Cable Bay Campsite

Set in a sheltered bay with stunning coastal surrounds, Cable Bay is a great place for families to relax on the beach, swim, kayak, fish or explore the nearby walking tracks.

Tent sites are a mix of beach front and pohutukawa shade.

There are two zones:

• Pohutukawa: maximum 40 people/10 tent sites
• Titoki: maximum 40 people/10 tent sites

Facilities and services

• Camp host from 26 December to Waitangi weekend (6 February). Contact the host by calling +64 27 387 5730.
• Composting toilet.
• A rubbish barge operates every 2-3 days from Boxing Day to Waitangi weekend. Campers are responsible for taking their rubbish to the barge ($5 per bag) or taking it back to a mainland refuse station. Outside this period, campers must take their rubbish back to the mainland.
• There is limited mobile coverage on the island. 021 and 027 coverage is available on some parts of the island.
• Restaurant/cafe located in Otehei Bay.
• Russell is the closest town for shops and other services.
• Conservation centre in Otehei Bay, 26 December to 6 February every year.

The conservation centre has historical info about the island, info about project island song, info about bottlenose dolphin’s in the Bay of Islands. It also serves as a base for children's’ activity days and a pop-up library.

When to visit

The busiest time is between Christmas and mid-January and is a popular time for families with children. Advance bookings are essential at this time.

The campsite is quieter from the beginning of February through to Easter.