Location/Getting There
Kiwiburn is held at: 136 Cooks Rd, Hunterville. This site is approximately 190kms from Wellington and 460kms from Auckland, with the closest large regional centre being Palmerston North. Remember to check out our Gate Hours, so you know when to arrive.
Desert Road closure notice
This January, a road some of you usually take to Kiwiburn will be shut. Part of SH1, between Turangi and Waiouru, will be closed and a detour will be in place. For more details, visit the NZTA website.
Shop local
Kiwiburn encourages you to do as much of your shopping as you can in the local Rangitikei district. It’s one way of thanking the community for having us – and it also saves you lots of leg-room on the journey there! The Rangitīkei District Council have put together an awesome resource just for Kiwiburners, filled with information about local businesses that may be of use to you on your way to and from Kiwiburn. This includes food and drink shops, op shops, building supplies, knick knacks, laundromats, and more. Check out the Kiwiburner’s Guide to the Rangitīkei
You can buy ice at The Depot during its opening hours for around cost ($5 a bag). Nothing else is sold on the Paddock. You need to bring ALL supplies, food, water and tools you will need for a week’s camping. If you forget something vital, your best bet is to make friends with your neighbours. If you really need something, you can leave and re-enter Kiwiburn for a $20 fee (per person).
If you’re looking for transport options, consider carpooling. Post on the Rideshare group on Facebook or use the Rideshare Matchmaking service. Lots of burners are looking for people to share a vehicle and we encourage this to save on energy and emissions.
To use Rideshare Matchmaking:
→If you are SEEKING a ride, fill out this form: https://airtable.com/shreOPZWJq8b46bSy.
→If you are OFFERING a ride, fill out this other form: https://airtable.com/shr2IrOYtKQk7Zx6x.
→If you have any questions, you can email rideshare@kiwiburn.com
Please see below for directions to the site from the North and South, and where you can stop for shopping before you get to the site.
Getting to Kiwiburn from Auckland
Head South on State Highway 1 for approximately 440km until you hit Mangaweka.
Stay on SH1 for another 22km, then turn left onto State Highway 54 (signs to Feilding).
In 100 metres, take the first right onto Cooks Rd, and follow the signs to the site.
For those coming from the North, your last large town for stocking up with supplies is Taupo.
Taihape is a bit closer and has a few shops and a large supermarket – or you can continue on the SH1 for approximately 7kms past the turn-off and shop at Hunterville.
Hunterville has two gas stations, several motels, cafes, and restaurants – there is even a juice, smoothie and ice cream place!
The 4 Square is huge and has a large range of things at very reasonable prices (including alcohol).
Getting to Kiwiburn from Wellington
Head North on State Highway 1 all the way to Hunterville (about 190km). Keep following SH1 past Hunterville for approx 7km, then turn right on State Highway 54 (signs to Feilding). In 100 metres, take the first right onto Cooks Rd, and follow the signs to the site.
For those coming from the South, your last large town for stocking up with supplies is Marton, just off SH1 between Bulls and Hunterville. Marton is the hub of the Rangitikei with two supermarkets, two bottle shops, numerous specialty stores, plus building supplies stores and mechanics galore!
Alternately, you may wish to stop in Hunterville. Hunterville has two gas stations, several motels, cafes, and restaurants – there is even a juice, smoothie and ice cream place! The 4 Square is huge and has a large range of things at very reasonable prices (including alcohol).
Getting to Kiwiburn from Palmerston North
Head North-West on SH3 for approximately 5km, then turn right onto SH54. Follow for approximately 56km and turn left onto Cooks Rd just before you hit SH1. Follow the signs along Cooks Rd to the site.
Head North-West on SH3 for approximately 5km, then turn right onto SH54.
Follow for approximately 56km and turn left onto Cooks Rd just before you hit SH1. Follow the signs along Cooks Rd to the site.
Travelling around New Zealand
Cheap flights? Check out Air New Zealand, and their daily specials at GrabaSeat, or Jetstar
Renting a car or camper? Compare all the companies here
Driving? New Zealand’s road rules may differ from yours. Watch how here
Catching buses around New Zealand? InterCity, Kiwi Experience, Stray
Going by ferry between the islands? Interislander, Bluebridge
Best free walks in New Zealand
