Tapotupotu Bay Camping Area — Hotel in Te Hiku Community

This place was closed and nowhere it was shown by the DOC or any other body Incharge after driving all the way from one of the best Top 10 Holiday parks in Kauri Forest a good 4 hours drive we reached it at 5:45 and it was coned and netted a gale force wind was blowing and no other holiday campers in sight with the DOC sign boards absent we decided to head back and at 6:30 reached the solid ground of G.A.S station opposite the EV charging stations and had a very peaceful and restful sleep early morning we drove up to Cape Reinga and had bfast and to our shock yhas we walked down the trail to the light house it too was coned and marked close. Dejected as we were we explained to our daughter who was visiting for the first time the beautiful time we had in 2017. Presently we saw a family approaching wit two small girls and the they were from Switzerland when we American told her that it was closed she said Hell No it is our trip of a lifetime and we are going so we follow her and the only danger zone is at the lighthouse it self a wall has collapsed but if you stay close to the lighthouse it self no issues. It was a great walk and we saw the tree growing way out on a small rock, as mentioned in the TripAdvisor. We then drove off to stay at the Tip of Whangarei called Blue Heron. Would not recommend it at all as it’s ladies bathroom is mosquitoes infested. Next day we stayed at the Whangarei Top 10 quite far but if you want to see the falls it’s a great place. Also you must have lunch at the Indian restaurant there...

Fantastic camping area right on the beachfront. The camp managers were friendly and patient despite an extremely busy holiday season with the team of 5 million all out exploring NZ.

The campground has clean long-drop toilets (not smelly and cleaned daily) and cold showers (no doors so hang a towel up!).

You can’t book so it’s luck of the draw when you turn up if a site will be available. Sites aren’t designated so you are fairly free to set up however you want.

The ice and bait truck comes through in the afternoon with ice for sale.

Not too many mozzies while we were there but possum visitors at night so make sure your food is tucked away. Our neighbours were t so lucky and Steve The Possum got a lick of their biscuits 🍪 .

The ocean is a bit dangerous at this beach due to a reef and the stream causing strong currents. The stream is warm and safe to swim at for the kids all day long.

Lots to see and do but also great for relaxing, recommend a minimum of 2 night stay to make...

This is one of the best beaches in the far north. Just spent 4 days here in mid Feb and it was perfect. The stars at night are incredible as well.

Great for boogie boarding. Surfers didn’t have such luck.

Super clear waters and the waves were strong and fun!

The amenities are good: shower block, 3 toilet blocks. The mosquitos were only bad one of the 4 nights we were there.

Get there early in the day to get a good spot with beach views . Filled up quickly after 3pm on a weekday. Loads of space in the back by the river though. Weekends seem to be more busy. Don’t even try to come during Christmas or Easter unless you beat the rush.

Book online. I think you can pay the wardens, though. They come to check around 9am every day. You may miss them if you...