Urupukapuka Bay Campsite

Image: Bev Bacon

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.

Video

Campsite overview

Access

  • Boat

Landscape

  • Coastal

Category

  • Category
Scenic

Bookings

  • Bookings

Bookings required

Facilities

  • Non-powered/tent sites
  • Shower - cold
  • Toilets - non-flush
  • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
60 non-powered/tent sites

Activities

  • Bird and wildlife watching
  • Diving and snorkelling

Seasonal restrictions

Fires are not permitted at any time.

Dog access

No dogs
  • 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 hygiene station when you enter and leave.
    • Always stay on the track.

    How you can help save kauri

  • Check you are pest-free

    Check, clean, and seal your gear to ensure you don't bring pests, soil, and seeds.

    See island biosecurity requirements.

About this campsite

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

  • Composting toilet.
  • Camp host from 26 December to Waitangi weekend (6 February).
  • A rubbish barge operates every 2-3 days from Boxing Day to Waitangi weekend. Campers are responsible for taking their rubbish to the barge ($5 per bag) or taking it back to a mainland refuse station. Outside this period, campers must take their rubbish back to the mainland.
  • 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.

Getting there

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: visit Northland New Zealand or email paihia@fndc.govt.nz

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

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 cannot be used at this campsite.

Backcountry Hut Passes cannot be used at this campsite.

DOC/NZMCA campsite passes cannot be used at this campsite.

Bookings

Bookings required.

This is a popular campsite and gets fully booked over summer. Give others a chance to stay here, and only book one site per tent.

Book Urupukapuka Bay Campsite online or contact Pewhairangi / Bay of Islands Office.

Activities

See activities on Urupukapuka Island

Know before you go

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, eg 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.

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
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