Camping in Auckland | Best Spots

Get close to nature by camping in Auckland, one of the best places to pitch a tent or park a caravan. Camping is an independent and cheaper way of travel and accommodation amidst the pristine waters and majestic landscapes.

Different Types of camping in Auckland:

Holiday Parks:
Holiday parks in Auckland offer areas for pitching tents or parking caravans and offer a range of high standard facilities like powered sites, kitchens, laundry rooms etc. As a result, it comes at a higher price, normally NZD 20 - NZD 55 for two persons per night.
Council Campsites:
Auckland has 44 campgrounds which offer basic and minimal facilities like water supply and toilets, though you might sometimes get extra amenities like barbeque stoves. Note that some of these are accessible only on foot and are suitable for tents only. Self Containment Certificate(SCC) camping areas are only for certified self-contained vehicles. Council campsites usually cost NZD 20.
DOC Campsites:
Department of Conservation(DOC) maintain campsites in the Hauraki Gulf and provide basic amenities at a reasonable price, sometimes even free. Tents and campervans are all allowed to camp on the DOC campsites.
Freedom Camping:
It is a great option for those who own a certified self-contained campervan with proper water and toilet system. You can camp for the night in the allotted areas free of charge. Camping outside of designated areas will invite a fine of NZD 200.

Best Spots for Camping in Auckland:

1. Orewa Beach:

Situated 30 minutes north of Auckland, this is a holiday park perched up at the Orewa Point. Its top-notch location beside the beach and panoramic views are what attracts campers. You can indulge in activities like swimming, fishing, boating and go to the Waiwera thermal spa resort located closeby, making it the perfect spot for camping in Auckland. It has a range of accommodation facilities like powered sites, motels, cabins, ensuite units and glamping sites.

COST:
Powered sites: NZD 54
Standard Cabin: NZD 90
Deluxe Cabin: NZD 130

2. Waiheke Island:

The beaches, vineyards, location and the island vibes make it a perfect camping getaway option. It is located one and a half hour away from Auckland and is suitable for kayaking and sunbathing. Book an accommodation at the Poukaraka Flats Campground near Whakanewha Park which is a fun ride from the beachfront. You can also take a ferry ride and enjoy the pretty scenery too!

COST: NZD 13 per night, maximum stay of 7 nights allowed.

3. Takapuna Beach:

A sunrise will welcome you in the morning over Rangitoto Island with magnificent views of the Hauraki Gulf. Relax in the sunshine or swim or go for a boat ride at the white sand beach. It is easily accessible by public transport as it is only 15 minutes away from the main city. It offers campervans, tents as well as cabins for accommodation.

COST: Powered site: NZD 48
Cabin: NZD 95

4. Pakiri Beach:

90 minutes away from Auckland, Pakiri beach campgrounds offer a plethora of activities like swimming, kayaking, fishing, surfing etc. You can also go for horse-trekking over the dunes. Relax and rejuvenate beside the golden sand beach enjoying the peaceful vibes. It offers beachfront cottages, self-contained units, private cabins, glamping tents and camping vans.

COST:
Luxury lodges: NZD 380
Motel: NZD 322 - NZD 522
Self-contained units: NZD 299
Tent site: NZD 52

5. Goat Island:

New Zealand's first marine reserve, Goat Island, locally known as Okakari Point Marine Reserve, is the ideal destination for snorkelling lovers nd those looking to enjoy the experience of camping in Auckland. You can hire the equipment required for snorkelling from Seafriends for NZD 30. If you want to smack on to some fish and chips, visit the famous Leigh Fish and Chips shop. Goat Island Camping offers accommodations like campervan sites, tents, self-contained units, and motels.

COST: Campervan sites: NZD 25 (Plus $5 for the powered site)

Cabins: NZD 45

6. Whangateau Harbour:

Whangateau Holiday Park is a waterfront campground where you can spend holidays, camping with your family. It is a ten-minute drive away from Matakana on route to Goat Island. You can stopover at this place and if you have time, then even better! Begin with the Matakana Farmer's Market followed by a sunbath on the shores of the Omaha Beach. Do try the smoked pizza from the Leigh Sawmill Cafe. It provides more than 70 waterfront and regular powered sites, onsite caravans, rooms and cabins at reasonable rates.

COST: Waterfront site: NZD 27
Regular site: NZD 50
Cabins: NZD 40

7. Whatipu Beach:

Whatipu Campground is a beautiful, remotely located spot situated a little away from the Waitakere Ranges. Whatipu Campground is a beautiful, remotely located spot situated a little away from the Waitakere Ranges. It has coarse terrain and black sand with waves lapping back and forth the shore impressively. Being in this place will definitely give you a sense of peace and tranquillity, unplugging you from the rest of the world. You can also go for nature walks like the Hillary Trail and enjoy the scenic beauty.

COST: Lodge: NZD 45
Bach: NZD 120 for up to 4 person
Campground: NZD 10

Aerial view of the Piha Beach and the Lion's Rock

8. Piha Beach:

Known as Auckland's best surf beach, Piha is one of the few unspoilt beaches close to Auckland. The Piha Domain Camp is just a two-minute walk away from the beach so you can have a quick swim or surf early in the morning before the crowd comes up. It also has access to the lagoon, tennis court and a playground for children. 400 metres away from the campgrounds lies the Lion's Rock which gives incredible views of the coastline. You can also take a half an hour walk to the Kitekite Falls and have fun under the waterfall. The Domain Camp offers kitchen, barbeque and toilet facilities. Campervans and tents are both permitted.

COST: Powered site: NZD 22
Tent site: NZD 20

9. Sandspit Holiday Park:

It is a family-friendly camp located near Kawau Bay. It is equipped with 50 powered and non-powered campsites, and self-contained cabins, both, waterfront and non-waterfront. One of the exciting things about this campground is the variety of activities you can do. From swimming to kayaking, from chess to snake and ladder, from nature walks to boat fishing, there is hardly any activity left. Facilities like barbeque, internet access and a library are provided.

COST: Self-contained cabins: NZD 120-130 Standard Cabins: NZD 80-90 Waterfront campsites: NZD 24-48

10. Big Bay:

Located at the tip of the Awhitu Peninsula, this holiday park has a tranquil setting, with the beautiful white sand beach and breathtaking scenery. You can indulge in activities like swimming, boating, fishing, bowling, tennis and golf. The camp offers powered, non-powered sites, cabins and motels. They also give free wood-smoked pizzas for campers.