Set in a sheltered bay with stunning coastal surrounds, Cable Bay is a great place for families to relax on the beach, swim, kayak, fish or explore the nearby walking tracks.
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Tent sites are a mix of beach front and pohutukawa shade.
Set up your site so that the mess/gazebo/cooking area is located on the back part of your site with the accommodation at the front.
Facilities and services
Camp host from 26 December to Waitangi weekend (6 February). Contact the host by calling +64 27 387 5730.
Composting toilet.
A rubbish barge operates every 2-3 days from Boxing Day to Waitangi weekend. Campers are responsible for taking their rubbish to the barge ($5 per bag) or taking it back to a mainland refuse station. Outside this period, campers must take their rubbish back to the mainland.
There is limited mobile coverage on the island. 021 and 027 coverage is available on some parts of the island.
Restaurant/cafe located in Otehei Bay.
Russell is the closest town for shops and other services.
Conservation centre in Otehei Bay, 26 December to 6 February every year.
The conservation centre has historical info about the island, info about project island song, info about bottlenose dolphin’s in the Bay of Islands. It also serves as a base for children's’ activity days and a pop-up library.
When to visit
The busiest time is between Christmas and mid-January and is a popular time for families with children. Advance bookings are essential at this time.
The campsite is quieter from the beginning of February through to Easter.
Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book.
Bookings
Bookings for 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026
Bookings open at 9.30 am on Tuesday 20 May 2025.
All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.
Bookings for stays up to 30 June 2025
Bookings are currently open.
Bookings are required all year. Book well in advance for the peak period from 1 December - 28 February and for public holiday weekends.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
Your booking will be for a site, which will be allocated or selected on arrival.
Getting to Urupukapuka Island
Water taxis run on demand year round (weather permitting). The Paihia isite takes bookings for boat transportation to the island.
take your rubbish off the islands – it is only collected every few days in summer
drink responsibly
keep all animals, such as dogs, cats, rats, stoats, Argentine ants, plague (rainbow) skinks, off these pest-free islands
only camp in the official campsites on Urupukapuka Island
do not use foul, abusive, indecent, or obscene language
do not disturb stock
keep noise levels down – no loud parties or amplifier systems, radios and portable generators that might annoy others
do not deliberately obstruct, disturb, or interfere with anyone else’s use or enjoyment.
If you see anyone breaking these rules, call the Bay of Islands DOC Office on +64 9 407 0300 or 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).
DOC staff can issue warnings, ask you to leave, and alcohol may be seized or impounded. Where necessary, if you are found in breach of the bylaws, you can face court prosecution and be liable to fines.
Use plant-based detergent, shampoos, soaps and toothpaste when camping here or else the septic treatment system gets damaged.
Marine mammals
Urupukapuka Island is within Te Pēwhairangi (Bay of Islands) Marine Mammal Sanctuary. Restrictions apply to different activities such as boating, swimming, and diving.
