Mr Graham said the brigade gave the couple a place to shelter from the rain until the ambulance arrived. The two had recently arrived in New Zealand and had just bought the van.
DoC Bay of Islands area manager Rolien Elliot said driving to the toilets was discouraged because the road was narrow. However, each time bollards were placed across the road and warning signs erected, they were promptly removed by vandals.
Ms Elliot said Forest Pools was a lovely spot.
"We like the public to use it. It's just a shame a few people continue to vandalise the toilets and remove the bollards, putting other people at risk."
DoC was planning to build new toilets closer to the camping area so people would not feel compelled to drive. Due to proximity to the river, the new facilities would be dry vault toilets that could be pumped out rather than the current long drops. The toilets at Puketi Forest headquarters were also about to be replaced.
Forest Pools is a popular summer camping spot thanks to a series of swimming holes in the Waipapa River.
