Jordan McCraeWho doesn’t like the sound of a crackling fire, toasting marshmallows, uncontrollable laughter with friends, and the sight of a clear, star-studded sky? Camping in Auckland offers all this and then some!
So, we’ve combed through the city’s camping scene and picked out the best campsites in Auckland that offer a bit of the extraordinary. Perfect for anything from rookie campers to bona fide outdoor aficionados, so keep on reading!
Whatipu Lodge and Campground
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Website: http://www.whatipulodge.co.nz/
Address: Whatipu Road, Huia, Auckland 0604, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 811 8860
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Prices:
- Adult – $12.50
- Student – $8
- Family (2 adults and 2 children) – $35
- Day visitors – $5
The Whatipu Lodge and Campground is a bit of a local secret when it comes to camping sites in Auckland. The ground includes public toilets and a kitchen facility with a stove, microwave, fridge, and even BBQ facilities if you fancy a ‘snag’ on the Barbie.
The sites are non-powered, which makes it perfect if you’re into an off-the-grid experience, but don’t worry, the lodge has communal hot showers. There are also wonderful walking tracks like the Whatipu Caves Track accessible from the site.
| Pro tip: This campground is on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, so get there early for the best spots. Also, be sure to carry some cash with you, as there are no EFTPOS facilities. |
Ambury Park Campground
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Address: 43 Ambury Road, Māngere Bridge, Auckland 2022, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 366 2000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 9 PM
Prices:
- Adult – $17
- Child – $6.50
- Infant – Free
They say variety is the spice of life, and Ambury Park has just that! Besides providing spaces for tents and motorhomes, this park is known for its farm demonstration days, where the kids (or adults, I won’t judge) can get up close with the animals.
Ambury Regional Park also offers a bunch of walking and cycling trails with a brilliant view of Manukau Harbour. You can set up your tent, have an evening stroll, and watch the sun hide behind the harbour.
| Pro tip: Note that dogs and alcohol are not allowed, so plan accordingly. |
Barn Paddock Campsite
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Address: 1230 Huia Road, Huia, Auckland 0604, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 301 0101
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 9 PM
Prices:
- Adult – $9.50
- Child – $4.50
- Infant – Free
If you fancy a bit of peace, Barn Paddock Campsite is your perfect hitching post. This place is ideal for smaller groups and families looking for a different kind of weekend getaway.
If you have kiddos with you or maybe you’re a hardcore outdoor fanatic, the Barn Paddock is a gateway to many bush walks. Plus, on-site amenities include toilets, a water supply, and BBQ areas.
| Pro tip: This is a pack-in and pack-out campsite, meaning everything you bring, you’ll need to take out, you know, keep it clean, and respect Mama Earth. |
Pararaha Campsite
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Address: Whatipu Road, Huia, Auckland 0604, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 210 285 7620
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 9 PM
Prices:
- Adult – $9.50
- Child – $4.50
- Infant – Free
Pararaha Campsite is a small, peaceful spot that gives you absolute serenity combined with stunning valley views. Think bare-bones in terms of amenities—it’s got long-drop toilets and a water tank.
Now, if you’re a fan of hiking, you’re in luck because Pararaha is smack dab on the Hillary Trail and also offers some splendid walks like the Buck Taylor Track. Beautiful streams, rock pools, and waterfalls—everything’s right here!
| Pro tip: Rain can make the roads to Pararaha quite treacherous, so do check the weather forecast before you head off. |
Takapuna Beach Holiday Park
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Website: http://www.takapunabeachholidaypark.co.nz/
Address: 22 The Promenade, Takapuna, Auckland 0622, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 489 7909
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Price: Prices will be shown upon booking
Takapuna Beach Holiday Park is where you want to pitch your tent because it’s a slice of beach paradise, offering stunning views of Rangitoto Island right from your tent. Plus, you’re within walking distance of some cozy cafes and restaurants.
The site contains powered and non-powered areas, kitchens, BBQ facilities, a TV lounge, laundry facilities, and bathrooms. Other than building sand castles, you can visit the Sunday market, try paddle boarding, or take a stroll to Auckland’s only lake, Pupuke.
| Pro tip: This location is a hot spot during the summer, so make sure to book in advance! |
Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park
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Website: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/Pages/park-details.aspx?Location=3445
Address: 265 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa 0931, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 426 5832
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 11 PM
Prices:
Glamping Tent:
- Adult – $29
- Children – $11
- Child (up to 24 months) – Free
Powered site beachfront:
- Adult – $25
- Children – $15
- Child (up to 24 months) – Free
Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park is a comfy camping spot that just screams relaxation and beach time. The amenities cover all the basics: toilets (which are obviously important), cold showers, and cooking facilities.
It might not be glamping, but you signed up for the beach, eh? Aside from catching a tan on your beach towel, you can cycle or walk along the terrific Orewa Estuary Walkway.
| Pro tip: You may want to check out the awesome selection of restaurants and cafes in Orewa town centre. |
Mahurangi Regional Park (West)
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Website: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parkmaps/map-mahurangi-regional-park.pdf
Address: 192 Ngarewa Drive, Mahurangi West 0983, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 301 0101
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 9 PM
Prices:
- Adult – $17
- Children – $6.50
Mahurangi Regional Park is jam packed with heaps of camping spots scattered over the park. Besides the regular camp favourites like hiking and fishing, you can explore the park’s historical parts with Maori pa sites and European settlements.
We can’t forget to mention that this camping site keeps things pretty rustic with amenities like toilets and a water supply. But remember, playing good ole’ camping cook is part of the charm.
| Pro tip: If you’d like a little more peace, Motuketekete Bay and Te Muri are usually less crowded so you can check them out. |
Piha Domain Motor Camp
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Website: http://www.pihacamp.com/
Address: 21 Seaview Road, Piha 0772, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 812 8815
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Prices:
Unpowered Sites:
- Adult – $22
- Ages 14 to 17 (accompanied by adult) – $14
- Ages 5 to 13 – $10
- Pets – Free
Powered Sites:
- Adult – $24
- Ages 14 to 17 (accompanied by adult) – $14
- Ages 5 to 13 – $10
- Pets – Free
If you favour wild waves and craggy coastlines, Piha Domain Motor Camp is calling your name. The camp offers powered sites for campervans and non-powered sites for tents, and also provides showers, toilets, a kitchen, and a TV room.
So, there’s no need to miss out on that favourite show of yours just because you’re on a camping holiday. Besides conquering Lion’s Rock or surfing those gnarly waves, you can lose yourself in the beauty of Kitekite Falls or explore the Mercer Bay Loop walk.
| Pro tip: This place is super popular, so it’s always a good idea to book in advance. And while you’re at Piha, you’ve got to try the local fish and chips. |
Pinewoods Motor Park
Website: http://www.pinewoods.co.nz/
Address: 23 Marie Avenue, Red Beach 0932, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 426 4526
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
Price: Prices will be shown upon booking
Pinewoods Motor Park offers views of the Hauraki Gulf and lets you enjoy a blend of beach fun and comforts. It’s the perfect place for first-time campers or for families with kids who love the beach!
The best part? The beach is safe for swimming, and there’s lots of room for other beach activities like volleyball. Amenities are nothing short of top-notch, with an on-site burger bar, shared kitchen, laundry facilities, and even a playground for the little ones.
| Pro tip: If you can, try visiting the Shakespear Regional Park close by because it’s got walking trails, beautiful beaches, and lots of wildlife. |
Whangateau Holiday Park
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Website: http://www.whangateauholidaypark.co.nz/
Address: 559 Leigh Road, Whangateau 0985, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 427 3305
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Saturday and Sunday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
- Friday – 8:30 AM to 7 PM
Prices:
Waterfront Site:
- Adults – $35
- Children – $15
Regular Site:
- Adults – $27
- Children – $12
Whangateau Holiday Park makes you forget about city life as soon as you arrive. Other than camping, you can also do some fishing and kayaking while you’re here.
Or better yet, explore the Leigh Marine Reserve and Goat Island. Now, I should also mention that this campsite is equipped with communal cooking facilities, laundry amenities, showers, and even Wi-Fi.
| Pro tip: Remember to check out the Pakiri Horse Rides nearby for an unforgettable gallop along a stunning white-sand beach. |
Tunnel Point Campground
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Address: Karekare 0772, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 366 2000
Operating hours:
Prices:
- Adult – $9.50
- Child – $4.50
- Infant – Free
Tunnel Point Campground is a slice of paradise stationed right on Manukau Harbour. Thanks to its prime location, you can enjoy magnificent harbour views right from the moment you unzip that tent.
Let me tell you, the star-studded sky reflecting off the water here makes up big-time for the no-frills deal. And let’s not forget the variety of walking tracks that’ll connect you with thriving wildlife and historical railway tunnels—hence the name Tunnel Point.
| Pro tip: As there’s no booking, arrive early to snag a good spot, especially during the summer. |
Tāwharanui Campground
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Address: 1181 Takatu Road Tāwharanui Peninsula, Matakana 0986, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 366 2000
Operating hours:
Prices:
- Adult – $17
- Child – $6.50
- Infant – Free
Tāwharanui Campground is a beautiful open sanctuary and a wildlife lover’s ultimate wish-come-true. The set-up here is pretty standard: non-powered sites, communal toilets, and cold showers—the whole shebang.
While camping, you’ve got access to some of the park’s best beaches, walking trails, and a lot of outdoor activities like fishing and surfing. And let’s not forget the park’s wildlife; you’re likely to spot endangered birds like the NZ dotterel or the brown teal.
| Pro tip: Being such a popular place, booking is essential. And it’s a good idea to bring your snorkel and flippers, you’d be surprised at the colourful marine life often found at the park’s marine reserve. |
