The heart of historic New Zealand, the site of early human occupation of Aotearoa NZ and the place where cultures meet, collided, got up to mischief and signed a treaty. A place where summer holidays are characterised by beaches, swimming, BBQ and coastal walks. There is opportunity to linger in local cafes and check out emerging artists in the various galleries. Waitangi, Russell, Paihia and Kerikeri have been welcoming visitors for centuries. A place many New Zealanders call our cultural heartbeat.
1. BAY OF ISLANDS HOLIDAY PARK
@bayofislandsholidaypark
Bay of Islands Holiday Park – a great location for kids the 4.2 hectare Holiday Park has mature trees providing shade and the Waitangi River running along one boundary for safe swimming and kayaking up to the Lilypond Falls. The Park hires kayaks to paddle upstream to a tarzan swing, Lilypond waterfalls and great swimming hole. Powered and non-powered tent sites, cabins, chalets and motel units. The grounds have space to have a sense of privacy.
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What to do nearby Bay of Islands Holiday Park:
- Kayak to Lilypond Falls
- Swim in Waitangi River
- Fish n chips on Paihia Beach
2. FALLS MOTEL AND WATERFRONT CAMPGROUND
@Falls Motel & Waterfront Campground
The Waterfront Campground is situated on the water’s edge facing Haruru Falls with its own private beach. The facilities are a little tired however there is no charge for hot showers and have free use of gas BBQ’s and Wifi. Kayak hire is available. There is an adjacent motel complex above the campgrounds. To book for for further details check out Paihia Accommodation, Falls Motel & Waterfront Campground.
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What to do nearby Falls Motel:
- Swim at local beach
- Horse trekking
- Haruru Falls walkway exploration
3. PAIHIA TOP 10 HOLIDAY PARK
@Paihia Top 10 Holiday Park
Beach front location, located on an inlet as you are entering Paihia. The usual top standard of a TOP10 holiday park with extensive grounds planted with mature trees, shrubs and flowers. Non-powered, powered sites, cabins, chalets and motel units.
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What to do nearby Paihia Top 10 holiday park:
- Paihia to Opua coastal walkway
- Cruise to Hole in the Rock (Paihia wharf)
- Ake Ake Vineyard and Restaurant
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4. RUSSELL TOP 10 HOLIDAY PARK
@Russell Top 10 Holiday Park
Russell TOP 10 Holiday Park is the only Holiday Park located in Russell. The Park is within 15 minutes walk of Russell cafes, heritage buildings, walks and the beach. The park is located on the hills overlooking Russell and the harbour. Spectacular views make this a family favourite.
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What to do nearby Russell Top 10 holiday park:
- Day trip to Urupukapuka Island
- Fishing charters
- Dinner cruise exploring the Bay of Islands
5. TE TII WAITANGI HOLIDAY PARK
@Waitangi Holiday Park
Glorious location, absolute waterfront as well as virtually within the grounds of the Treaty of Waitangi. There are beaches and boat ramps adjacent to the park. The campsite is large and flat, located on the banks of the Waitangi River and perfect for pitching a tent for a spot of camping or for those with a motorhome. Powered, non-powered tent sites, cabins, chalets and motel units.
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What to do nearby Te Tii Waitangi Holiday Park:
- Treaty grounds Watangi immersion tours
- Explore Paihia shops, galleries and cafes
- Picnic on Paihia beach
6. BAY OF ISLANDS CAMPERVAN PARK
@Bay of Islands Campervan Park
Campervan site only, secluded Olive tree dividers. Unfenced water, lily pond. The closest campervan site to the local supermarket and 10 minutes walk to Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This campervan site does allow PETS although it must be discussed before booking. The campervan operator also offers motel units nearby.
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What to do nearby Bay of Islands Campervan Park:
- Catch the passenger ferry to Russell for a day trip
- Explore coastal walks
- Cape Brett Lighthouse walk
KERIKERI
7. AROHA ISLAND ECO-PARK AND HOLIDAY PARK (Temporarily closed)
@arohaisland
The island is a 12 hectare sanctuary in the Kerikeri Inlet and is a short 12km drive north east of Kerikeri, in the stunning Bay of Islands. A causeway links the island to the mainland, providing convenient vehicle access. It is a natural haven with a wide diversity of New Zealand plants and birds including the rare North Island Brown Kiwi. There is a range of accommodation including our inlet view Aroha Kiwi Holiday Home and two bush cottages Aroha Tui Cottage and Aroha Fantail Cottage and our fabulous beach or bush campgrounds.
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What to do nearby Aroha Island Eco-Park and holiday park:
- Check out Stone Store and Kemp House
- Discover Rewa’s Village
- Kororipo Pa site
8. KERIKERI WAGON WHEEL HOLIDAY PARK
@kerikeriwagonwheelholidaypark
Kerikeri Wagon Wheel Holiday Park is a 10 acres lifestyle block with farm animals and mature trees. The camp grounds are spacious with plantings and trees providing shade and privacy. The facilities are modern and very well maintained. There are non-powered, powered sites, cabins and chalets. The park does not have motel en suite units. There is no swimming pool.
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What to do nearby Kerikeri Wagon Wheel Holiday Park:
- Walk to Rainbow Falls
- Swim at Charles’s Rock, Waipapa Stream.
- Sculpture Park – Art Park. Wharepuke Sculpture Park exploration
DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION
9. WAIKAHOA BAY CONSERVATION CAMPSITE
Waikahoa Bay campsite, New Zealand @DOC / Stephen Wynne Jones
- Waikahoa Bay conservation campsite: Mimiwhangata Coastal Park, Northland region.
- Waikahoa Bay campsite, Mimiwhangata.
- Category: Scenic
- Bookings: Required
- Book Waikahoa Bay Campsite online
Facilities:
- Shower – cold
- Toilets – non-flush
- Water from tap – not treated, boil before use
- 35 non-powered/tent sites
Check DOC resource for up to date information.
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What to do nearby Waikahoa Bay, Mimiwhangata:
- Enjoy kayaking, swimming and relaxing.
- The swimming and diving are superb, and there are some good fishing spots, but check the Marine Park Fishing Regulations.
- Walkways go through neighbouring farmland.
- Mimiwhangata is also a great place for bird watching – it is home to a variety of shorebirds, the endangered brown teal and there are good numbers of kiwi in the surrounding forested areas.
Remember to check DOC regulations for each and every camp site.
10. PURIRI BAY (Whangaruru North Head) CONSERVATION CAMPSITE
Whangaruru campsite, Puriri Bay @DOC / Brandon Koger
- Puriri Bay (Whangaruru North Head) conservation campsite: Whangaruru North Head Scenic Reserve, Northland region.
- Overlooking the mouth of Whangaruru Harbour, this campsite has sheltered waters for swimming and boating activities, and a series of interconnected walks.
- Category: Scenic
- Bookings: Required
- Bookings are required all year. Book well in advance for the busy summer season.
- Book Puriri Bay (Whangaruru North Head) Campsite online.
- A $10 service fee applies to all phone, email and in-person bookings.
- Your booking will be for your chosen site.
Facilities:
- Boat launching
- Shelter for cooking
- Shower – cold
- Toilets – non-flush
- Water from tap – not treated, boil before use
- Wheelchair accessible
- 90 non-powered sites
Check DOC resource for up to date information.
What to do nearby Puriri Bay:
- Walking and tramping
- Whangaruru North Head walking tracks start from the campsite
- Water activities
- The sheltered waters are good for swimming, boating
URUPUKAPUKA ISLAND
Has several Department of Conservation camping sites.
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.
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
When to visit
The busiest time is between Christmas and mid-January and is a popular time for families with children. Advance bookings are essential at this time.
The campsite is quieter from the beginning of February through to Easter.
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
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What to do nearby Urupukapuka Island:
- Relax and enjoy the solitude of spotty mobile service
- Swimming and beach activities
- Walks around the Island
- Urupukapuka Island Recreation Reserve: Places to go in Northland DOC inspiration for your Northland camping holiday
- Project Island SongVisit the Project Island Song visitor centre in Otehei Bay and learn about the restoration of the pest-free islands of Ipipiri (the eastern Bay of Islands)
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11. URUPUKAPUKA BAY CONSERVATION CAMPSITE
Urupukapuka Bay conservation campsite @DOC
- Urupukapuka Bay conservation campsite: Urupukapuka Island Recreation Reserve, Northland.
- Category: Scenic
- Bookings required
Facilities:
- Shower – cold
- Toilets – non-flush
- Water from tap – not treated, boil before use
- 60 non-powered/tent sites
Check DOC resource for up to date information.
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
12. CABLE BAY CONSERVATION CAMPSITE
Cable Bay Campsite @DOC / Bev Bacon
- Cable Bay conservation campsite: Urupukapuka Island Recreation Reserve, Northland region
- Category: Scenic
- Bookings: Required
Facilities:
Tent sites are a mix of beach front and pohutukawa shade.
There are two zones:
- Pohutukawa: maximum 40 people/10 tent sites
- Titoki: maximum 40 people/10 tent sites
- Shower – cold
- Toilets – non-flush
- Water from tap – not treated, boil before use
- 20 non-powered/tent sites
13. SUNSET BAY CAMPSITE
Sunset Bay Campsite, Urupukapuka Island @DOC / tjrehmann
- Category: Scenic
- Bookings: Required
Facilities:
- Shower – cold
- Toilets – non-flush
- Water from tap – not treated, boil before use
2 non-powered/tent sites
Sunset Bay is the smallest campsite on Urupukapuka Island:
- Number of tent sites: 2
- Maximum number of people: 8
Check DOC resource for up to date information.
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