Big Paroa Campsite

Big Paroa Campsite is a fully self-contained camping destination on the south end of Ponui Island, set up in December 2024. Nestled beside a sheltered beach facing east, it is an ideal base for swimming, fishing, kayak expeditions, and exploring this remarkable private island.

The prime focus for this campsite is for the extend Chamberlin family. However we are open to taking a booking from anyone with a connection to Ponui Island.

This is a privately own island and you do need permission to camp or walk over the island. A booking of this campsite will also give this permission.

Facilities at a Glance

🍳 Kitchen & Cooking

• Portable kitchen with gas stove & oven, fridge, freezer, dishwasher, and microwave
• Fully equipped with plates, cutlery, pots, and cooking utensils
• Gas BBQ on site
• Bring your own gas bottle (9 kg ) — used for the stove, hot water califont, and BBQ
• Permanent deck with a gazebo for shelter — the gazebo may need to be erected on arrival

⚡ Power & Water

• Solar panel system with batteries and inverter powers the kitchen appliances
• Running fresh water fed by a natural spring, filtered and UV-treated
• Hot shower (hot and cold water via califont — requires your 9 kg gas bottle)
• Natural composting toilet

🏕️ Accommodation & Storage

• Bring your own tent — 7 marked tent sites
• Secure on-site container for equipment storage

Activities

🏖️ Beach & Water

• East-facing beach accessible at all tides — great for swimming
• Fish for snapper directly off the beach
• Stand up paddle boards and windsurfer boards available on site
• An ideal overnight stop for a kayak expedition around the island
• Note: the site can be exposed to strong easterly winds

🌿 Island Exploring

• About 1 km walk from Big Paroa to Home Bay
• Walking and cycling is a wonderful way to explore the island — bring your own bike
• Ponui is a bird sanctuary with a thriving kiwi population — keep an ear out at night!
• No dogs or other pets permitted on the island

Getting There

Transport to Big Paroa Campsite can be arranged through David Chamberlin (water taxi service coming soon), or you can arrive by your own boat.

Please note that Ponui Island is privately owned — you need permission from the owners to land or camp however permission comes with a successful booking of this campsite.

Ready to Book?

Check availability and submit a booking request using the links below. Bookings are confirmed by email after approval.