Last Updated: 27th Jul 2026

I've been there Been there

Sunset Bay Campsite

This is a private and secluded campsite with stunning coastal surrounds. Relax on the beach, swim, kayak, fish or explore the nearby walking tracks.

Northland, New Zealand

Campsite DOC Urupukapuka Island Recreation Reserve

Last Updated: 27th Jul 2026

I've been there Been there

Yes

10m

-35.22622, 174.23148

Sunset Bay Campsite

Campsite Map

About this campsite

Sunset Bay is the smallest campsite on Urupukapuka Island:

  • Number of tent sites: 2
  • Maximum number of people: 8

.

Facilities and services

  • Camp host from 26 December to Waitangi weekend (6 February). Contact the host by phoning +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 and bottlenose dolphins. It also serves as a base for children's’ activity days and a pop-up library.

Facilities

Non-powered/tent sites, 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, 2 unpowered

Trails

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

Campsite Notes

Tips and tricks for staying here. Feel free to submit brief trip notes of your own to share with others.

Be the first to add notes for Sunset Bay Campsite!

Login to submit a trip note

You and Sunset Bay Campsite

As a VIP member you can record private notes for this campsite and track when you've stayed.

Register Now

Already have an account? Login now

Trail Running Community

Find people who are interested in this campsite.

You must register or login to view this feature.

Register Now

Other huts & campsites nearby

This page includes information sourced from the Department of Conservation (DOC) and is reused under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence (CC BY 4.0). Only the original DOC content is covered by this licence. Content, images and features created by Wild Things are not. See DOC’s copyright notice for their full licence terms.

View the original DOC page

Wild Things
Wild Things
Explore more

Plan smarter, stay motivated, track your progress, and unlock the full Wild Things experience — while saving along the way.