Cable Bay Campsite

About this campsite

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

How to set up your site

Set up your site so that the mess/gazebo/cooking area is located on the back part of your site with the accommodation at the front. 

Facilities and services

• Camp host from 26 December to Waitangi weekend (6 February). Contact the host by calling +64 27 387 5730.
• Composting toilet.
• 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.
• Conservation centre in Otehei Bay, 26 December to 6 February every year.

The conservation centre has historical info about the island, info about project island song, info about bottlenose dolphin’s in the Bay of Islands. It also serves as a base for children's’ activity days and a pop-up library.

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

Non-powered/tent sites, Shower - cold, Water from tap - not treated, boil before use, Toilets - non-flush, Toilets, Water supply

Activities

Bird and wildlife watching, Diving and snorkelling, Walking and tramping

Fees and bookings

Fees

9 February to 25 December

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

26 December to 8 February

• Adult (18+ years): $20 per night
• Child (5–17 years): $10 per night
• Infant (0–4 years): free

Passes

The 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 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 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.

More details

Access: Boat

Landscape: Coastal

Dogs: No dogs.

Sites: 0 powered, 20 unpowered

Trails

Cable Bay Campsite can be accessed on the trail Urupukapuka Island Loop from our trail directory.