Tucked away in the Whirinaki Te Pua-a-Tāne Conservation Park inland from Gisborne, Sanctuary Campsite is a small, quiet, and secluded spot beside the Minginui Stream. Reached at the end of a gravel access road, it's well liked by those who make the trip, and you may have it to yourself aside from a few locals.

The setting is classic Whirinaki: towering podocarp forest surrounds the camp, with short walks through the trees right from your tent. Facilities are basic but adequate, with non-powered tent sites (more than three available), a fire pit for campfires except during fire bans, non-flush toilets, and water drawn from the stream.

The gravel road in is better suited to a higher-clearance vehicle than a car. It's a peaceful base for soaking up one of the North Island's most impressive ancient forests away from the crowds.