Tatapouri Bay, located just 13 km from Gisborne on the East Coast, is a beachfront venue that welcomes school camps and group stays. With wide open spaces, safe beach access and flexible accommodation options, it provides an excellent base for schools wanting to combine outdoor education with coastal exploration.
Accommodation is available to suit a range of budgets and group sizes. Schools can make use of powered and non-powered campsites, ideal for tents or campervans, alongside simple cabins and tiny homes that sleep multiple students or staff. For groups wanting more comfort, glamping tents and Podlifes are also available. The large grounds allow for flexibility, making it easy to accommodate school groups of varying sizes.
Facilities include communal kitchens, BBQ areas, bathrooms and laundry blocks, ensuring groups have everything they need to self-cater. A playground and open grassed areas provide safe recreation spaces for supervised games and activities, while a seasonal café onsite is a bonus for staff and parents. Limited Wi-Fi is available, primarily for admin use.
Tatapouri Bay’s beachfront location is one of its biggest assets. Schools can use the beach for supervised activities, environmental studies and marine exploration. The nearby Dive Tatapouri stingray encounters add a unique local experience, while Gisborne’s cultural and historical attractions are just 15 minutes away. Local coastal and bush walks also provide easy opportunities for day trips.
School camps are welcomed by prior arrangement, with minimum charges and availability conditions applying. The flexibility of accommodation means schools can mix traditional “camping style” with more comfortable options for teachers and parents.
For schools seeking a coastal camp experience, Tatapouri Bay offers a unique and inspiring setting. It blends practicality with outdoor adventure, making it an ideal choice for field trips, retreats and group learning.
