Last updated November 2026
Otamure Bay Campsite is a Department of Conservation campsite on the beachfront at Whananaki North, about 29 km north of Whangārei in a straight line. DOC describes it as a beach-front setting with large pōhutukawa trees for shade, and it has 130 non-powered and tent sites in the Otamure Recreation Reserve.
A camp host is on site all year, bookings are required for every stay, and the fee is $20 a night for adults. DOC asks you to book well ahead for 1 December to 28 February and for public holiday weekends. Gas cooking only, no dogs and no fires at any time are among the camp rules.
Practical Information
- Location
- Rockell Road, Whananaki North (Otamure Recreation Reserve)
- Distance from the city
- About 29 km from Whangārei (straight line)
- Sites
- 130 non-powered/tent sites
- Access
- Car, campervan and caravan
- Fees
- Adult $20, child (5 to 17) $10, infant (0 to 4) free, per night
- Bookings
- Required, online; DOC Campsite Pass accepted
- Check-in
- From 2 pm
- Facilities
- Cold showers, non-flush toilets, tap water (not treated, boil before use), cooking shelter, boat launching
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Dogs
- No dogs (registered guide dogs excepted)
About Otamure Bay Campsite
Otamure Bay sits on the coast at Whananaki North, on Northland’s east coast. The campsite has 130 sites, and DOC’s zone map shows how they are laid out. Your booking is for the site you choose, so pick it when you book rather than on arrival.
It is set up for families. DOC’s camp rules call it a family campground, and the manager can refuse entry to anyone who won’t fit that. There is a 10 km/h speed limit inside the camp, noise is expected to drop after 10 pm, and generators, chainsaws, compressors and stereo systems are banned. You can’t run a vehicle engine to charge batteries either.
DOC lists diving and snorkelling, fishing, swimming and walking here. Out on the headland there are several small beaches and fishing and diving spots, and DOC suggests walking in the nearby Motutara Recreation Reserve or on the Watkin Powell Track.
The facilities are those of a DOC Standard campsite: cold showers, non-flush toilets, a cooking shelter, boat launching and tap water that is not treated, so boil it before use. DOC also warns that wasps and wasp nests may be present.
Getting There and Arriving
Head north past Hikurangi on State Highway 1, then turn off onto Whananaki North Road, which becomes Rockell Road. The campsite is 27 km along, 4 km past the Whananaki shop and school.
Check-in is from 2 pm. The camp office is open 8 am to 8 pm, closing at 6 pm from 1 May to 1 September.
The gates and barrier arms are locked from 9 pm to 7:30 am, only one vehicle can pass at a time, and your barrier code works once in each direction, so don’t share it. Visitors who aren’t staying park in the beach front area or on the road verge.
Camp Rules Worth Knowing
Only one motor vehicle is allowed per site, and you need to leave a 3 m gap between sites, with 1.5 m clear between your tent, caravan or motorhome and the edge of your site.
Open fires are banned, and DOC’s rules count charcoal barbecues and open-topped liquid fuel cookers as open fires, so bring a gas cooker. Fireworks are not allowed.
No dogs or other domestic animals are allowed, including cats in campervans and caged birds; registered guide dogs are the exception. Private toilet tents are not allowed, and chemical toilet waste can’t be emptied into the campsite toilets. Hoses can’t be connected to the water supply, sites can’t be left empty overnight, and drones need DOC’s written permission.
Otamure Bay is pack in, pack out. There is no rubbish, recycling or compost collection, and the closest transfer station is at Hikurangi.
Other Camping at Whananaki
Whangarei District Council lists Otamure Bay as a no-camping area for its own land, so the DOC campsite is the place to stay at the bay. About 3.5 km south, DOC’s data lists Whananaki South Recreation Reserve as a freedom camping area for certified self-contained vehicles only. Check DOC’s rules before you use it.
From locals
Is there rubbish collection at Otamure Bay campsite?
How is the phone coverage at Otamure Bay? Anyone get a signal at the sites?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book Otamure Bay Campsite?
Yes. Every stay must be booked, and DOC keeps no spaces for campers who turn up without a booking. Same-day online bookings are open until 8 pm if sites remain.
How much does it cost?
$20 a night for adults, $10 for children aged 5 to 17 and free for infants. The DOC Campsite Pass can be used, booked online before you arrive.
When should I book ahead?
DOC asks campers to book well in advance for 1 December to 28 February and for public holiday weekends.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs and other domestic animals are not allowed, apart from registered guide dogs.
Can I have a campfire or barbecue?
No fires at any time. Cooking is gas only, and charcoal barbecues count as open fires.
Are there showers and toilets?
Yes, cold showers and non-flush toilets. The tap water is not treated, so boil it before use.
What time do the gates close?
The gates and barrier arms are locked from 9 pm to 7:30 am.
Can I freedom camp at Otamure Bay instead?
No. The council lists Otamure Bay as a no-camping area. Stay at the DOC campsite, or check DOC’s rules for Whananaki South.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 2
- Department of Conservation: Otamure Bay (Whananaki) Campsite: campsite information, alerts and bookings. Campsite information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
- Department of Conservation: Otamure Bay camp rules: the full list of rules, refunds and complaints.