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Uretiti Beach DOC Campsite in Waipu has long been a popular spot for many, but with a history of flooding, especially after extreme weather events that occurred early 2023, the Department of Conservation (DOC) is tasked with the responsibility of a significant makeover to improve the campsite.
The transformation is not only about infrastructure improvements but also about ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for its many visitors, long term.
As part of the upgrades, DOC is installing two subsoil field drains that will connect to excavated soak areas outside the camp boundary. This strategic design change aims to improve water drainage in flood-prone areas, ensuring that Uretiti remains operational even during heavy rainfall.
In addition, three sections of the access road will be remediated, and a gravel turning bay will be added to create smoother access for vehicles. These improvements are critical in preventing water from pooling in camping areas.
Joel Lauterbach, DOC Whangārei operations manager, emphasises the importance of these improvements and says “By improving the infrastructure, DOC aims to maintain full site availability, supporting both visitor enjoyment and the local tourism economy.”
With nearly 50,000 bednights recorded in the 2023-24 season, Uretiti is one of DOC’s most popular campsites, and these upgrades are set to boost its appeal even further.
Monitoring the effectiveness of these flood prevention measures is also crucial and Joel reassures visitors that safety is always a priority.
“At Uretiti we have two fantastic on-site camp hosts who regularly monitor the weather and its impact on our visitors. When needed, we close areas of the campsite and move campers.” This proactive approach, combined with well-developed Site Control Plans, ensures that DOC is prepared for any risks that may arise. While the improvements are designed to mitigate flooding, Joel acknowledges, “We cannot rule out that the campsite will be impacted from future weather events.”
Community feedback plays a key role in shaping the makeover plans. Joel says “We always take visitor feedback seriously and we are always looking for ways to improve the stay for our campers and visitors.”
“The severe weather events of early 2023 caused significant flooding and prompted a hydrological assessment The recommended drainage improvements are a direct response to these findings and will help mitigate the impact of future heavy rainfall events. The improvements are mainly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for campers into the future.”
“Balancing environmental conservation with recreational use is at the heart of our plans. Maintaining wet areas with native planting as a resilience approach for flood mitigation is also a key part of our strategy. We acknowledge and deeply appreciate the contributions of community groups and visitors in planting native species over many years within the campsite.” he says.
Not just crucial for conservation but also for the tourism industry, which relies on facilities like Uretiti Campsite to provide affordable and sustainable accommodation options, Joel says “Natural landscapes and environment are New Zealand’s primary draw cards for international visitors. The health of our tourism industry is reliant on the health of our natural environment plus facilities, such as campsites, tracks and huts, that enable people to enjoy nature.”
With improvements underway, Uretiti Campsite is set to be an even better experience for its visitors. As the 2025-2026 camping season approaches, bookings will open at 9:30 AM May 20, and with high demand expected, early reservations will be necessary.
