Tinline Campsite

Overview

Tinline is the first DOC Great Walk campsite you reach when starting north from Mārahau. It’s set slightly back from the sand on gently sloping grass, so you trade beachfront views for shelter and a short stroll to the bay. For late starts or family groups, it’s a convenient, low-effort place to pitch on night one.

Location & Access

• About 3 km from the southern entrance at Mārahau on the Coast Track.
• Walk-in or arrive by boat/kayak; there’s no drive-on access.
• The track here is generally easy, with occasional steeper bits and classic coastal scenery.

Facilities & Booking

• Basic Great Walk campsite setup: long-drop toilets and hand-washing sinks; taps on site but treat/boil before drinking.
• Tent sites on grass; no powered sites and no Wi‑Fi; no rain shelter.
• Capacity is around 30 people.
• Bookings are required year‑round. The DOC Campsite Pass is not valid here.
• Fees per person, per night:

– Oct 1–Apr 30: NZ adult $21; International adult $31; NZ child (5–17) $10; International child $15; infants (0–4) free.

– May 1–Sept 30: Adults $21; children $10; infants free. Proof is needed for the NZ rate.

What it’s like

Expect a quiet, sheltered clearing just off the track. You’re not camping on the sand, but the beach is a very short wander away for swims and sunsets. Thanks to tree cover and its inland position, it’s usually less windswept than the on‑beach sites. Because it’s so close to Mārahau and not beachfront, it often has spaces when more famous bays further north are booked out.

Wildlife & Nearby

Restoration planting by local conservation groups has boosted native bush and birdlife. Around the bay, lucky walkers have even spotted dolphins cruising past. A short nature walk starts nearby, and classic beaches like Coquille Bay, Apple Tree Bay, and Anchorage lie ahead if you’re continuing up the track. If you push on to Anchorage, glowworms can be seen in caves at the northern end of that beach after dark.

Best Time to Visit

Peak season runs Oct–Apr, when this makes an easy first or last‑minute stop from Mārahau. Shoulder months still require bookings but have simpler pricing. Check tides if you’re aiming for a beach picnic at the bay.

Rules & Safety Notes

• No dogs at any time.
• Fires only in designated sites and only when permitted.
• A predator‑control operation using 1080 was completed on Sept 12, 2025; obey warning signs and do not hunt or forage in the area for several months afterward.