If you’re dreaming of an affordable summer holiday by the beach that doesn’t involve hours of driving and having to pitch a tent, Auckland Council has a range of accommodation options to provide a dynamic experience. From caravans to cabins to backpackers, here’s a selection of options to suit whānau, large groups, couples and solo travellers.
Cosy cabins at Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park
Adorable is the word to describe the standard cabins at Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park with their teal-trimmed windows, wee balconies, and ply-lined interiors. Perfect for families, each cabin has rollaway / portable single beds or is also available for max occupancy with costs of $85-$100 a night.
The beach is right at your doorstep (no crossing the road) and tamariki will enjoy making new friends in the adventure playground. There are some great pedal cars available for kids to play with also.
If you’re after a bit more comfort, deluxe cabins are still great value for money at $145-$160 per night with two bedrooms, cooking facilities and a large covered deck.
Ease into the outdoors in a deluxe EcoStructure
Tired of the same camping experience? Why not book an EcoStructure at Ōrewa Beach ($190 per night) or Martins Bay Holiday Parks. With amazing views of the local scenery and a homely feeling to its interiors, the Ecostructure is an ideal alternative to your standard camping experience.
They’re eco-luxe with attractive rattan furniture, a double bed and a separate room with two bunk beds. You don't even need to bring your own bed linen. And if you’re a group of five, the Martins Bay Holiday Park EcoStructures ($180-$220 per night) have a foldaway bed for a fifth person.
Please note that Ecostructures may vary in style or experience depending on location.
Host everyone at Huia Lodge
Looking for a location for a get together? Holding up to 30 people and only $385 a night, it would be hard to find accommodation cheaper than Huia Lodge. This old schoolhouse, which was built in 1893, looks out across the beautiful tidal waters of Huia Bay in the Waitākere Ranges and contains six bunk rooms with two double bunk beds and one single bed in each. Book it for large family and friend gatherings.
Rent a retro caravan
Everyone should sleep in a caravan at least once in their life. The caravans at Martins Bay Holiday Park have oodles of personality with their 70s colour schemes, petite light fittings and ingenious cubbies for storing your stuff.
They’re fully furnished with cooking facilities and crockery - all you need to bring is bed linen and towels. They sleep up to six and range in price from $160-$180 per night. Or head further north up the coast to Whangateau Holiday Park near Leigh, and stay in one of their equally-sweet beach-front caravans.
Cross the water to Waiheke Backpackers Hostel
If you fancy some time alone, Waiheke Backpackers Hostel overlooks the stunning white sands of Onetangi Beach. Just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland and a short taxi, shuttle or bus ride away, the hostel contains a range of rooms, including single-bunk rooms for two or four, an assisted-mobility room with a queen-size bed, or nab the room with a queen-size bed and an ensuite. Prices range from $45 per person for a room in a mixed dorm to $170 per night for the ensuite.
Bach it up out south at Āwhitu House
With its mint green exterior and French doors, this three-bedroom 1930s house in Āwhitu Regional Park is a charming escape (and a former rangers house). Enjoy countryside views (the park is also a working farm) then take a five-minute stroll to the safe, sandy beach on the southwest shores of the Manukau Harbour and visit the Āwhitu Golf Club close by for a round or two. Prices per night for accommodation at range from $105-$169 depending on the time of year.
Baches and other accommodation at Auckland’s regional parks and holiday parks can be booked on the Auckland Council website, where you’ll also find more information about amenities and check in/out times.
Enjoy seaside and countryside views by booking accommodation at Āwhitu House in Āwhitu Regional Park.
