Kai Iwi Lakes and Campground

15/10/2026

🐣 Egg-citing news at Kai Iwi Lakes in Taharoa Domain!

Can you spot the egg in the first image below? 🔍

A breeding pair of Northern New Zealand dotterel/tūturiwhatu has been spotted nesting near Lake Taharoa. To help give these threatened birds the best chance of success, we need to minimise nest disturbance.

If you're visiting the lakes, please:
🚧 Keep clear of marked nesting areas and any adult birds
👀 If you spot an egg or nest, leave it undisturbed and let staff know
👧🏽 Supervise children closely
🐩 Remember Kai Iwi Lakes are a dog free zone

Dotterel parents need 21 days of uninterrupted nest time for incubation success. Let's give them the time and space.

A little extra care from all of us will help protect these special birds during the breeding season 🐤

10/09/2026

Lake Taharoa, Kai Iwi Lakes in Taharoa Domain looking picture-perfect earlier this week! 🌞🏖

23/07/2026

🌊 Your office for summer? Kai Iwi Lakes 🌊

Imagine swapping the daily commute for crystal-clear lakes, native bush and the chance to deliver campground management services while living on site at Kai Iwi Lakes in Taharoa Domain.

Kaipara District Council is seeking proposals from experienced contractors or operators to provide campground management services at Pine Beach Campground at Kai Iwi Lakes for the 2026/2027 summer season.

This is a live-in contract for services opportunity, with on-site accommodation provided. The successful contractor or operator will help welcome thousands of visitors, oversee the day-to-day operation of the campground and play a key role in delivering a memorable summer experience at one of the region's most iconic destinations.

💡 Fun fact: Kai Iwi Lakes in Taharoa Domain are among New Zealand's largest freshwater dune lake systems and are renowned for their crystal-clear water and white sandy shore

If you are an experienced individual or operator with strong visitor service skills, practical problem-solving ability and a love of the outdoors, find out more and submit a proposal.

📅 Proposals close 31 August 2026

👉 Find out more and submit a proposal: Request for Quote: Campground Management Services - Kai Iwi Lakes Job in Dargaville, Northland - https://nz.seek.com/job/93500895?ref=search-standalone&type=standard&origin=jobTitle =adbd255b5a0f2a77c5b44f71da744412898cf03b

14/07/2026

14/04/2026

Heads up 🌤️

The Fireco Northland Tri & Trail is on Saturday 18 April, so there’ll be some short‑term road closures while the event’s happening.

🕗 Around 8am to 2pm
🚧 Kai Iwi Lakes Road (Domain Road to Lake Waikare Event Centre)
🚧 Domain Road

Good luck to everyone racing! 🏊‍♀️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♂️

Fireco Northland Tri & Trail | 18 April

Just here for the running?
The Trail Run option at the Fireco Northland Tri and Trail lets you hit the tracks with an 8.5km or 14km course, no swim or bike required.

Are you in???

05/03/2026

This weekend we are booked to capacity at Pine Beach and Promenade Point (6-8 March 2026), and are not accepting any further guests.
For real time availability at our campgrounds please refer to our website (desktop version), https://kaiiwicamp.nz/
We do not operate a wait list due to the number of enquiries we are receive.
We no longer accept campers without a booking prior to arrival, therefore, please ensure you have a confirmed booking to avoid disappointment.
District Council

12/02/2026

Join Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust for a free guided snorkel at Kai Iwi Lakes on Saturday 7 March.

This is a unique opportunity to explore the crystal-clear waters of Lake Taharoa with experienced and knowledgeable guides.

Bookings are essential - book via the link in comments.

05/02/2026

Just a heads‑up 😊
We’ve had a few messages from guests letting us know they haven’t received their booking information emails. If this happens to you, please check your junk or spam folders first, as our emails can sometimes end up there.
We’re happy to resend your booking details if needed. If the issue keeps happening, you might like to provide an alternative email address where possible.

20/01/2026

Weather Update for Kai Iwi Lakes Campers (Pine Beach & Promenade Point) for arrivals up to and including Sunday, 25 January 2026.
Kia ora campers!
Just a quick update ahead of your visit to the Lakes.
While we’re seeing some rain, the rough weather is mostly hitting the east coast, our campgrounds are largely unaffected, and the lake is still safe for swimming.
For the latest weather info, please check MetService (location: Omamari).
All local roads around the campgrounds are currently open and accessible. If you're travelling from further away, please check the NZTA Journey Planner before you head off, just in case there are any roading issues on your route.

Flexible Options During the Weather Warning:
Because there’s a weather warning in place, we’re offering a bit of extra flexibility:
✔ Change your booking dates free of charge (same number of days/campers; valid up to 30 June 2026). Please refer to our website (desktop version) for real time availability.
✔ Or request a refund for any unused camping fees (less a $10 admin fee).
If you'd like to adjust your booking or arrange a refund, just get in touch via our email, [email protected] and we’ll help you out.

Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you at the Lakes!

https://www.metservice.com/rural/regions/northland/locations/dargaville
https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/
https://kaiiwicamp.nz/
Kaipara District Council

01/01/2026

Keep a Watchful Eye on Your Little Ones at Kai Iwi Lakes.
We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable experience at the lakes. Yesterday, we had three close calls in the water and a child who wandered away from their campsite. Thankfully, everyone is okay, but these incidents are a reminder of how quickly things can happen.
Please:
✅ Always supervise children near the water; accidents can occur in seconds.
✅ Make sure kids know their boundaries around campsites and the lake.
✅ Use life jackets for young swimmers and keep them within arm’s reach.
✅ Report any concerns to campground staff immediately.
Your vigilance helps keep Kai Iwi Lakes safe for all families. Let’s work together to prevent accidents and ensure everyone enjoys their time here.
Thank you for caring for your tamariki and for respecting the safety of others. 💙