Urupukapuka Bay Campsite
Located in Urupukapuka Island Recreation Reserve in the Northland region
Introduction
Set in stunning coastal surrounds, this is a great place for families to relax on the beach, swim, kayak, fish or explore the nearby walking tracks.Highlights
Access
- Boat
Landscape
- Coastal
Facilities
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Shower - cold
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Activities
- Bird and wildlife watching
- Diving and snorkelling
Seasonal restrictions
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Dog access
Urupukapuka Bay Campsite is the largest campsite on the island. Tent sites are along the beach front and are divided into four zones:
- Oyster Catcher: maximum 80 people, 20 tent sites
- NZ Dotterel: maximum 80 people, 20 tent sites
- Kukupa: maximum 60 people, 15 tent sites
- Cattle Yard: maximum 20 people, 5 tent sites
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.
Facilities and services
- Camp host from 26 December to Waitangi weekend. Contact the host by phoning +64 27 379 1445.
- Composting toilet.
- There is limited mobile coverage on the island. 021 and 027 coverage is available on some parts of the island.
- Restaurant/cafe located in Otehei Bay.
- Russell is the closest town for shops and other services.
- Conservation centre in Otehei Bay, 26 December to 6 February every year.
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.
Rubbish
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.
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Passes
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays from 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022.
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.
Getting to Urupukapuka Island
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:
- 30 minutes from Waitangi boat ramp on Te Karuwha Parade
- 15 minutes from Te Uenga Bay beach ramp on Russell Road
- 10 minutes from Kaimarama Bay boat ramp at the end of Rawhiti Road
- 45 minutes from Opito Bay and Doves Bay
Getting to Urupukapuka Bay Campsite
From Otehei Bay, walk 15 minutes to the top of the hill. From there you'll see Urupukapuka Bay Campsite.
Location
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:
- do not fly drones
- do not light fires – take a gas cooker and gas
- do not use generators
- dispose of matches and lit cigarettes responsibly
- take your rubbish off the islands – it is only collected every few days in summer
- drink responsibly
- keep all animals, such as dogs, cats, rats, stoats, Argentine ants, plague (rainbow) skinks, off these pest-free islands
- only camp in the official campsites on Urupukapuka Island
- do not use foul, abusive, indecent, or obscene language
- do not disturb stock
- keep noise levels down – no loud parties or amplifier systems, radios and portable generators that might annoy others
- do not deliberately obstruct, disturb, or interfere with anyone else’s use or enjoyment.
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.
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.
Check you are pest-free
Check, clean, and seal your gear to ensure you don't bring pests, soil, and seeds.
Contacts
| 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 | |