Image: Brian Dobbie | ©
Whangapoua Campsite.
Whangapoua Campsite

Located in Great Barrier Island/Aotea in the Auckland region

Located on the edge of Whangapoua estuary, this campsite is close to a popular surf break.

Maximum number of people is 150.

Set in farmland overlooking the Whangapoua estuary and a popular surf beach with good fishing.

There are stunning views of Mt Hirakimata and Rakitu Island.

Facilities and services

  • Camp Hosts on site from Christmas until end January.
  • Picnic shelter available.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

Passes

The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite. 

Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book. 

Bookings

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.

All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.

Bookings are required all year. 

Book Whangapoua Campsite online

A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.

Your booking will be for the number of people in your party – there are no designated sites. Find space for your party on arrival.

At Okiwi, close to the airfield, on the edge of the Whangapoua Estuary, Great Barrier Island.

From Auckland via ferry or by air. Passenger and car ferry to Tryphena or Port Fitzroy, or air travel to Claris or Okiwi. Rental cars available for hire from Tryphena and Claris by arrangement.

Access: Narrow gravel roads.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1817893-N5997238
Latitude: -36.14512248, Longitude: 175.42182914
  • Fires are not permitted at any time. Bring your own cooker or gas BBQ.
  • Vehicle access to beach is not permitted.
  • We recommend boiling water before use.

Rubbish

This campground is Pack In Pack Out. There are no rubbish or recycling facilities. Council rubbish bags and clean recycling are accepted for free at the Claris landfill. See Great Barrier Island Claris landfill for opening hours.

Behaviour and alcohol

You'll be asked to leave if you behave in a disorderly or offensive way, eg excessive alcohol, using foul language, noisy or riotous. Drinking in public and the public display of alcohol are not permitted.

A short walk gives access to the historic Wairarapa grave site at the northern end of the beach.

Endangered bird species: pateke (brown teal), New Zealand dotterel, oyster catcher and banded rail. Please do not disturb, and take special care during the nesting season.