Conservation Campsites in Northland

ConservationCampsites

NORTHLAND

DOC manages more than 200 campsites throughout New Zealand and 13 locations in Northland. They are places to relax, enjoy and explore the outdoors.

The DOC camps are great fun and tend to attract more down to earth people looking for a more genuine camping experience. DOC campsites are often in some of the best locations around the country, and especially in Northland. DOC sites are often described as quite basic, offering ‘back to nature’ style accommodation and facilities – and this is reflected in the price with adults generally $13 a night. In the top 10 list of most popular DOC campsites, Northland takes out three of the top spots – Otamure Bay, Puriri Bay and Uretiti Beach – and it’s not hard to see why. For more information please visit: www.doc.govt.nz

1. TAPOTUPOTU

STANDARD 45

Relax at New Zealand’s northern most campsite; go surfing or walk the Te Paki Coastal Track. Directions:Camp located at the end ofTapotupotuRd offCape Reinga Rd (SH1),3 kmsouth of CapeReinga. Access:Gravel,steep sections Booking:Required Note:Takecarein thewater as the beach may be dangerous.

2. KAPOWAIRUA (SPIRITS BAY)

STANDARD 45

Camp in a picturesque setting, and swim or walk the tracks.

Directions:Follow signpostsfrom Waitiki landing, offSH1,for 16km alongTeHapuaRdand then Spirits BayRd Access:16km of gravel Booking:Required Note:Takecarein thewater as the beach may be dangerous.

3. RARAWA

5. OTAMURE BAY (WHANANAKI)

STANDARD 65

Camp among trees behind the white sand beach; go surfing and fishing.

Directions:3km north of Ngataki along SH1 turn into Rarawa BeachRoad Access:4km of gravel Booking:Required Note:Takecarein thewater as the beach may be dangerous.

4 4. URETITI

H

SCENIC 130 6. PUKETI

Camp in a beach-front setting with large pohutukawa trees for shade. Directions:GopastHikurangi on SH1, turn ofatWhananaki North Road and travel 27km. Campsite is 4kmpastWhananaki shop and school Access:Sealed Booking:Essentialover summer, www.doc.govt.nz SCENIC 300

Camp behind the sand dunes at Uretiti Beach and explore the nearby Waipu Caves or walk the coastal track at Mangawhai Heads.

Directions:Signposted directly offSH1 Access:Sealed Booking:Essentialover summer, www.doc.govt.nz

STANDARD 20

Camp close to kauri trees and look out for kiwi and shorttailed bats. An 18-bunk hut is also available Directions:Turn offSH10at Pungaere Rd, 600m north of Waipapa andfollow signstothe campAccess:1.7km of gravel Note:Fires only allowed in the firepits provided. No fires in Prohibited season.

TAKE TIME OUT TO VISIT

Gift Vouchers available for the Café & Gallery

Open for: • Breakfast • Lunch • Delicious Cakes • Paintings • Glass Works • Carvings • Jewellery • Sculptures • Ceramics • Gift Vouchers 1392 Old Russell Rd, Hikurangi Phone/Fax: Gallery 09 433 9616 or Café 09 433 9934 www.galleryhelenabay.co.nz www.facebook/galleryhelenabay

Open 7 days from 10am

Campsites 7– 9 are on Urupukapuka, an island of significant historical, cultural and ecological importance. As you will be camping on a pest free island, please be sure to check all camping gear for any pests (particularly rodents, Argentine ants, plague skinks) when you are packing for your trip.

Directions:FerriestoOtehei Bay leave from Paihia and Russell daily during the peak season,water taxis runyearround, or arrive by privateboat Information& booking:PhonePaihia i-SITE on (09) 402 7345, book online during peak season or phone the DOC office on (09) 407 0300.Access:Boatonly

URUPUKAPUKAISLAND

7. URUPUKAPUKA ISLAND

SCENIC 60

Urupukapuka Bay Campsite is the largest campsite on the island. Tent sites are along the beach front.

Directions:From Otehei Bay Wharf end, turn rightatthe end of the wharf andfollow the track towards the southwest end of the island, about 30 min

12. WAIKAHOA BAY

Overlooking the mouth of the Whangaruru Harbour, with sheltered waters for swimming and boating.

Directions:Turn offSH1 into RussellRd, 15 km north of Whangārei. After 30 km (north of Ngaiotonga), turn into Whangaruru NorthRd. Access:Sealed. Booking:Essentialover summer, www.doc.govt.nz Note:There islimited hardstand parking availableyearround.

SERVICED 12

Camp among pohutukawa trees beside a sandy beach. Look out for rare brown teal/pateke

8. SUNSET BAY

SCENIC 2

Sunset Bay is the smallest campsite on Urupukapuka Island.

Directions:From Otehei Bay Wharf end, turn rightatthe end of the wharf andfollow the tracktowards the southwest end of the island, about 30 min

9. CABLE BAY

SCENIC 20

Tent sites are a mix of beach front and pohutukawa shade.

Directions:From Otehei Bay Wharf end, turn right andfollow the track towards the southern end of the island, about 30min. Directions:From Whangārei, turn offSH1atWhakapara into RussellRd. Turn rightatHelena Bay into WebbRd. Continueto Mimiwhangata Coastal Park turn off Access:9km narow, winding gravel road not suitablefor campervans andlargevehicles Booking:Essentialover summer, www.doc.govt.nz

13. TROUNSON KAURI PARK SERVICED 8

Nestled on the edge of an ancient kauri forest. “Shh... can you hear that? It’s a kiwi!”

H Directions:Turn offSH12at TrounsonParkRoad, 35km north of Dargaville Access:Sealed from South, gravel from North

GIFTS FOR THE HARD TO BUY FOR

Gift Vouchers available for the Café & Gallery

Open for: • Breakfast • Lunch • Delicious Cakes • Paintings • Glass Works • Carvings • Jewellery • Sculptures • Ceramics

1392 Old Russell Rd, Hikurangi Phone/Fax: Gallery 09 433 9616 or Café 09 433 9934 www.galleryhelenabay.co.nz www.facebook/galleryhelenabay

Open 7 days from 10am