Urupukapuka Bay Campsite

About this campsite

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
• Cattle Yard: maximum 20 people, 5 tent sites

Set up your site with the mess/gazebo/cooking area at the back of your site, and the accommodation at the front.

Facilities and services

• Camp host from 26 December to – contact +64 27 387 5730
• Composting toilet
• Limited mobile coverage on the island
• Restaurant/cafe in Otehei Bay
• Russell is the closest town for shops and other services
• Conservation centre in Otehei Bay from 26 December to 6 February every year, that's used as a base for children's activity days and a pop-up library

Rubbish

A rubbish barge operates every 2 days each week from Boxing Day to Waitangi weekend. You'll need to pay to use the rubbish barge.

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At other times, you must take your rubbish back to the mainland.

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

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, 60 unpowered

Trails

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