Image: Bev Bacon
Urupukapuka Bay Campsite.
Urupukapuka Bay Campsite

Located in Urupukapuka Island Recreation Reserve in the Northland region

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.

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)

Set up your site with the mess/gazebo/cooking area at the back of your site, and the accommodation at the front.

Facilities and services

  • Camp host from 26 December to Waitangi weekend – contact +64 27 387 5730
  • Composting toilet
  • Limited mobile coverage on the island
  • Restaurant/cafe in Otehei Bay
  • Russell is the closest town for shops and other services
  • Conservation centre in Otehei Bay from 26 December to 6 February every year, that's used as a base for children's activity days and a pop-up library

Rubbish

A rubbish barge operates every 2 days each week from Boxing Day to Waitangi weekend. You'll need to pay to use the rubbish barge.

Rubbish location, cost and times.

At other times, you must take your rubbish back to the mainland.

Fees

9 February to 25 December

  • Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

26 December to 8 February

  • Adult (18+ years): $18 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $9 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

Passes

The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite. 

Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book. 

Bookings

Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025.

All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.

Book Urupukapuka Bay Campsite online

Bookings are required all year. Book well in advance for the peak period from 1 December - 28 February and for public holiday weekends.

A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.

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 isite 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. See Explore's website for sailing times and to book.

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

To get to Urupukapuka Island you need to go through Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary. Before you go check the restrictions for this marine mammal sanctuary.

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.

Marine mammals

Urupukapuka Island is within Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary. Restrictions apply to different activities such as boating, swimming, and diving.

If you see a marine mammal you need to follow the restrictions for this marine mammal sanctuary.

Water safety

If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.