Campgrounds across Auckland will be turning on a Big Camp Out weekend of activities and camping opportunities on 5 and 6 March to celebrate 50 years of regional parks. There’s an inexpensive hidden gem right on our doorstep at Māngere Bridge.
“It’s just $15 per adult and $6 per child (under fives are free) to camp at Ambury Regional Park in Ambury Road, Māngere Bridge,” says Richard Hollier, Manager, Regional Parks.
"That makes it one of the cheapest places anywhere to have a family break. Even people who don’t have a car can get there by bus.
“For the Big Camp out, we’re putting on a free guided walk along the foreshore on Sunday morning (6 March), and participating in a foreshore clean up for SeaWeek. Visitors can wake up on Sunday morning to the sounds of animals on Ambury Farm.”
The farm animals at Ambury are family favourites. Visitors can see sheep, goats, cows, pigs, lambs, chickens, turkeys, rabbits and even a peacock. Grassy lanes between the animal enclosures help people get up close to the animals safely.
“Many south Auckland children have not seen farm animals up close before, so Ambury is a great experience for them,” says Richard.
The park is home to at least 86 species of birds, which visitors can enjoy from the comfort of their tent, or on one of the easy access walks. The Family Farm Walk around the animal enclosures is pram-friendly, while the Foreshore Walk is famous for blowing away the cobwebs.
Visitors can also take the Lost Gardens Walk to see remnants of Maori stone mounds once used for gardening.
Ambury has basic, flat camping available for tents, campervans and caravans, with toilets and drinking water nearby.
Auckland Council Parks and Recreation Committee Chair Councillor, Christine Fletcher, urges South Auckland residents to get out and enjoy the summer Big Camp Out while the weather is good.
“Our regional parks are much loved and treasured by the people of Auckland and visitors alike, receiving more than 6 million visits a year. They are home to the most majestic landscapes of the Auckland region and protect many rare and threatened ecosystems and native species.
"For many of us, they are places that inspire and define us; places where we seek tranquillity and respite in nature, or more active recreation in the bush or on the beach,” she says.
“The weather is perfect for camping out and we have plenty of regional parks within range of Auckland, so it’s easy to go overnight or for a weekend.”
Auckland Regional Park campgrounds can be booked on 09 366 2000, option 2, 8am-7pm Monday to Sunday.
