Located in Urupukapuka Island Recreation Reserve in the Northland region
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Tent sites are a mix of beach front and pohutukawa shade.
There are two zones:
View a map of the campsite (PDF, 393K)
Set up your site so that the mess/gazebo/cooking area is located on the back part of your site with the accommodation at the front.
The conservation centre has historical info about the island, info about project island song, info about bottlenose dolphin’s in the Bay of Islands. It also serves as a base for children's’ activity days and a pop-up library.
The busiest time is between Christmas and mid-January and is a popular time for families with children. Advance bookings are essential at this time.
The campsite is quieter from the beginning of February through to Easter.
DOC/NZMCA campsite passes cannot be used at this campsite.
Backcountry Hut Passes cannot be used at this campsite.
Bookings are open for stays to 30 June 2021.
Bookings are planned to open in May 2021, for stays that require bookings from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022. The specific date that bookings will open will be added to this page, at least two weeks prior to the date.
A $10 service fee applies to all phone, email and in-person bookings.
Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.
Water taxis run on demand year round (weather permitting). The Paihia i-SITE takes bookings for boat transportation to the island.
Passenger ferries go from Paihia and Russell to Otehei Bay every day in the peak summer season.
Private boats can leave from boat ramps in the Eastern Bay of Islands:
From Otehei Bay it's a 15 minute walk over the ridge to Cable Bay – follow the track signs.
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1712583, N6102014
Latitude: -35.22641799, Longitude: 174.23398447
You can help protect the islands and keep them a relaxing and peaceful place to visit by following these rules. Covered by Bay of Islands Maritime and Historic Park bylaws:
If you see anyone breaking these rules, call the Bay of Islands DOC Office on +64 9 407 0300 or 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
DOC staff can issue warnings, ask you to leave, and alcohol may be seized or impounded. Where necessary, if you are found in breach of the bylaws, you can face court prosecution and be liable to fines.
Use plant-based detergent, shampoos, soaps and toothpaste when camping here or else the septic treatment system gets damaged.
Pewhairangi / Bay of Islands Office | |
Phone: | +64 9 407 0300 |
Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
Email: | bayofislandsbooking@doc.govt.nz |
Address: |
34 Landing Road Kerikeri 0230 |
Postal Address: |
PO Box 128 Kerikeri 0245 |
Full office details |