Fishing at Rarawa Beach, Northland

Image: Justine Sanderson

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.

Campsite overview

Access

  • Campervan
  • Car
  • Caravan

Landscape

  • Coastal

Category

  • Category
Scenic

Bookings

  • Bookings

Bookings not required - first come, first served

Facilities

  • Non-powered/tent sites
  • Shower - cold
  • Toilets - flush
  • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
  • Wheelchair accessible with assistance
65 non-powered/tent sites

Activities

  • Bird and wildlife watching
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking
  • Swimming
  • Walking and tramping

Seasonal restrictions

Fires are not permitted at any time.

Dog access

No dogs
  • 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.

    How you can help save kauri

About this campsite

Camp along a river bank nestled amongst trees a stone's throw away from Rarawa’s beautiful white sandy beach.

Getting there

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

Fees

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

The DOC/NZMCA Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite except between the Friday before Christmas and the end of Waitangi weekend. In 2020/2021, this is 18 December 2020 to 9 February 2021.

Backcountry Hut Passes cannot be used at this campsite.

Activities

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.

Know before you go

  • 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.

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
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