Located in Urupukapuka Island Recreation Reserve in the Northland region
Fires are not permitted at any time.
Urupukapuka Bay Campsite is the largest campsite on the island. Tent sites are along the beach front and are divided into four zones:
View a map of campsite zones (PDF, 233K)
Setting up your site: 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.
A rubbish barge operates every 2 days every week from Boxing Day to Waitangi weekend. You'll need to pay to use the rubbish barge.
Rubbish location, cost and times.
Outside this period, you must take your rubbish back to the mainland.
Backcountry Hut Passes cannot be used at this campsite.
DOC/NZMCA campsite passes cannot be used at this campsite.
Bookings are open for stays to 30 June 2021.
Bookings are required all year. Book well in advance for summer.
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, walk 15 minutes to the top of the hill. From there you'll see Urupukapuka Bay Campsite.
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1712349, N6101051
Latitude: -35.21763532, Longitude: 174.23846606
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 |