The mobile summer rubbish barge will return to the Bay of Islands from Monday 29 December, providing an on water disposal option during the busiest part of the boating season. For many crews cruising the Bay, the barge has become a routine part of summer planning, reducing the need to store rubbish onboard or make unnecessary trips ashore.
The service is delivered through a partnership between Northland Regional Council, Far North District Council and the Department of Conservation, with Northland Waste managing day to day operations. The aim is straightforward. Give boaties a reliable way to dispose of rubbish responsibly while protecting one of New Zealand’s most heavily used coastal playgrounds.
On water service and costs
From late December through to Friday 30 January 2026, the barge will generally operate on Mondays and Fridays, weather permitting.
On service days, it will call at Urupukapuka Island campsites between 9am and 10am. It will then move to Moturua Island, mooring near the south eastern end from 10.30am to 1pm. Hours may shorten toward the end of January as demand eases or the barge reaches capacity.
Rubbish is charged at a flat rate of $10 per bag, whether using pre paid or standard bags. Recycling is also accepted, with pricing usually between $3 and $5 depending on volume and cleanliness. Oversized bags or contaminated recycling may incur additional fees.
For safety reasons, staff instructions must be followed. Footwear is required and a maximum of four people are permitted on the barge at any one time.
Shore based disposal options
Several shore based facilities will operate alongside the barge service. At Ōpua, rubbish facilities near the fuel jetty at the Far North Holdings car park will be open daily from 8am to 5pm between 26 December and 29 January.
At Rāwhiti, the Kaingahoa campground site will be open daily from 20 December through to 28 February, operating from 8am to 4pm. Both locations are closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Russell Wharf pop up facility
A pop up rubbish and recycling centre will also operate at the end of Russell Wharf from 26 December to 11 January. Opening hours are 8am to 11am and 2pm to 5pm. Rubbish disposal costs $8 per bag, while recycling is accepted free of charge.
For boaties spending time in the Bay of Islands this summer, planning rubbish disposal is part of good seamanship. These services remove the guesswork and help keep anchorages, islands and harbours in good shape for everyone.
