Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) campsite

Campsite category

Standard

Facilities

Water from tap
Toilets
Showers (cold)

Fees

$7.00 adult/night, $3.50 child/night (5-17 years). Under 5 years free. Please pay your fees to help keep the campsite available in the future.

Booking

• No bookings - first come/first served.
• Serviced by DOC rangers daily peak season.
• Self-registration during off-peak period.
• Back-country hut pass does not apply.
• Campervan access.
• Eligible for NZMCA pass except between 23 December and 1 February when the pass is not valid.

Campsite details

Camp in a picturesque setting between the beach (5 min walk) and hills of the Aupouri Peninsula north of Kaitaia. A perfect place for fishing, swimming and walking.

Birds eye view of Kapowairua
(Spirits Bay). You can see the campsite
in the upper middle of the photo

Number of tent sites - 45

With lush forests in close range and sandy beaches right on your doorstep, Kapowairua is a place to relax, enjoy and explore the great outdoors.

Notes

• No fires at any time. 'Contained flame' (gas) barbeques and cookers are fine, but not open flames or fires.
• No fireworks at any time (sky lanterns are absolutely banned).
• No domestic animals permitted in campground.
• No rubbish bins on site. During peak season December to February, rubbish is collected daily (as per council fees per bag - subject to change).
• At all other times, please remove your rubbish. 'Take in, take out' policy. Food scraps attract vermin.
• Nearest rubbish transfer station is at Houhora.

For more information view the Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) campsite camp rules

Campsites are social places, but everyone needs some rest and relaxation. Show respect for other visitors' quiet enjoyment of the outdoors by limiting noise between 10pm and 7am.

Open fires and fireworks are not permitted on any public conservation land in Northland, including DOC campsites and on the beach. For more information, please contact the local DOC office.

'Freedom' camping

If you're not staying at Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) campsite, 'Freedom' camping (self sufficient and free of charge) is welcome within the Te Paki reserves, particularly along the Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway.

However, camping is not permitted within 500 metres of formed roads or at Te Rerenga Wairua. Campsites at Pandora and Twilight Beach provide basic amenities; toilets and shelter, along with water when there has been sufficient rain.

Significance of the area to Maori

Kapowairua is steeped in Maori history. Tohe, one of Muriwhenua's most important ancestors lived at Maunga Piko (Kapowairua or Spirits Bay), far from his only daughter, Raninikura, who married a man from the Kaipara. When Tohe was very old, he announced his intention to journey south to see his daughter one last time. His people concerned about his health, asked him not to go. Tohe replied:
"Whakarua i te hau, e taea te karo
Whakarua i taku tamahine, e kore e taea te karo
Taea Hokianga, a hea, a hea
Ko ta koutou mahi e kapo ake ai, ko taku wairua"
I can shelter from the wind. But I cannot shelter from the longing for my daughter.
I shall venture as far as Hokianga, and beyond
Your task (should I die), shall be to grasp (kapo) my spirit (wairua)

Tohe passed away during this journey. His people adopted the name Kapowairua in recognition of his parting words.

Ecology

Kapowairua is an important site that has a freshwater wetland and tidal lagoon area that supports threatened and regionally significant species.

Birds present at Kapowairua include the Australasian bittern, Caspian tern, Northern New Zealand dotterel, Variable oystercatcher, Spotless crake, NZ kingfisher and other common birds.

If you come across a bird nesting area, please do not disturb.

Activities

One of the Far North's renowned surf breaks, Kapowairua can turn it on when the swell is right. Indulge yourself with a stroll along the beach, listen to the waves and local wildlife while enjoying the scenery.

Take a day trip to historical Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga).

Tracks & walks

Before setting out please contact the DOC Kaitaia office for an update on the condition of the tracks.

Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) forms part of the Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway. This stunning 3-4 day tramp follows the dramatic coastline of the east and west, and traverses a variety of beautiful and unique landforms including giant sand dunes. It offers spectacular views and also accesses areas of historic and archaeological interest. Self- sufficient camping is available.

Plan and prepare

• Mosquitoes prolific - take insect repellent.
• Always thoroughly clean your equipment (cars / shoes / camping gear etc.) before and after trips to minimise spreading invasive pests, weeds and diseases.
• Be prepared for all types of weather and conditions for short and long walks, rides and other activities. Have a first aid kit and survival kit, and know what to do if things go wrong.
• Always tell someone where you are going, for how long, and your expected time back.

Environmental care code

Toitu te whenua (Leave the land undisturbed). Protect the environment for your own sake, for the sake of those who come after you, and for the environment itself.

View the New Zealand Environmental Care Code