Tapotupotu Campsite
Located in Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua and Te Paki Recreation Reserve in the Northland region
Introduction
Camp near a lagoon suitable for swimming and kayaking. Visit Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua only 5 minutes drive away or 3 hours via the walking track.Access
- Campervan
- Car
- Caravan
Landscape
- Coastal
Facilities
- Boat launching
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Shower - cold
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Wheelchair accessible with assistance
Activities
- Diving and snorkelling
- Fishing
Seasonal restrictions
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Dog access
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.
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $16 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $8 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
The DOC Campsite Pass cannot be used at this campsite.
DOC works with local iwi Ngāti Kuri to manage this campground.
How to book
You need to book to stay at this campground.
All sites will be cashless. Eftpos, credit card and electronic transfers only will be accepted.
Enquiries
Ngāti Kuri Facilities Services Helpdesk
Phone: 0800 TE PAKI (0800 837 254)
Email: campgrounds@ngatikuri.iwi.nz
Office hours
- Peak season: 7 am – 7 pm (15 December to 7 February)
- Off season: 8 am – 12 pm
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
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 are prolific – take insect repellent.
High number of wasps in the campsite - consider carrying an antihistamine.
Water safety
Be aware that the beach is a challenging place for swimming and can be dangerous. There are rough seas, strong currents and it gets deep quickly.
The nearest surf lifesaving and coastguard stations are over an hour away, so if you get into trouble it can take a long time to get help. The safest place to swim is in the lagoon beside the campsite.
No horses allowed at this campsite.
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
Stop kauri disease and protect kauri
- Scrub all soil off shoes and gear.
- Use cleaning stations.
- 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 | |