Guidelines for camping at Kawakawa Bay

The campsite and many of the cliffs are on DOC and iwi land, with iwi co-governance, and there is currently no formally established agreement for camping or climbing activities. Because of this, access at Kawakawa Bay is particularly sensitive. Being mindful of our impact helps avoid issues and supports ongoing access. The reminders below help outline how to get it right when visiting.

Tikanga Māori  

Kawakawa Bay is a wāhi tūpuna (place of great ancestral or historical significance) to iwi and those who trace whakapapa to this place. The land is associated with many pā settlements and wāhi tapu, places of spiritual significance.

Everyone who visits has a responsibility to uphold tautiaki ngangahau, a duty of active protection, and to acknowledge the kaitiakitanga, or duty of guardianship, that tangata whenua have over this land. Respecting the land means different things to different people, but a good rule of thumb is to treat it as you would want your own land to be treated.

Leave no trace 

Leave no trace means leaving literally nothing behind. No leftover food scraps (including chicken bones, fruit peel, seeds, or cores), no cans, bottles, wrappers, plastic, string, or clothing. Pack out everything you bring in. Don’t throw anything into the toilet, the lake, or the bush, and don’t bury anything. If you spot rubbish that someone else has accidentally dropped, please pick it up and take it out with you.

Do not clear any bush 

There are plenty of established camping spots and clearings. Please don’t take it upon yourself to clear more bush or “make more space.” This type of behaviour is one of the fastest ways access issues arise. If you can’t find an empty clearing, ask another group if you can share, there’s usually room, and cooperation goes a long way.

Stay on track 

While it may be tempting to take a shortcut from cliff to cliff or between campsites, over a very short time this erodes the fragile soil and isolates and degrades the bush. Stick to one established trail in and out from a campsite or to the beach. Tracks to cliffs are well marked and signposted, stay on them. Some old tracks and shortcuts have been deliberately blocked or roped off to control erosion, please do not use or clear these.

Do not build structures 

Leave no trace also means not building camp structures. Do not build seats, signs, tables, shelters, or dig holes. Don’t scavenge for building materials in the bush, move gravel off the beach, or cut, break, or trample live trees or plants. When you leave, there should be no evidence you were there other than an empty space where your tent was. If you want camp furniture, bring it with you and take it home. If attaching hammocks or tarps to trees, remember to pad the tree bark for protection from abrasion. 

No fires, anywhere, ever 

There is a total fire ban year-round on the beach, in campsites, at the main clearing, and in the bush. Bring controlled cookers only and never light an open fire. If you see anyone with an open fire, please politely ask them to put it out. Fires pose a serious risk to people, the bush, and future access.

Be cool 

Kawakawa Bay has a lot of visitors – mountain bikers, boaties, kayakers, runners and hikers as well as climbers, plus DOC staff and local Iwi. Don’t be anti-social, be friendly and helpful – you never know who you are talking to, or who’s watching. If you see poor behaviour from other climbers, politely talk to them about it. 

Control your dog 

Dogs are permitted but must be under control at all times. Do not allow your dog to roam around campsites, on the beach, along tracks, around the base of cliffs or through the bush. If your dog is out of its comfort zone in a camping/climbing environment, Kawakawa Bay is not the place to train it. Please consider leaving your dog at home. 

Avoid busy periods 

If you can, consider visiting on a quieter weekend or during the week, especially if you are a larger group or club. Those long holiday weekends are great, but there are often way too many of us. Visiting at other times means you'll be able to camp together, get on more climbs, and it'll be a more special experience for the group.