Twilight Campsite
Located in Te Paki Recreation Reserve in the Northland region
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Introduction
Camp overlooking Twilight beach. Only accessible on foot and with minimal facilities, this is the spot for a true wilderness experience.Access
- Foot
Landscape
- Coastal
Facilities
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Shelter for cooking
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Activities
- Bird and wildlife watching
- Diving and snorkelling
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Walking and tramping
Dog access
Twilight Campsite is only accessible by foot and is a perfect place for fishing, walking and relaxing.
The campsite forms part of the Te Paki Coastal Track.
Twilight Campsite is also part of Te Araroa Trail and is the first campsite walkers come to if starting at Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua.
Fees
Free.
- Serviced by DOC rangers occasionally
- Self-registration all year round
Twilight Campsite is located on the western coastline of Te Paki Recreation Reserve and is part of the Te Paki Coastal Track.
From Kaitaia head north on SH1. Follow signposts for Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua if accessing from the north or alternatively, you can access the campsite from Scott's Point to the south via Te Paki Stream.
Tracks to this campsite
Location
Latitude: -34.46177629, Longitude: 172.69840584
The tracks to this campsite are best suited to people with good fitness. Although this is a coastal track, the track is not flat. The track is well formed or follows sections of beach with several long climbs up to ridges which go up and down over the undulations in the landscape.
What to bring
Adequate preparation and equipment is needed. Bring all the usual tramping/camping gear, and the following:
- Tide charts - check the tide times as sections of tracks can have waves wash over them during high tides and rough seas.
- Topographical map.
- Insect repellent (especially in summer).
- Sunscreen/hat/sunglasses.
- Consider carrying an antihistamine/epipen as there are large numbers of wasps in places along the track and in campsites.
- Plenty of drinking water (several litres) as streams/water supplies may be dried up in summer, please conserve water.
- Water filter/purification tablets or gas cooker for boiling water.
Clean your gear before and after your stay
Always clean your equipment (shoes/camping gear/cars) before and after trips. This will minimise the risk of spreading invasive pests, weeds, and diseases.
Be fire safe
Fire is a real risk for the reserve and your safety. No fireworks, paper/sky lanterns or open fires are permitted at any time of year. Gas/contained flame cookers are allowed. Maintain a 3-metre distance between groups to reduce the possible spread of fire.
What to bring
Adequate preparation and equipment is needed. Bring all the usual tramping/camping gear, and the following:
- insect repellent (especially in summer)
- consider carrying an antihistamine/EpiPen as there are wasps in the campsites
- water filter/purification tablets or gas cooker for boiling water
- sunscreen/hat/sunglasses.
Clean your gear before and after your stay
Always clean your equipment (shoes/camping gear/cars) before and after trips. This will minimise the risk of spreading invasive pests, weeds, and diseases.
Safety
- weather can be changeable with sudden downpours of rain increasing stream levels this may delay your progress be prepared to stay longer than intended
- tracks may be slippery in wet weather, and larger streams may be uncrossable
- you may not be able to cross some streams at around high tide and you may need to wait for the tide to recede
- there is limited mobile reception in Te Paki – tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back
- there are plenty of mosquitoes and sandflies – make sure your tent is mosquito proof and carry insect repellent
- do not leave your vehicle unattended while walking the track thefts has occurred in this area
- the coastal areas of New Zealand is susceptible to Tsunamis, make yourself familiar with information at site and plan your escape route
- wasp numbers are high from January through to April, carry antihistamine cream or tablets as a precaution. Cover food and keep lids on sweet drinks. Wear light-coloured clothing as wasps are more likely to attack dark-coloured objects if their nest is disturbed
- beware rogue waves or ocean surges when fishing or walking near the coast.
Be fire safe
Fire is a real risk for the reserve and your safety. No fireworks, paper/sky lanterns or open fires are permitted at any time of year. Gas/contained flame cookers are allowed. Maintain a 3-metre distance between groups to reduce the possible spread of fire.
Water safety
Be aware that the beach is a challenging place for swimming and can be dangerous. There are rough seas, strong currents and it gets deep quickly.
The nearest surf lifesaving and coastguard stations are over an hour away, so if you get into trouble it can take a long time to get help.
If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.
Feral dogs in Te Paki Recreation Reserve
Feral dogs have been sighted near the Te Paki Coastal Track around Twilight Beach and Scott’s Point including 90 Mile Beach. We advise you:
- do not walk the area alone
- do not approach any dogs
- do not leave food or scraps that may attract scavenging by dogs
- report any sightings to Far North District Council Dog Control 0800 920 029 if safe to do so – GPS coordinates and photos are helpful.
No domestic animals
No domestic animals are allowed in the Te Paki Recreation Reserve (including tracks and campsites). This includes dogs, cats, birds, goats, sheep or horses. If you have a certified disability assist dog, please carry evidence of the certification with you at all times.
Twilight Campsite is a great spot to experience nature.
Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairau
The famous landmark Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua sits at the tip of the Te Paki Recreation Reserve. This highly significant area to Māori marks the point where wairua (spirit) return to their traditional homeland.
Te Paki sand dunes
Te Paki sand dunes are a series of giant dunes. This is a popular stop for people visiting Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua and 90 Mile Beach. You can walk on the dunes – it is a lovely place to enjoy the scenery.
Contacts
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| kaitaia@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |