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:
The Department of Conservation(DOC) maintains campsites in the Hauraki Gulf and provides 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 holiday park is perched at Orewa Point. Its top-notch location beside the beach and panoramic views are what attracts campers. You can indulge in activities like swimming, fishing, and boating and go to the nearby Waiwera Thermal Spa resort, 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.Pricing:
1. Powered sites: NZD 54
2. Standard Cabin: NZD 90
3. Deluxe Cabin: NZD 130
2. Waiheke Island
The beaches, vineyards, location, and island vibes make it a perfect camping getaway option. It is located one and a half hours away from Auckland and is suitable for kayaking and sunbathing. Book 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!
Pricing: 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 ride a boat at the white sand beach. It is easily accessible by public transport, only 15 minutes away from the main city. It offers campervans, tents as well as cabins for accommodation.Pricing
1. Powered site: NZD 48
2. Cabin: NZD 95
4. Pakiri Beach
90 minutes away from Auckland, Pakiri Beach campgrounds offer many activities like swimming, kayaking, fishing, surfing, etc. You can also go 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.
Pricing
1. Luxury lodges: NZD 380
2. Motel: NZD 322 - NZD 522
3. Self-contained units: NZD 299
4. 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 snorkeling lovers and those looking to enjoy the experience of camping in Auckland. You can hire the equipment required for snorkeling 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.Pricing
1. Campervan sites: NZD 25 (Plus $5 for the powered site)
2. 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 en route to Goat Island. You can stop 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 Omaha Beach. Do try the smoked pizza from the Leigh Sawmill Cafe. At reasonable rates, it provides more than 70 waterfront and regularly powered sites, onsite caravans, rooms, and cabins.
Pricing
1. Waterfront site: NZD 27
2. Regular site: NZD 50
3. 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 overlapping the shore impressively. Being in this place will give you 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.Pricing
1. Lodge: NZD 45
2. Bach: NZD 120 for up to 4 person
3. Campground: NZD 10
8. Piha Beach
Known as Auckland's best surf beach, Piha is one of the few unspoiled beaches close to Auckland. The Piha Domain Camp is just a two-minute walk from the beach, so you can 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 meters from the campgrounds lies Lion's Rock, which gives incredible coastline views. You can also take a half-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.Pricing
1. Powered site: NZD 22
2. 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, hardly any activity is left. Facilities like barbeque, internet access, and a library are provided.
Pricing
1. Self-contained cabins: NZD 120-130
2. Standard Cabins: NZD 80-90
3. Waterfront campsites: NZD 24-48
10. Big Bay
Located at the tip of the Awhitu Peninsula, this holiday park has a tranquil setting with a beautiful white sand beach and breathtaking scenery. You can indulge in activities like swimming, boating, fishing, bowling, tennis and golf. The camp offers powered and non-powered sites, cabins, and motels. They also give free wood-smoked pizzas for campers.Pricing
1. Powered site: NZD 40
2. Tent site: NZD 38
3. Self-contained unit: NZD 130
4. Cabins: NZD 65
Camping in Auckland beckons with diverse landscapes, from coastal serenity to native bush tranquility. A refuge from urban chaos, these sites foster community, connecting campers with nature's beauty. Embrace the outdoor spirit, pack your gear, and discover a memorable escape within New Zealand's largest city.