Pandora Campsite
Located in Te Paki Recreation Reserve in the Northland region
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Introduction
Camp in a picturesque setting in beautiful Pandora bay. Only accessible on foot and with minimal facilities, this is the spot for those seeking a true wilderness experience.Access
- Foot
Landscape
- Coastal
Facilities
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Shelter for cooking
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Activities
- Bird and wildlife watching
- Diving and snorkelling
- Fishing
- Swimming
- Walking and tramping
Seasonal restrictions
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Dog access
A perfect place for fishing and relaxing.
Check out the rock pools above the campsite by following the track toward Tapotupotu. Follow the track for a few minutes until you get to the sign directing you down a short path to the stream and pools.
Pandora Campsite is only accessible via foot walking the Te Paki Coastal Track or Pandora Track.
Fees
Free.
- Serviced by DOC rangers occasionally
- Self-registration during off-peak period
Pandora is located on the northern coastline of Te Paki Recreation Reserve and is part of the Te Paki Coastal Track.
From Kaitaia head north on SH1. Follow signposts for Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua or Tapotupotu if accessing from the west. You can access the campsite from the east via Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite. Alternatively, you can walk Pandora Track which is located 4.5 km past Te Paki Stream Road on SH1.
Tracks to this campsite
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Pandora Track
Located in Te Paki Recreation ReserveFrom Cape Reinga Road, this 6 km track follows an old vehicle track through low manuka shrub leading you to Pandora, a beautiful sandy bay.1 alertDuration 2 hrDifficulty Easy -
Te Paki Coastal Track
Located in Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua and Te Paki Recreation ReserveThis stunning coastal track traverses a variety of beautiful and unique landforms, and offers spectacular views of our northern coastline, regenerating bush and large wind-swept sand dunes.1 alertDuration 4-5 days, see individual track descriptions for timesDifficulty Advanced
Location
Latitude: -34.43729006, Longitude: 172.71650796
The tracks to this campsite are best suited to people with good fitness. Although this is a coastal track, the track is not flat. The track is well formed or follows sections of beach with several long climbs up to ridges which go up and down over the undulations in the landscape.
The track goes close to the cliff edge in places. Keep to the track and supervise children carefully.
What to bring
Adequate preparation and equipment is needed. Bring all the usual tramping/camping gear, and the following:
- tide charts - check the tide times as sections of tracks can have waves wash over them during high tides and rough seas.
- topographical map
- insect repellent (especially in summer)
- sunscreen/hat/sunglasses
- consider carrying an antihistamine/EpiPen as there are large numbers of wasps in places along the track and in campsites
- water filter/purification tablets or gas cooker for boiling water
- plenty of drinking water (several litres) as streams/water supplies may be dried up in summer. Please conserve water.
Clean your gear before and after your stay
Always clean your equipment (shoes/camping gear/cars) before and after trips. This will minimise the risk of spreading invasive pests, weeds, and diseases.
Safety
- weather can be changeable with sudden downpours of rain increasing stream levels this may delay your progress be prepared to stay longer than intended
- tracks may be slippery in wet weather, and larger streams may be uncrossable
- you may not be able to cross some streams at around high tide and you may need to wait for the tide to recede
- there is limited mobile reception in Te Paki – tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back
- there are plenty of mosquitoes and sandflies – make sure your tent is mosquito proof and carry insect repellent
- do not leave your vehicle unattended while walking the track thefts has occurred in this area
- the coastal areas of New Zealand is susceptible to Tsunamis, make yourself familiar with information at site and plan your escape route
- wasp numbers are high from January through to April, carry antihistamine cream or tablets as a precaution. Cover food and keep lids on sweet drinks. Wear light-coloured clothing as wasps are more likely to attack dark-coloured objects if their nest is disturbed
- beware rogue waves or ocean surges when fishing or walking near the coast.
Be fire safe
Fire is a real risk for the reserve and your safety. No fireworks, paper/sky lanterns or open fires are permitted at any time of year. Gas/contained flame cookers are allowed. Maintain a 3-metre distance between groups to reduce the possible spread of fire.
Feral dogs in Te Paki Recreation Reserve
Feral dogs have been sighted near the Te Paki Coastal Track around Twilight Beach and Scott’s Point including 90 Mile Beach. We advise you:
- do not walk the area alone
- do not approach any dogs
- do not leave food or scraps that may attract scavenging by dogs
- report any sightings to Far North District Council Dog Control 0800 920 029 if safe to do so – GPS coordinates and photos are helpful.
No domestic animals
No domestic animals are allowed in the Te Paki Recreation Reserve (including tracks and campsites). This includes dogs, cats, birds, goats, sheep or horses. If you have a certified disability assist dog, please carry evidence of the certification with you at all times.
Pandora Campsite is a great spot to experience nature and relax.
Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairau
The famous landmark Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua sits at the tip of the Te Paki Recreation Reserve. This highly significant area to Māori marks the point where wairua (spirit) return to their traditional homeland.
Contacts
| DOC Customer Service Centre | |
|---|---|
| Phone | 0800 275 362 |
| kaitaia@doc.govt.nz | |
| Address | DOC offices |