Chat with a human
Let us help you pick the perfect camper for your once in a lifetime adventure
Where:
Spirits Bay Road, Te Paki Recreation Reserve, Piwhane / Spirits Bay, Northland 0484
Known for:
- Stunning beach location and secluded lagoons, ideal for surf, swim, fishing, and beach walks
- Cultural significance to Ngāti Kurī
- Proximity to Te Paki Coastal Track and Giant sand dunes
- Quiet and remoteness
Popular with:
- Backpackers, trampers, and nature lovers
- Cultural travellers exploring Māori heritage and spiritual landscapes
- Surfers, birdwatchers, and photographers seeking untouched landscapes
Description
Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) is a remote conservation campsite tucked between lush coastal forest and an expansive white sandy bay. With only 45 non-powered tent sites, this site offers an immersive back-to-nature camping experience.
.jpg)
About
Located at the eastern end of Piwhane / Spirits Bay, in the Te Paki Recreation Reserve, Far North (Northland). Accessible via Spirits Bay Road after about 16 km of well-formed gravel road from Waitiki Landing off State Highway 1.
Operated by DOC and co-managed with Ngāti Kurī, this site holds cultural significance to Ngāti Kurī Maori, as they consider it a sacred departure point for spirits, with nearby Cape Reinga being the final leaping-off point.
The site requires online booking and cashless payment. Peak-season rangers oversee maintenance; compliance with fire and noise rules is enforced. Facilities include flushing toilets, cold showers, and non-potable tap water (must be boiled/purified). No dump station or power. Adults (18+): NZD $16/night (rising to NZD $18 from 1 July 2025) Children (5–17): NZD$ 8 (rising to NZD $9)
