Rarawa Beach Campsite
Located in Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua and Te Paki Recreation Reserve in the Northland region
Introduction
This is a scenic campsite in the Kaitaia area. With a stunning white sandy beach right on your doorstep. Rarawa is your own slice of Far North paradise, so come relax and enjoy.Access
- Campervan
- Car
- Caravan
Landscape
- Coastal
Facilities
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Shower - cold
- Toilets - flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Wheelchair accessible with assistance
Activities
- Bird and wildlife watching
- Fishing
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Walking and tramping
Seasonal restrictions
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Dog access
Camp along a river bank nestled amongst trees a stone's throw away from Rarawa’s beautiful white sandy beach.
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Passes
Backcountry Hut Passes cannot be used at this campsite.
How to pay
Christmas to Waitangi weekend
You'll need to pay using cash or EFTPOS to camp managers during the peak period.
Camp managers are from Ngāti Kuri. DOC works with local iwi, Ngāti Kuri, to manage this campground.
Outside of Christmas to Waitangi weekend
You'll need to pay using only cash to the iron ranger at site.
The DOC Campsite Pass cannot be used at this campsite.
Rarawa Beach is located in the Paxton Point Conservation Area at Te Paki.
From Kaitaia follow State Highway 1 north. The turn-off from SH 1 is signposted, 3 kilometres north of Ngataki.
Access: 4 km of gravel road.
Location
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1607538-N6157437
Latitude: -34.72511375, Longitude: 173.08233232
- Houhora is 10 minutes south of Rarawa campsite, The town has amenities such as a dairy, petrol station, dive tank refill facilities and a refuse transfer station.
- 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, remove your rubbish. "Take in, take out" policy.
- Mosquitoes prolific – take insect repellent.
- The exposed beach break may be treacherous so take care in the water.
- Serviced by DOC rangers daily from early December to Easter.
- Read the camp rules.
No horses allowed at this campsite.
If you're not camping, you can come for the day, bring a picnic and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Day parking located just outside the camp ground.
Bird and wildlife watching
Rarawa Beach is a good example of a natural dune system containing native sand binding pingao and spinifex plants. Each year Rarawa Beach plays host to the Northern New Zealand dotterel and variable oystercatcher during their breeding season. Shorebird breeding season takes place between August and March each year. This coincides with the camp's busy summer period.
During nesting season, if you come across a shore bird nest, do not disturb, and keep away from the area. Let other people around the camp know so more people are aware.
Friends of Rarawa Beach community group, with support from Northland Regional Council's coast care programme, is working hard to improve the dunes and look after the dotterels through a dune planting and trapping regime alongside local schools.
Places to visit
Take a day trip to Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga).
Swimming
At high tide enjoy swimming in the lagoon, or go for a dip in the ocean.
Other popular activities include, fishing, kayaking and all types of water activities.
Due to the exposed beach, breaks may be treacherous so take care in the water.
Tracks and walks
Take the short Rarawa Beach Walk through the campground and along the access track to the beach.
Walk along the stunning Te Paki Coastal Track.
Stop kauri dieback and protect kauri
- Kauri dieback disease is spread through soil.
- Scrub soil off shoes and gear and check it's all removed before you go.
- Use a cleaning station when you enter and leave.
- Always stay on the track.
Contacts
| Te Hiku / Kaitaia Office | |
| Phone: | +64 9 408 6014 |
| Fax: | +64 9 408 6019 |
| Email: | kaitaia@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
25 Matthews Ave Kaitaia 0441 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 569 Kaitaia 0441 |
| Full office details | |