signs will be displayed next to all taps on site. Signs will remain at taps and water will need to be boiled until we receive clear results for at least three consecutive days. At this time, signs will be removed.

If we have an alert to boil water we will also add this to the Tōtara Reserve Regional Park Facebook page so please check for updates if you have an upcoming booking. As conditions can change quickly we recommend bringing equipment to boil water just in case.

We also test for other quality measures, so if you notice any issues with the water please let us know by contacting the Campground Manager and emailing your comments to: [email protected]

The Pohangina River is constantly changing and pools that were safe for swimming may change, so caution is recommended. Children should be supervised at all times.

Swimming is prohibited at the Kahikatea camping ground due to unstable cliffs.

It is not recommended to swim at least three days after heavy or prolonged rainfall or if the water doesn’t look clean and clear.

For more information visit our swimming page which has the latest lawa results for water quality information.

A current fishing license is required to fish at the Pohangina River and must be carried by anglers at all times when fishing.

Visit the Fish & Game New Zealand website for more information and to purchase your fishing license.

Hunting and shooting is not permitted in the Reserve.

Motorbikes and or quad bikes are not permitted within the Reserve. This is to ensure the safety of all visitor to the Reserve and protect the native bush and biodiversity within in.

To cancel your booking please register and login to access your booking, you will find this information on your booking confirmation email.
You can cancel your booking free of charge up to midnight, the day prior to booking commencing.

If you cancel before midnight, a credit will be held under your name to rebook or alternatively you can request a refund to be processed by sending an email to [email protected].

Refunds will be processed within five working days of receiving an email request.
Refunds will only be paid to the account used to make the booking.
Booking is non-refundable if you cancel on the day of arrival or after the original booking date has passed
Should you have any problems with cancelling your booking please contact the Campground Manager by email on [email protected] 

See our bookings and payments policy: Bookings and payments

Dogs and other pets are not permitted within the Reserve or camping grounds. Anyone found with a dog will be asked to remove it or leave immediately. The only exception is disability assist dogs. Please advise staff at time of booking if you have disability assist dog for an exemption.

The Bush Chapel can be booked for weddings and events through the Campground Caretaker by email to [email protected]

It is recommended that you book in advance online to avoid disappointment. Alternatively if you turn up on the day and there is a space for you, payment via Eftpos is available onsite. The camp grounds does not accept cash. See our bookings and payments policy: Bookings and payments

Everyone camping needs to book and pay before they stay. If you think more friends and family might join you mid-stay, plan to book ahead for this to avoid disappointment. Mid-stay changes for additional guests will be treated as a new booking and is subject to availability. See our bookings and payments policy: Bookings and payments

To make changes to your booking please register and login to access your booking, you will find this information on your booking confirmation email.
You can make unlimited changes to your booking(s) up to midnight, the day prior to your booking commencing.
Should you have any problems with amending your booking please contact the Campground Manager by email on [email protected]