Nestled in Northland, New Zealand, Kai Iwi Lakes is known for its crystal-clear freshwater, soft white sand, and stunning surroundings.
Whether you’re looking to relax by the water, camp under the stars, or enjoy outdoor activities like swimming, paddle boarding, and walking, Kai Iwi Lakes has something for everyone.
Having visited this incredible destination myself, I’m excited to share insider travel tips you need to know to plan your own trip. From how to get there, the best time to visit, and what to expect while camping, this guide covers it all.
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Kai Iwi Lakes is a stunning freshwater lake located within the Taharoa Domain in Northland, New Zealand.
HOW TO GET TO KAI IWI LAKES
The only way to reach Kai Iwi Lakes is by car. From Auckland, the drive takes around three and a half hours. The closest town of Dargaville is roughly a 30 minute drive or from Whangarei, you can expect a journey of about an hour and a half.
The roads leading to the lakes are paved, making for an easy drive.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT CAMPING AT KAI IWI LAKES
Camping at Kai Iwi Lakes is a pretty epic experience. We spent two nights at the Pine Beach Campground, which is the minimal amount of time I would suggest to stay. If you can, definitely add an extra night, especially if takes some time to get there.
Booking in advance is also a smart move, especially during the summer months as spots sell out fast. We secured ours in November for a February trip and still had plenty of options to choose from. Early booking also gives you the best choice of sites.
In terms of the campground itself, it’s just a short walk from the lake, making it easy to go back and forth. The sites are also spacious, and ideal for large grounds if you’re looking to book multiple sites together. There were plenty of families, couples and groups, all at different ages so there was a great mix of different energy–everything from kids playing to couples soaking in the views.
PINE BEACH CAMPGROUND AMENITIES
Amenities wise, Pine Beach Campground offers all the basics. The campsite has flushing toilets and coin-operated showers ($2 per 3 minutes). However, there is no kitchen or laundry facilities so make sure to bring everything you need to cook meals. As there was a group of us, we each bought elements to make up a kitchen.
A small BBQ or a portable stove, and some basic utensils, alongside tables, chairs, and even dishwashing liquid was super helpful. Also best to note that drinking water isn’t available, so you’ll need to bring your own supply.
During peak season, a food truck operates on-site, serving up burgers, ice cream, and coffee—perfect if you don’t feel like cooking.
Lastly, quiet hours begin at 10 p.m., so it’s usually a quick end to the night shortly after this time.
KAI IWI LAKES
As much as I love New Zealand beaches, there’s just something nice about swimming in a lake. Lake Taharoa in particular was where we spent most of our time. The water is refreshing–chilly at first but after a few minutes, it’s warmer than being outside, especially if there’s wind.
Next to the food track there is also a spot to book a paddle board if you wish to get out on the water. Many people bring along boats and jet skis, so you’ll have plenty of company on a nice day.
The lake is not only a great place for swimming and sunbathing but it’s also an incredible spot for stargazing. With minimal light pollution, the night sky is spectacular. It’s an experience I would highly suggest when you visit.
BEST TIME TO VISIT KAI IWI LAKES
We camped at Kai Iwi Lakes in February, despite it being slightly windy, it was a nice time to visit. The summer weather bought warm days, though the evenings were cool enough to need a jumper. This is, in my opinion, is the perfect temperature for camping. Warm but not uncomfortably hot.
It is possible to visit in the shoulder months. This will be a much quieter time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds. However, it will definitely be colder and a much less nicer time to enjoy the water activities.
HOW CROWDED IS IT AT KAI IWI LAKES
Since we visited during summer, Kai Iwi Lakes was quite busy. However, the campgrounds are well laid out, so it never felt overcrowded. The lake itself is also large enough to find a quiet spot, even on busy weekends.
SUMMARY
In this post, we covered everything you need to know about Kai Iwi Lakes. From its location in Northland to the best time to visit, this freshwater paradise offers a pretty incredible experience and is amongst one of my ultimate New Zealand destinations.
Looking for more? Explore our comprehensive travel guides for tips on hidden gems.
FAQs
How much does Pine Beach camping Ground cost?
Pine Beach Campground costs $25 per night for adults (15+) on a powered site and $20 on a non-powered site. Children (5-14) are $10 per night, while infants (0-4) stay free. A $10 administration fee applies to all bookings, amendments, or cancellations.
Click here for more Kai Iwi Campground information.
What is the best location for a campsite?
We booked a corner site, which provided extra space and privacy. This meant that we weren’t jammed between other campers and as a large group, made sense. We also recommend getting a site that is away from the bathrooms and bins to avoid noise and smells.
Are dogs allowed at Kai Iwi Lakes?
Dogs are not allowed at Pine Beach Campground or the Taharoa Domain. This is to protect our native fauna and flora.
How long does it take to walk around Kai Iwi Lakes?
Walking around Lake Taharoa takes just a little over two hours, depending on pace. The loop trail around Lake Kai Iwi is a little shorter and will take you roughly 40 minutes.
Can you take boats out on the lakes?
Yes! Lake Taharoa allows boats and jet skis and many people leave their boats in the water overnight for easy access.