Tapotupotu Bay

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Tapotupotu Campsite

Located in Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua and Te Paki Recreation Reserve in the Northland region

Introduction

This is a scenic campsite with a nearby lagoon suitable for swimming and kayaking. Visit Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua only 5 minutes drive away or 3 hours via the walking track.

Campsite overview

Access

  • Campervan
  • Car
  • Caravan

Landscape

  • Coastal

Category

  • Category
Scenic

Bookings

  • Bookings

Bookings not required - first come, first served

Facilities

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

Activities

  • Boating
  • Diving and snorkelling
  • Fishing
  • Swimming

Seasonal restrictions

Fires are not permitted at any time.

Dog access

Dogs with a DOC permit for recreational hunting or management purposes only
  • Help stop kauri dieback
    • Stay away from kauri tree roots.
    • Clean your footwear and gear before and after visiting kauri forest.

    How you can help save kauri

About this campsite

Stay at New Zealand's most northern campsite and experience the scenic wonders of Tapotupotu, from lush forest to breaking surf and breath-taking views.

Camp with the beach at your doorstep, and awaken to the sweet sound of white water breaking on the sand. Tapotupotu is the perfect place to relax, enjoy and explore the great Far North.

Tapotupotu is part of the four-day Te Paki Coastal Track.

Tapotupotu campsite is a wilderness camping area accessible by road with minimal facilities.

Getting there

From Kaitaia head north on State Highway 1. Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes travel time from Kaitaia to Tapotupotu campsite.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1574155, N6189320

Fees

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

The campsite pass for rental campervans can be used at this campsite.

The DOC/NZMCA Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite except between 20 December and the end of Waitangi weekend.

Backcountry Hut Passes cannot be used at this campsite.

Activities

Surf, fish, scuba dive or swim at this beautiful sandy surf beach.

Walk along the stunning Te Paki Coastal Track.

Take a day-trip to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua

Driving on the beach

If you must drive on the beach:

  • Keep your vehicle on the hard sand below high tide mark
  • Avoid dune areas where plants and birds live
  • Road rules apply on the beach
  • Be sensitive to other beach users, drive with care and consideration
  • If leaving your car unattended, never leave valuables behind – break-ins happen even in remote areas

Know before you go

  • No fires at any time. ‘Contained flame’ (gas) barbeques and cookers are fine, but not open flames or fires. 
  • No fireworks at any time.
  • 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. Food scraps attract vermin.
  • Nearest rubbish transfer station is at Houhora.
  • Mosquitoes prolific – take insect repellent.
  • Read the camp rules.

Contacts

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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