Right at the very top of the country, tucked in beside the beach near Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua, this is a relaxed spot to pitch up for a few nights. Also known as Spirits Bay, Kapowairua is surrounded by forest and sand, reached in on a gravel access track.

The bay itself is a lovely swimming spot, and the river inlet beside the beach is a good place to chill. There's no vehicle access onto the beach, though. Facilities are simple but kept well: non-powered tent sites, flush toilets and long drops, cold showers, and tap water that's untreated, so give it a boil before drinking. Roof top tents are welcome.

Gets busy over the Christmas period, with fees around $18 per person per night. Bring mosquito repellent in summer, and keep an eye out for logging trucks on the narrower parts of the gravel road in.