Urupukapuka Bay Campsite
Standard campsiteLocated in Urupukapuka Island Recreation Reserve, NorthlandOpen
Current advisories
Sunset Bay and Urupukapuka Bay campsites closed
03 May 2026
Sunset Bay and Urupukapuka Bay campsites are closed for maintenance. First published on 10 April 2026. Last reviewed on 4 May 2026.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai alerts.
- Sites
- 60
- Booking
- Can book
- Cost
- from $18
- Power
- None
- Shower
- Yes
- Toilet
- Non-flush
- Drinking water
- Boil first
- Dogs
- No dogs
Getting there
We have not checked a road end or car park for this place yet, so we do not give driving directions to it. Check how to get there before you go. Some routes cross private land and need the landowner's permission.
How to get there, on doc.govt.nzWater 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:
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.
From Otehei Bay, walk 15 minutes to the top of the hill. From there you'll see Urupukapuka Bay Campsite.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Map
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Topo map: LINZ, CC BY 4.0. 35.21764° S, 174.23847° E
About this place
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.
Know before you go
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 .
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Fees and bookings
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 are open for stays up to 30 June 2027. If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked. No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking. Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee. Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain. Book Urupukapuka Bay Campsite online Book well in advance for the peak period from 1 December - 28 February and for public holiday weekends. Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.
Source: DOC Te Papa Atawhai.
Nearby stops
Cable Bay Campsite
Standard • Northland • 1.1 km
Cable Bay Campsite is a sheltered coastal campsite in Northland. It offers a beach setting suitable for swimming, kayaking, fishing, and exploring nearby…
Non-powered/tent sites • Shower - cold • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Sunset Bay Campsite
Standard • Northland • 1.1 km
Sunset Bay Campsite is a private and secluded campsite in Northland with coastal surrounds. It offers access to a beach for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, as…
Non-powered/tent sites • Water from tap - not treated, boil before use • Toilets - non-flush
Cape Brett Hut
Serviced • 23 bunks • Northland • 9.8 km
Cape Brett Hut is a serviced 23-bunk hut located in the Bay of Islands area of Northland. The accommodation is a converted lighthouse keeper's house situated…
Cooking • Mattresses • Toilets - non-flush
Orongo Bay Holiday Park
Northland • 10.8 km
Orongo Bay Holiday Park is a campsite located in Northland. The available records provide no further details regarding specific facilities or amenities at this…
Russell Top10 Holiday Park
Northland • 11.3 km
Russell Top10 Holiday Park is a campsite located in Northland. No further details are available in the provided records.
Walks nearby
Contact
Hut and campsite bookings
Regional DOC service centre.
Notes from people who have been
No notes yet. If you have been, say what you found.
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Sources
- DOC Campsites (API) · CC BY 4.0Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai. Data sourced from the DOC Developer Portal (api.doc.govt.nz).
- DOC Campsites · CC BY 4.0Data sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC), New Zealand.
- OpenStreetMap Campsites · ODbL (Open Database License)Contains information from OpenStreetMap, made available under the ODbL.