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Sunset Bay Campsite

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Sunset Bay Campsite

Urupukapuka Island

4.8 1 review

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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.

Situated on a pest free island, so please leave your rats at home! From Otehei Bay, turn right at the end of the wharf and follow the archaelogical walk towards the southwest end of the island which takes about 30 mins.

Notices

  • Bay of Islands campsite closures from 10 April

    The following campsites are closed due to effects of Cyclone Vaianu:

    • Puketī Recreation Area Campsite
    • Sunset Bay Campsite
    • Urupukapuka Bay Campsite

    These closures will be reassessed Friday 17 April.

    First published on 10 April 2026.

Accommodation

DOC Campsite Pricing

Sunset Bay Campsite is categorised as a DOC Standard Campsite. The following pricing indicates usual pricing. Prices vary for some campsites and may include seasonal pricing. Visit the DOC website for exact pricing.

DOC Standard Campsite

Standard campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services than Serviced campsites. These campsites have toilets, a water supply that could be treated or untreated tap water, or from a stream or lake, and vehicle or boat access. Bring your own soap for washing hands. Untreated water should be boiled before use to ensure it's safe. Wood BBQs and fireplaces, cold showers, picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided; this will vary from site to site.

Feature Value Value
Unpowered Site Adult $15.00 to $20.00 per night
Unpowered Site Child $7.50 to $10.00 per night
Unpowered Site Infant $0.00 per night

Adults are 18+ years, children are 5-17 years, infants are 0-4 years.

Details

Feature Value Info

Organisation

DOC Northland

Central government organisation

Location

North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Russell

Categories
  • Activity__basic_facility_campingBasic Camping

Operating Season And Hours

The campsite operates year-round, with bookings required. Specific services like a camp host, rubbish barge, and conservation centre are available from 26 December to Waitangi weekend (6 February). Passenger ferries run daily during the peak summer season, while water taxis operate year-round, weather permitting. Online same-day bookings are available until 8 pm.

Directions

To Coordinates

Coordinates

-35.2236057451088

174.235525131226

Latitude
-35.2236057451088
Longitude
174.235525131226

Websites
Feature Value Info

Overnight Camping Site Cost

  • Medium Cost Camping Medium Cost Camping

Overnight Camping Site Cost

What is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight?

Medium Cost Camping

Medium Cost Camping

Standard facilities of powered sites and hot showers can be expected. Price is per person per night, based on a powered site for two people.

Overnight Stay Rules

  • Camping and any vehicle Camping and any vehicle

Overnight Stay Rules

What are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite?

Camping and any vehicle

Camping and any vehicle

You are permitted to stay overnight and camp (with a tent) or in any vehicle.

Access is only by boat. You can catch a passenger vessel from Paihia or Russell

Campsite Managing Organisation

  • DOC Managed DOC Managed

Campsite Managing Organisation

What type of organisation operates this campsite?

DOC Managed

DOC Managed

This campsite is managed by the Department of Conservation. DOC is a New Zealand government organisation.

Original

Maximum Sites Available

  • Up to 5 sites

Maximum Sites Available

How many camping or parking sites are available for staying overnight in?

Up to 5 sites

There are only between one and five camping/parking sites available.

Water Supply

  • Water supply available

Water Supply

Is there fresh water available?

Water supply available

A supply of fresh water is available.

Booking Required

  • Booking is Required

Booking Required

Is it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight?

Booking is Required

Staying overnight requires booking a site in advance.

Online bookings here - http://booking.doc.govt.nz/

Dogs

  • No dogs allowed No dogs allowed

Dogs

Does this establishment allow dogs?

No dogs allowed

No dogs allowed

The location does not allow dogs under normal conditions. Their may be be exceptions granted under specific circumstances eg. guide dogs.

Vehicle Access

  • No vehicle access

Vehicle Access

Can vehicles drive in?

No vehicle access

This location is not accessible in a vehicle.

Access is only by boat. You can catch a passenger vessel from Paihia or Russell

DOC Campsite Category

  • DOC Standard Campsite

DOC Campsite Category

What category does this Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite fall into?

DOC Standard Campsite

Department of Conservation Standard Campsites have a more limited range of facilities and services. Toilets (usually composting or pit variety) water supply (tap, stream, or lake) and vehicle or boat access. Wood barbeques and fireplaces, showers (cold), picnic tables, a cooking shelter and rubbish bins may be provided. Standard Campsites generally can not be booked.

Campfire Rules

  • Fires prohibited

Campfire Rules

What are the rules for open air fires?

Fires prohibited

There is a total fire ban -no fires are permitted.

Toilet

  • Public toilet

Toilet

Is there a toilet available?

Public toilet

There are toilet facilities available to the general public.

Reviews

  • Tiny campsite with space for about 2 tents right on the beach.

    The beach is beautiful with safe swimming and rocks to fish off. We arrived with the ferry and another party arrived with kayaks hired in Paihia. A truly peaceful spot.

    Reviewed over 3 years ago and experienced in February 2011

    delphine's avatar

    delphine