Why is Auckland such a wonderful place? Well, if you ask a die-hard camping fan, it’s the 30-plus Auckland Council campsites where you can pitch your tent. Not only are most of them located within our stunning regional parks, but camping is one of the most affordable holiday options.
To pitch your tent in a regional park it costs $17 per night for an adult, $6.50 for 5-17 year olds and under-fives are free. If you’re looking for a new place to fall in love with this summer – or if you’re wanting to give camping a go for the first time – here’s our pitch for some of the most stunning spots in the region.
Sullivan’s Bay, Mahurangi
If you want a sea view from your tent, head to this little gem of a campground, which lies within a sheltered bay on a pretty shelly beach. Mahurangi Regional Park is less than an hour’s drive north of the city centre if you avoid peak-hour traffic, so it’s the perfect distance for a weekend away.
The park is divided into three fingers, each accessed separately. Sullivan’s Bay is part of Mahurangi West, which is the closest to the city (Scott Point is 70 minutes from the central city and Mahurangi East is only accessible by boat). The beach adjacent to Sullivan’s Bay Campground is a great place for swimming at all tides.
With only 30 camping sites, this is one of the smaller Auckland Regional Park campgrounds so it won’t be overcrowded – but make sure you book early to secure a spot during weekends over summer.
Poukaraka Flats Campground, Whakanewha Regional Park, Waiheke
If you’re dreaming of a relatively affordable island getaway, consider Waiheke. Poukaraka Flats Campground nestles alongside a wide stretch of beach in Whakanewha Regional Park on the southern coast of Waiheke – and it’s the only campground on the island!
Catch the car ferry over, or travel light and save money by taking the passenger ferry then catch a bus to the regional park. The Auckland Transport 502 bus departs from Matiatia Ferry Terminal and stops a short 15-minute walk from the Whakanewha Regional Park.
Mix up the relaxing camp-life vibe of swimming and chilling out by your tent by exploring the park’s many walks. The Cascade Track takes you through an enchanting nīkau forest to a series of small waterfalls, while the Pā Loop Track bypasses ancient kūmara pits.
Taking you from the beach to a series of pretty waterfalls, the Cascades Track is a must-do walk if you’re camping at Whakanewha Regional Park, Waiheke.
Peninsula and Brook Campgrounds, Āwhitu Regional Park
There are two campgrounds at this poignantly-named regional park on the southwest shores of Manukau Harbour. Āwhitu means yearning, in reference to the feeling Hotorua (commander of the Tainui waka) felt when he left the area.
The Brook Campground is behind the Brook Homestead, a kauri cottage built by English immigrants John and Sarah Brook in 1878. John Brook’s grandson Fred sold the land to Auckland Regional Council in 1971 and the park still operates as a working farm today.
The park also features wetlands, white sandy beaches and a picturesque rustic jetty built by the Brook whānau when the only access to the outside world was by boat. It’s a great spot for a selfie with your camping crew.
Closer to the beach and beside the homestead is the Peninsula Campground, which has capacity for 60 people.
Both campgrounds have barbecues, water facilities, toilets and bathrooms – perfect for those who like a flushable toilet as opposed to a long drop!
Take a selfie with your camping crew on this historic jetty looking out to Kauritūtahi Island at Āwhitu Regional Park.
Beachfront Campground, Tāpapakanga
It might be famous as the site of popular music and arts festival Splore, which takes place every February, but the rest of the time this spot is a peaceful tree-clad campground overlooking the Firth of Thames.
Highlights of the Beachfront Campground include the gentle, warm beach, a refreshing lagoon, and the historic Ashby Homestead, which was built in 1900 and is where James and Rebecca Ashby raised 14 children. There are walks aplenty around the park, including a short bushwalk up to a lookout then continues along to the Seaview Campground. Note that the sea view has now been obscured by regenerating native bush – it’s still a nice sheltered spot to set up camp though.
Please note that due to Splore all camping areas in the area will be closed from Friday 16 to Wednesday 28 Feb.
The Beachfront Campground at Tāpapakanga Regional Park overlooks the Firth of Thames.
Ease yourself into camping at a holiday park
If you want the comfort of a kitchen and shower block plus plenty of activities to keep kids entertained, head to one of Auckland Council’s holiday parks. Martins Bay, Ōrewa Beach, and Whangateau Holiday Parks have sites where you can pitch your tent. Prices per night start from $50, but you’ll have the luxury of using the campground’s facilities and for a small fee you can hire kayaks, paddleboards or go-karts.
And if you really want to glam it up, Martins Bay and Ōrewa Beach Holiday Parks also have beachfront glamping options with pre-erected tents and actual beds! They also come with cooking utensils, a kettle, a toaster and a fridge.
You can experience the getting-back-to-nature fun that is camping without having to pack lots of gear or pitch a tent if you stay in a glamping tent at Ōrewa Beach or Martins Bay Holiday Parks.
