About Big Paroa Campsite

Big Paroa Campsite opened in December 2024 on the south end of Ponui Island. This fully self-contained campsite gives you everything you need for a comfortable stay in a remarkable natural setting — without sacrificing the wild, off-grid feel of island life.

Kitchen & Cooking

The portable kitchen is well-equipped for groups of any size. It includes a gas stove and oven, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and microwave, along with plates, cutlery, pots, and all the cooking utensils you need. There is also a gas BBQ on the deck.

Important: bring your own gas bottle (9Kg). It powers the stove, the hot water califont for the shower, and the BBQ.

The deck beside the kitchen is the social heart of the campsite. It has a gazebo for cover which may need to be erected when you arrive.

Power System

A solar panel system with batteries and an inverter provides power for the kitchen appliances. There is no mains power connection — the system is designed to handle everyday cooking and refrigeration needs.

Water & Bathroom

Fresh running water is fed from a natural spring on the property and treated with a filter and UV system. The campsite has a hot shower (hot and cold water via a califont — powered by your 9 kg gas bottle) and a natural composting toilet.

Accommodation

There are 7 tent sites spread around the campsite. Bring your own tent and sleeping gear. A secure container is on site for storing equipment and valuables.

The Beach & Water Activities

The campsite faces east and sits right beside the beach, which is accessible at all tides. It is an excellent spot for swimming and you can fish for snapper directly off the beach. A small collection of water sports gear — stand up paddle boards and windsurfer boards — is available on site.

Big Paroa is also an ideal overnight stop for a kayak expedition — easy access from the beach and a great base to explore the island’s coastline at your own pace. Note that the site can be exposed to strong easterly winds, so check the forecast before heading out on the water.

Exploring the Island

Big Paroa is about 1 km walk from Home Bay, the main bay on the island. Ponui is fantastic for walking or cycling — bring your own bike and explore the farm tracks and hills. The island is a bird sanctuary and home to one of New Zealand’s highest density Kiwi populations. If you’re quiet, you are very likely to hear kiwi calling at night.

Getting There

Transport to Big Paroa Campsite can be arranged through David Chamberlin (a water taxi service is also coming soon), or you can arrive by your own boat. Ponui Island is privately owned — permission from the owners is required to land or camp.

Important Reminders