Last updated November 2026
Pukehina Beach has four council freedom camping sites strung along Pukehina Parade, the road that runs the length of the beach settlement east of Maketu. Western Bay of Plenty District Council allows certified self-contained vehicles at Poutuia Park, Midway Park, Motunau Park and Dotterel Point Reserve, for up to three nights in any four weeks at each.
The sites are about 29 to 34 km from Tauranga in a straight line, at the eastern edge of the Western Bay of Plenty District. None of the four has a seasonal closure in the council’s rules. Midway Park has the most facilities, with picnic tables, a barbecue and water.
Practical Information
- Sites
- Poutuia Park, Midway Park, Motunau Park, Dotterel Point Reserve
- Road
- Pukehina Parade, Pukehina Beach
- Distance from the city
- About 29 to 34 km from Tauranga (straight line)
- Vehicles
- Certified self-contained vehicles only (green warrant, fixed toilet)
- Maximum stay
- 3 nights in any 4 weeks at one site
- Seasonal closure
- None listed by the council
- Dump station
- None at Pukehina; the nearest council dump station is at Jubilee Park, Te Puke
- Cost
- Free
- Managed by
- Western Bay of Plenty District Council
About Pukehina Beach Freedom Camping
Recent aerial photos show Pukehina as a long, narrow settlement with the open coast on one side and the estuary on the other, and Pukehina Parade runs along it from end to end.
The four freedom camping sites are spaced out along the Parade, so you can choose between a spot near the middle of the settlement and one out towards either end.
Each site is a designated area inside a council reserve. You park within the marked area, not on the grass of the wider reserve, and the spaces are first in, first served. The council’s rules are the same at all four: certified self-contained vehicles only, three nights in any four weeks, and leave nothing behind.
Facilities vary a lot between the four. The council’s reserve records show Midway Park with seven picnic tables, an electric barbecue, two water taps and bins. Dotterel Point Reserve has three picnic tables, a tap and several bins.
Motunau Park has a picnic table, an electric barbecue, a tap and a bin, and Poutuia Park has a picnic table. There are no showers and no dump station at Pukehina itself.
The Four Sites
Midway Park
Midway Park is on Pukehina Parade near the middle of the settlement, with the best set of picnic facilities of the four: tables, an electric barbecue and water.
Dotterel Point Reserve
Dotterel Point Reserve is towards the western end of Pukehina Parade. Its car park sits beside the water, and the reserve has picnic tables, a tap and bins.
Motunau Park
Motunau Park is a small reserve between the houses, close to the beach, with a picnic table, an electric barbecue and a tap.
Poutuia Park
Poutuia Park is at the eastern end of the Parade. It is the simplest of the four, with a single picnic table recorded by the council.
Waste, Water and Dogs
Because none of the sites has a dump station, plan to empty your tanks before you arrive or on your way out.
The nearest council dump station is at Jubilee Park in Te Puke, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council also runs dump stations at Ōmokoroa, Katikati and Island View. All rubbish has to leave with you, liquid waste included.
Pukehina has its own dog walking area map on the council’s website. Dogs are welcome at some freedom camping sites but not all, so check that map before you bring one.
If you are heading west, Maketu also has two council sites, but both close from the end of Labour weekend until Easter. Check the council’s map for current notices before you travel.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I freedom camp at Pukehina Beach?
At four council reserves on Pukehina Parade: Poutuia Park, Midway Park, Motunau Park and Dotterel Point Reserve. Stay in the marked camping area at each.
Can I camp at Pukehina in summer?
Yes. The council lists no seasonal closure for the Pukehina sites, unlike Maketu and parts of Waihī Beach.
Do I need a self-contained vehicle?
Yes. Only certified self-contained vehicles with a fixed toilet and a green warrant may stay. Tents are not allowed.
How many nights can I stay?
Three nights in any four-week period at each site, counted from the first night.
Is there a dump station at Pukehina?
No. The nearest council dump station is at Jubilee Park in Te Puke.
Which site has the best facilities?
Midway Park, with seven picnic tables, an electric barbecue, water taps and bins nearby.
Can I bring my dog?
Check the Pukehina dog walking area map on the council’s website first. Dogs are allowed at some sites only.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Western Bay of Plenty District Council: Freedom camping: the rules, the $400 fines, site notices and dog rules.
- Western Bay of Plenty freedom camping map: the exact camping areas at each Pukehina reserve and the district’s dump stations.