You could wake up to the sound of tūī in lush native bush or spend a night next to the beach with a view of crashing waves and powdery white sands.
Whatever takes your fancy, there’s something to suit you in Auckland’s five best regional park campgrounds. Start planning your summer adventure now.
Awhitū Regional Park
A short one-hour drive from downtown Auckland, Awhitū offers a wonderful escape with magnificent views across the Manukau Heads to the Waitākere Ranges.
Relax and unwind, enjoy the scenery, explore the regional park with its fantastic walking and biking trails, and make your choice from the black sands of the west coast and tranquil white-sand beaches along the eastern bays.
Stay at your choice of two nearby campgrounds, Peninsula Campground and Brook Campground, the Āwhitu SCC parking area or the historic Āwhitu House, currently available later in the season.
Āwhitu House at Āwhitu Regional Park
Piwakawaka Eco Structure at Wenderholm Regional
For a slightly more luxurious experience try the Piwakawaka Eco Structure. This little glamping tent sits on a tiny peninsula jutting out into the Puhoi River within the Wenderholm Regional Park, which happens to be Auckland’s first, and some say most beautiful, regional park.
It’s got 180-degree river views, a little barbeque, a comfy queen bed and two single bunks. Bookings are available now for mid-week slots in February and more later on in the season too.
Next door, check out Schischka campground at Wenderholm Regional Park. Surrounded by pōhutukawa trees and only just over 1km from the beach, it’s perfect for a quick getaway from the bustle of the city.
The nearby Wenderholm SCC parking area is a great way to enjoy the area too if you’re arriving in a campervan or motorhome,
Wenderholm Regional Park
Te Ārai SCC campground
If you’ve got a vehicle with an up-to-date Self-containment Certificate, the Te Ārai SCC campground is a must-visit. It’s nestled in behind the dunes in the Te Ārai Regional Park, just off Pacific Road Beach; a spot known for excellent surf and mind-blowing sunsets.
Waitawa Bay (sea kayak) campground
Auckland is spoilt for choice when it comes to sea kayaking. The Hauraki Gulf is home to hundreds of islands and secluded beaches, one of which is Waitawa Bay campground.
This special spot can only be reached via sea kayak so chances are you’ll have the entire pebbly beach to yourself, along with plenty of space on a grassy bank for pitching tents.
Waitawa Bay (sea kayak) campground at Waitawa Regional Park
Pae o te Rangi campground at Cascade Kauri
If you’re a hiker and a bush lover, Pae o te Rangi campground should be your first choice. This serene campground is set deep in the Waitākere Regional Park bush and is a 20-minute walk from the car park on Te Henga Road.
There’s plenty of world-class walking in the area, with countless trails through ancient kauri forests, along streams and to hidden waterfalls.
