Maitai Bay Campsite

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No bookings – first come/first served.

Walk around the coast or relax on the picturesque white sandy beach.

The campsite serves as a handy starting point for a number of short walks as well as a longer beach walk - all suitable for family groups. Get stunning views from the Fig Tree Track or walk along the Maitai Bay Headland Track. There is walking access from Karikari beach to Rangiputa along the coastal marginal strip. Start at the Karikari Bay Track and then head south-west along the beach to Puwheke, and along Rangiputa. This takes approximately 2-3 hours. Before setting out please contact your local DOC office for an update on the condition of the tracks.

A day use area and boat launching facilities are available. Enjoy fishing, diving, snorkelling and swimming at the beach, a short walk away from the campsite. Explore historic sites. Keep an eye out for endangered bird species like the New Zealand dotterel and oystercatcher. If you find a nesting area, do not disturb and take special care.

There are many areas of spiritual and cultural significance within the general vicinity of the camp. Of particular significance is the headland on Maitai Point between the two beaches that are accessible from the camp. Access around the rocks for fishing is permissible, but local iwi would prefer people stay away from the elevated parts of this point.

• Mosquitoes prolific ‚Äì take insect repellent.
• Always thoroughly clean your equipment (cars, shoes, camping gear etc) before and after trips to minimise spreading invasive pests, weeds and diseases.
• No fires at any time.
• No fireworks at any time.
• No domestic animals permitted in campground.
• No rubbish bins on site. During peak season December to February, rubbish is collected daily (as per council fees per bag - subject to change). At all other times, remove your rubbish. 'Take in, take out' policy. Food scraps attract vermin.
• Nearest rubbish transfer station located at Whatuwhiwhi (1 km past the Whatuwhiwhi garage).
• No vehicles on beach except for boat launching.
• See the Maitai Bay campsite rules.
• Northland reserve bylaws apply to Maitai Bay Recreation Reserve.

In Aotearoa New Zealand DOC is focussed on protecting our nature, history and culture. We want to show visitors to public conservation land how to visit the Kiwi way.