Wake up in a park
Escape to the beach or countryside at one of Auckland Council’s holiday parks, baches or campsites. Hot picks include:
- Craw Homestead at Anawhata, Paturoa Bach near Titirangi and farm-style baches at Atiu Creek Regional Park
- holiday parks at Orewa, Martins Bay and Whangateau
- classic campgrounds at Omana, Tapapakanga, Waharau, Atiu Creek and Wenderholm regional parks
- wilderness camping experiences at Tawhitokino Regional Park on the south-eastern coast and Karamatura in the Waitākere Ranges
- campervan sites (for vehicles with self-containment certificates) at a range of regional parks.
Bookings are essential and popular sites fill up fast, so get in quick.
Dine al fresco
Spread out the picnic blanket and have a meal to remember in an unforgettable location in one of our local or regional parks.
There are more than 180 electric, gas or wood-burning barbecues available for use in council parks – use the parks search for more information or find out more about picnics in regional parks.
If taking your own gas barbecue, make sure you steer clear of overhanging trees.
Large picnic sites can accommodate up to 500 people but you'll have to book in advance.
Restricted fire season
From December, a restricted fire season will be put in place to reduce the risk of fires in our rural communities.
During the restricted fire season, a permit will be required for all outdoor fires in rural areas on the mainland.
At the same time, a Prohibited Fire Season (fire ban) will apply to all islands in the Hauraki Gulf. In urban areas, outdoor fires are allowed for cooking and heating, but should be used safely and considerately.
Keep kauri standing
You can help prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease in our parks this summer by:
- cleaning your shoes, tyres and other gear before and after visiting kauri forests
- staying on designated tracks
- keeping off kauri roots
- looking out for kauri protection zones in the Waitākere Ranges and Hunua Ranges.
Visit the Keep Kauri Standing website or call 0800 NZ KAURI (0800 695 2874) for more information.
Stay safe on the rocks
Don't put your life on the line - if you're fishing off rock platforms, particularly on Auckland's west coast, remember to:
- wear a life jacket
- check the weather forecast
- never fish alone
- wear trainers, not gumboots
- never turn your back on the ocean
- call 111 in an emergency.
Pedal or paddle
Mountain biking
Auckland Council works with mountain biking clubs and enthusiasts to create tracks and trails around the region for every skill level.
The newly opened Waitawa Regional Park offers a range of tracks from beginner to advanced, while Arch Hill Scenic Reserve has beginner and intermediate trails.
For the mountain bikers of tomorrow, there is the toddlers' bike loop at Lake Town Green in Takapuna and children's bike tracks at Onepoto Domain on the North Shore.
If you're on your bike, keep an eye out for walkers and horse riders who may also be using the tracks and trails.
Kayaking
Many of Auckland's parks are ideal for launching an exploration of the coast by kayak.
Shakespear and Tāwharanui regional parks in particular have shallow, sheltered areas suitable for beginners, while Rame Reserve in Greenhithe has a pontoon for launching kayaks.
Experienced kayakers can tackle Te Ara Moana - the sea-going pathway, a self-guided five-day sea kayak tour along approximately 51km of Auckland's south-eastern coastline.
A message from the Auckland Harbourmaster
Auckland Harbourmaster staff will be out and about this summer, so make sure you're aware of the new Navigation Safety Bylaw rules. Take care on the water and keep your boat and gear in good shape.
