Puriri Bay (Whangaruru North Head) Camps
Whangaruru North Head Scenic Reserve • Northland
Alerts
Check the DOC website for current alerts and conditions before you go. This site gets current alert info from DOC, but is not an official source of information.
- About
- Overlooking the mouth of Whangaruru Harbour, this campsite has sheltered waters for swimming and boating activities, and a series of interconnected walks.
- Facilities
- Boat launching
- Non-powered/tent sites
- Shelter for cooking
- Shower - cold
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
- Wheelchair accessible
- Toilets - non-flush
- Toilets
- Water supply
- Activities
- Boating, Fishing, Swimming, Walking and tramping
- Dogs
- No dogs.
- Landscape
- Coastal
- Access
- Campervan, Car, Caravan
- Unpowered sites
- 90
About this campsite
The campsite overlooks the mouth of Whangaruru Harbour.
View a map of the campsite zones (PDF, 1,100K)
Facilities and services
Camp hosts are on site from Labour Weekend to the end of April.
After Labour Weekend there are no camp hosts on site. The hardstand area is available for motorhomes and caravans. Make a booking online before you go. One ablution block is open during this period and will be serviced fortnightly. For any enquiries contact us.
Due to the isolated location we recommend visitors bring their own first aid kit. The nearest medical centre is located in Russell.
When camp hosts are not there the grass areas are blocked off. There's still hard ground parking available.
Fees and bookings
Fees
- Adult (18+ years): $20 per night
- Child (5–17 years): $10 per night
- Infant (0–4 years): free
Pay when making an online booking, on arrival to the camp host, or at the self registration stand when there is no camp host on site.
Passes
The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite.
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 are open for stays up to 30 June 2027.
- If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked.
- No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking.
- Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
- Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.
Book Puriri Bay (Whangaruru North Head) Campsite online.
Book well in advance for the peak period from 1 December - 28 February and for public holiday weekends.
Your booking will be for your chosen site.
Check in and out times
- Check in from 2 pm
- Check out before 11 am
Getting there
22 km north of Whangarei, turn off SH1, onto Russell Road. After about 30 km ( just north of Ngaiotonga) turn into Whangaruru North Road.
The public access walking track from Picnic Bay to Puriri Bay is closed due to slip damage.
Visitors wanting to access Puriri Bay from the carpark at Picnic Bay can do so by walking down to the camp along the road.
Location
NZTM2000 coordinates: E1723562, 6085659
Latitude: -35.36473569, Longitude: 174.36010002
Know before you go
Walking tracks pass through areas of regenerating bush and farm land – there are many wasps and wasp nests in this area.
Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park and the Bay of Islands Maritime and Historic Park bylaws apply.
Water safety
If you plan to enjoy the water, learn how to stay safe when swimming, boating and fishing.
Rubbish and recycling
This campsite operates a ‘pack in, pack out’ policy for waste. There will be no rubbish collection. This includes compost and recycling.
The closest rubbish facilities to the campsite are the Oakura Recycling Centre or Russell Transfer Station.
No drones
Flying a drone without a permit is strictly prohibited.
Activities
Walking and tramping
Whangaruru North Head walking tracks start from the campsite.
Water activities
The sheltered waters are good for swimming, boating, etc.
Nearby
Weather
Forecast at the campsite