Terms and Conditions

Tōtara Reserve Regional Park is operated by Horizons Regional Council, which has the business trading name Manawatū Whanganui Regional Council. Below are our Terms and Conditions which apply to all those using our Reserve.

All visitors must refrain from any practice that may endanger the health and safety of yourself and any other person. Also any hazards must be reported to the Reserve Manager.

Arrivals and departures

  • Campers without a booking should check online or at the office before occupying a site. Report to the office on arrival and pay any applicable charges. PAY BEFORE YOU STAY not on departure.
  • Check in is 1pm. Check out is by 12pm, after 1pm a full nights tariff will be charged.
  • See the Bookings and Payments page for more information.
Camping at Tōtara Reserve at Covid-19 Alert Level 2
  • At Covid-19 Alert Level 2, the campground is open at half capacity, make sure you book online or call ahead to avoid the disappointment of missing out on a site.
  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19, or if you are awaiting test results, stay home.
  • Maintain 2m distance from people you don’t know – carefully step aside or slow down to allow separation.
  • Scan the QR code on the facilities blocks.
  • Wash or sanitise your hands regularly.
  • When using public facilities please wear a mask.
  • Pay for your camping using online services or Eftpos at campground office.
  • Additional cleaning of the facilities block will be implemented.

Site information

  • A site is for one average sized caravan or tent, awning and one car and up to 6 people including children. Extra sites should be booked if you require more than this.
  • All caravans must be parked in designated areas as directed by the Reserve Manager or Reserve Staff. Non powered sites have no allocated or designated location, camp within approved areas within the campground.
  • All Caravans/Camper vans must have a current electrical warrant of fitness.
  • If you are under the age of 18 you must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Please ensure that you keep all valuables secure at your site.
  • We do not accommodate long-term or permanent stays.
  • Do not empty chemical toilets, porta-loos or toilet cassettes in any park building including the toilets.
  • Drinking water must be boiled or brought into the park, currently the park water supply is non-potable which means it is not safe for drinking.
  • Electric barbeques are provided at both the Kahikatea and Kererū campgrounds for your use.
  • Cell phone reception can be patchy at the camping grounds. There is a landline phone for emergency use located by the Kererū site office.

 

Camp rules

  • Please respect others. Reasonable behaviour is expected at all times, with quietness from 10pm to 7am. Music systems are to be kept at a non-obtrusive level during the day and switched off between 10pm and 7am.
  • Responsible consumption of alcohol which does not annoy, upset or offend others is permitted. Excessive drinking and parties which disrupt others are not permitted.
  • Misconduct, profanity, theft, vandalism and abuse towards staff will not be tolerated. Offenders will be evicted without refund. Reparation for any damage caused will be deducted from the credit card on file or required by the primary guest.

Visitors

  • Site holders and group coordinators are responsible for the behaviour of any person or visitor on their site.
  • Day visitors are the ultimate responsibility of the registered guest and must leave quietly before 9pm. Please be aware that facilities are for our paying guests and in fairness to all guests we reserve the right to limit and remove visitors at management discretion.

Animals at the Reserve

  • Dogs and other pets are not permitted within the Reserve. Anyone found with a dog will be asked to remove it or leave immediately. The only exception is for registered disability assist dogs. Please advise staff at time of booking if you have disability assist dog.
  • Horses are permitted on a case-by-case basis, please contact the Reserve Manager first to discuss your activity.

Recreation

Flood warnings

Automated flood warning systems have been installed at both the Kahikatea and Kererū campgrounds. These systems are designed to let you know when river levels are rising in plenty of time to pack up and evacuate the grounds. Should the flood sirens go off during your visit, please remain calm, ensure others are aware of the potential danger, and evacuate the Reserve. Authorities will be out shortly after the sirens sound to check and clear the area. A radar on the bridge at Piripiri takes continuous measurements of the Pohangina River’s height. At two metres it transmits a signal back to the Kahikatea camp warning system. The Kererū camp system is set to activate once this height reaches three metres. The difference in activation levels is due to different levels of flood protection.