Kai Iwi Lakes (Pine Beach Campground)

Pine Beach Campground sits on the eastern shore of Lake Taharoa within the Taharoa Domain, home to the famous Kai Iwi Lakes. These crystal-clear freshwater dune lakes are among Northland’s most treasured natural attractions, known for their striking blue water, white sand beaches, and safe swimming. The domain covers 538 hectares of native bush and open country, roughly 35 kilometres west of Dargaville and a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Auckland.

The campground offers 40 powered sites and generous unpowered camping spaces with a maximum capacity of 480 campers. Facilities include two ablution blocks with flush toilets, coin-operated hot showers ($2), accessible toilet and shower cubicles, and drinking water taps throughout. There is no kitchen or laundry on site, so bring all cooking equipment and supplies. During peak summer, a food truck operates serving burgers, ice cream, and coffee. Gates lock at 9:30pm and reopen at 7am. No dogs or pets are permitted anywhere in the domain.

Camping fees are $25 per adult per night on powered sites, $20 unpowered, and $10 for children aged 5 to 14. Bookings open from 1 July each year for the following season and fill fast for summer, so plan well ahead. Beyond swimming, the lakes offer kayaking, fishing, waterskiing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Walking and cycling tracks loop around all three lakes, and Ripiro Beach (the longest driveable beach in the Southern Hemisphere) is a 2.5-kilometre walk through the dunes.