Rarawa Beach Campsite
Located in Wharekāpu/Paxton Point Conservation Area in the Northland region
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Introduction
Camp along a river bank nestled amongst trees a stone's throw away from Rarawa’s beautiful white sandy beach.Access
- Campervan
- Car
- Caravan
- Foot
Landscape
- Coastal
Facilities
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Shower - cold
- Toilets - flush
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Activities
- Bird and wildlife watching
- Fishing
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Picnicking
- Swimming
- Walking and tramping
Seasonal restrictions
Fires are not permitted at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.
Dog access
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $16 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $8 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
The DOC Campsite Pass cannot be used at this campsite.
DOC works with local iwi Ngāti Kuri to manage this campground.
How to book
You need to book to stay at this campground.
All sites will be cashless. Eftpos, credit card and electronic transfers only will be accepted.
Enquiries
Ngāti Kuri Facilities Services Helpdesk
Phone: 0800 TE PAKI (0800 837 254)
Email: campgrounds@ngatikuri.iwi.nz
Office hours
- Peak season: 7 am – 7 pm (15 December to 7 February)
- Off season: 8 am – 12 pm
Rarawa Beach is located in the Paxton Point Conservation Area.
From Kaitaia follow SH1 north for approximately 54 km, turn right onto Rarawa Beach road 2 km north of Ngataki Road.
Access: 4 km of gravel road.
Location
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1607538-N6157437
Latitude: -34.72511375, Longitude: 173.08233232
Camp managers are on site over the peak season from December to February and Easter.
Houhora is 10 minutes south of Rarawa campsite, The town has amenities such as a dairy, petrol station, dive tank refill facilities and a refuse transfer station.
The grass gets soft when there has been lots of rain. Test the ground hardness by walking on it before parking your vehicle.
Rubbish
No rubbish bins on site. During peak season December to February, rubbish is collected daily with fee by camp managers. At all other times, remove your rubbish as per a 'take in, take out' policy.
The nearest rubbish transfer station is at Houhora.
The nearest dump station for motor home waste is on the corner of SH1 and Te Paki Stream Road or in Kaitaia at the Te Ahu Centre car park behind building.
What to bring
Adequate preparation and equipment is needed. Bring all the usual tramping/camping gear, and the following:
- insect repellent (especially in summer)
- consider carrying an antihistamine/EpiPen as there are wasps in the campsites
- water filter/purification tablets or gas cooker for boiling water
- sunscreen/hat/sunglasses.
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.
Water safety
Be aware that the beaches at this campsite are challenging places for swimming and can be dangerous. There are rough seas, strong currents and it gets deep quickly.
The nearest surf lifesaving and coastguard stations are up to an hour away, so if you get into trouble it can take a long time to get help.
If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.
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.
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.
Rarawa beach is a popular surfing spot. The exposed beach break may be treacherous so take care in the water
Rarawa beach is renown for its bright white silica sand which squeaks under your feet when you walk on it.
A perfect place for fishing, swimming and walking.
Bird and wildlife watching
Rarawa Beach is a good example of a natural dune system containing native sand binding pingao and spinifex plants. Each year Rarawa Beach plays host to the Northern New Zealand dotterel and variable oystercatcher during their breeding season. Shorebird breeding season takes place between August and March each year. This coincides with the camp's busy summer period.
During nesting season, if you come across a shore bird nest, do not disturb, and keep away from the area. Let other people around the camp know so more people are aware.
Tracks and walks
Take the short Rarawa Beach Walk through the campground and along the access track to the beach.
Walk along the stunning Te Paki Coastal Track.
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.
Te Paki sand dunes
Te Paki sand dunes are a series of giant dunes. This is a popular stop for people visiting Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua and 90 Mile Beach. You can walk on the dunes – it is a lovely place to enjoy the scenery.
Contacts
| Te Hiku / Kaitaia Office | |
| Phone: | 0800 275 362 |
| Fax: | +64 9 408 6019 |
| Email: | kaitaia@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
25 Matthews Ave Kaitaia 0441 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 569 Kaitaia 0441 |
| Full office details | |