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Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite

No reviews yet · ~NZD 18 / night (typical night)$$$$$ · Department of Conservation
0800 837 254[email protected]

Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) is a conservation campsite situated in Te Paki Recreation Reserve north of Kaitaia, Northland, accessible via a 16 km gravel road from Waitiki Landing. The site offers a picturesque setting between a sandy beach (5-minute walk) and native forest hills, making it ideal for beach activities and tramping. Facilities include beach access and motorhome dump stations at nearby locations; water requires filtration, purification, or boiling. The campsite is managed by DOC with local iwi Ngāti Kuri and operates year-round with peak season management December to February and at Easter. (via official site)

Tents Caravans / RV Car access

Rates & prices

Prices as published on Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite’s official website (NZD).

ItemPrice
Adults18 years and overNZD 18 per night
Children5–17 yearsNZD 9 per night
Infants0–4 yearsfree

Key facts

At-a-glance details for Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite, from its official website.

Booking & season

SeasonYear-round; peak season 15 Dec–7 Feb
Payment methodCashless only (Eftpos, credit card, electronic transfers)
Peak season dates15 December to 7 February
Manager presenceOn-site December–February and Easter; limited hours off-season

Prices & discounts

DOC Campsite PassNot accepted at this campsite

Facilities & services

WaterRequires filtration, purification, or boiling
RubbishNo bins on-site; daily collection during peak season (Dec 15–Feb 7) for a fee; off-season is 'take in, take out'
Motorhome dump stationsAvailable at SH1/Te Paki Stream Road and Kaitaia's Te Ahu Centre

Activities & family

Nearby activitiesSurfing, fishing, swimming, walking, day trips to Cape Reinga, Te Paki Coastal Track (4–5 day tramp)

Location & access

GPS coordinatesE1587447, N6190362 (NZTM2000)

Rules & policies

Not allowedDomestic animals (except certified disability assist dogs), open fires, fireworks, paper/sky lanterns, watercraft (not recommended due to dangerous conditions)
Fire safety spacing3-metre spacing required between groups

Good to know

Insect hazardHigh wasp activity January–April; insect repellent and antihistamine/EpiPen recommended
Mobile receptionStrong limitations on mobile coverage

Opening hours & schedules

Reception, gate and facility hours for Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite.

Reception (peak season)07:00–19:00
Reception (off-season)08:00–12:00

Facilities & details

Amenities and on-site features reported for Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite.

Fee
Price15 NZD/night
Reservationrequired
Tents
Caravans / RV
Toilets
Drinking wateruntreated
Showers
Power
Internet
Dogs

Know before you go

Practical things to prepare for a trip to Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite.

Location

Where Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite sits on the map and how to get there.

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What’s nearby

Shops, drinking water, fuel and attractions within reach of the site.

🏞️ Attractions

Maungapiko Hill (165 m)Summits & peaks

hill in New Zealand

0.1 km · ~2 min walkDirections ↗
Te Horo BeachBeaches & swimming

beach in Far North District, New Zealand

0.4 km · ~5 min walkDirections ↗
Puketapu Hill (250 m)Summits & peaks

hill in the Far North District, New Zealand

0.9 km · ~11 min walkDirections ↗
The Pinnacle (279 m)
The Pinnacle (279 m)Summits & peaks

hill in the Northland Region, New Zealand

8.5 km · ~26 min driveDirections ↗
Whangākea BeachBeaches & swimming

Beach in New Zealand

24 km · ~44 min driveDirections ↗

🛒 Amenities & services

🛒 Groceries

Fuel

🍽️ Food & drink

🚻 Toilets & showers

🎾 Sports

Weather

Current conditions and the forecast to help you plan your trip.

Best time to visit

Typical monthly temperature and rainfall at Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite.

Good to know

Quick answers to common questions about Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite.

How do I book a site?

Booking is required and must be made through kapowairua.nz. Payment is cashless only: Eftpos, credit card, or electronic transfers.

Are pets allowed?

No domestic animals are allowed except certified disability assist dogs with proof of certification.

Can I have a campfire or open fire?

No open fires, fireworks, paper lanterns, or sky lanterns are permitted at any time. Gas or contained flame cookers are allowed.

What are the contact hours?

Peak season (15 Dec–7 Feb): 7 am–7 pm. Off-season: 8 am–12 pm. Camp managers are on-site Dec–Feb and Easter.

How do I access the campsite?

From Waitiki Landing, travel 16 km on a gravel road via Te Hapua Road and Spirits Bay Road. The beach is a 5-minute walk from the campsite.

How much does it cost to camp at Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite?

The posted price is 15 NZD/night.

Do I need to book ahead for Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite?

Yes, a reservation is required. You can check availability on the official website.

Can I bring an RV or caravan to Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite?

Yes, caravans and RVs are welcome.

Can I pitch a tent at Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite?

Yes, tent camping is allowed.

Is there drinking water at Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite?

Yes, drinking water is available.

Are there toilets at Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite?

Yes, toilets are available on site.

Are showers available at Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite?

Yes, showers are available.

Are there electrical hookups at Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite?

No electrical hookups are available.

Is there WiFi at Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite?

No, there's no internet access on site.

Are dogs allowed at Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite?

No, dogs are not allowed.

Who runs Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite?

Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite is operated by Department of Conservation.

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