On operational days it will visit Urupukapuka Island campsites from 9am to 10am before mooring close to the southeastern end of Moturua Island from 10.30am to 1pm (hours will reduce as demand drops off toward the end of January or as capacity of the barge reduces).
A flat $10 fee per rubbish bag applies, regardless of whether prepaid or plain bags are used. Recyclables are accepted, with the cost depending on quantity and cleanliness, it is typically between $3 and $5. Additional charges will be incurred for oversized bags and dirty recycling.
Users are asked to follow the guidance of barge staff. There will be a maximum limit of four people on the barge at any one time and footwear must also be worn for health and safety reasons.
Meanwhile, shore-based facilities are available daily from 8am to 5pm at Ōpua (by the fuel jetty Far North Holdings carpark) from December 26 to January 29.
A Rāwhiti site (Kaingahoa campground, Kaingahoa Bay, Rāwhiti Rd) will be open daily from 8am to 4pm from Saturday to February 26. (From March 1 to December 19, 2026, the site is open daily, 9am to midday.)
Both the Ōpua and Rāwhiti sites are closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Meanwhile, a pop-up rubbish and recycling centre will also be installed at Russell Wharf.
The centre will be located at the end of the wharf from December 26 to January 11 and open 8-11am and 2-5pm. A flat $8 fee per rubbish bag applies, while recyclables are free of charge.
To find out more visit www.nrc.govt.nz/rubbishbarge
