Image: Pierre Roudier
Maitai Bay.
Maitai Bay Campsite

Located in Karikari Peninsula in the Northland region

This Kaitaia area campsite is popular with families. Camp in a sheltered bay nestled amongst beautiful pohutukawa trees.

Maitai Bay Campsite is a picturesque, beachfront campsite on the Karikari peninsula in Northland. There is a grassy area for camping, located beside a white sand beach with rocks at either end to snorkel around.

This campsite is very popular. It is usually full during the Christmas and New Year period, over January, during school holidays and on long weekends (particularly if the weather is good).

Maitai Bay rāhui

In 2017 Te Whānau Moana/Te Rorohuri laid a rāhui over the area to stop all fishing and taking of seafood. This is to allow the area to recover.

You can help by not removing any shellfish or fish from the area. Snorkelling is welcome and a great way to see the positive impact the rāhui is having.

Read more about the Matai Bay rāhui

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $15 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $7.50 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

Fees from 1 July 2025

  • Adult (18+ years): $18 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $9 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free
Passes

The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite. 

How to pay

Christmas to Waitangi weekend

You'll need to pay using cash or EFTPOS to camp managers during the peak period.

Outside of Christmas to Waitangi weekend

You'll need to pay using only cash to the iron ranger at site.

Maitai Bay is located on the outer Karikari Peninsula, on Maitai Bay Road, about 44 km northeast of Kaitaia.

From Kaitaia, head north on SH1 until you reach Awanui, then turn right onto SH10. Continue on SH10 for 14.6 km, then turn left onto Inland Road. Continue along Inland Road for 15 km, then turn left onto Maitai Bay Rd and continue for 5 km. The Maitai Bay Campsite entrance is signposted on your right.

Note: You travel 2 km on a gravel road.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1637275, N6145711
Latitude: -34.82958635, Longitude: 173.40807865

Maitai Bay is a family-friendly campground. Respect other guests and keep noise down. We recommend storing your belongings securely to prevent theft.

The grass gets soft when there has been lots of rain. Test the ground hardness by walking on it before parking your vehicle.

This campsite is very popular

Maitai Bay Campsite is usually full during the Christmas and New Year period, over January, during school holidays and on long weekends (particularly if the weather is good).

If you are planning a trip at these times, have a back-up option in case Maitai Bay Campsite is full. As this campsite is not bookable. 

There is usually plenty of space outside the peak times and the off-season can be a great time to visit Northland.

Fire danger

There is a high level of fire danger on the Karikari Peninsula.

Fireworks, including floating lanterns, are prohibited all year round on the Karikari Peninsula which includes Maitai Bay. Take great care with candles and gas cookers. Open fires are not permitted.

Rubbish

No rubbish bins on site. During the peak season from December to February, rubbish is collected daily (as per council fees per bag – subject to change). At all other times, remove your rubbish. There is a 'take in, take out' policy. Food scraps attract vermin.

Nearest rubbish transfer station located at Whatuwhiwhi (1 km past the Whatuwhiwhi garage).

Northland reserve bylaws apply to Maitai Bay Recreation Reserve.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are prolific – take insect repellent.

No boat launching access

There is no boat launching access at Merita beach. Pedestrian access is still available. There are boat ramp access points at Tokerau beach, Perehipe Bay or Rangiputa.

Safety

The coastal areas of New Zealand is susceptible to Tsunamis, make yourself familiar with information at site and plan your escape route.

Water safety

If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.

Check the weather before you go

Before heading out, check the weather forecast: Northland Regional Forecast – MetService.

No horses

No horses allowed at this campsite.

Vehicle restricted areas on beaches

Rules for vehicle access on beaches has changed in several place around Northland/ Te Tai Tokerau. This means you can no longer drive on the beach in some places in this area. See Northland Regional Council’s website for more information and a map of where vehicles are not allowed.

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

Tracks and walks

The campsite is a handy starting point for some family friendly walks. Walk along the Maitai Bay  Headland Track for scenic views of Waikato Bay and Maitai Bay. Take a longer walk from Karikari beach to Rangiputa along the coastal marginal strip via the Karikari Bay Track.

Other activities

Enjoy diving, snorkelling and swimming at the beach, a short walk away from the campsite. Note: A rahui is in place so fishing is not permitted.

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.

Cultural significance of the area

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 is permitted, but local iwi would prefer people stay away from the elevated parts of this point.