10 Best Camping Grounds – Auckland

Auckland is a beautiful coastal city on New Zealand’s North Island. While the city itself is great and worth spending time in — it’s worth spending just as much time checking out the surrounding areas. 

Auckland is surrounded by national parks, conservation areas, coastal town and mountain ranges, so if you want to explore these areas, one of the best options you have is to spend a few days staying in local campgrounds and exploring. There are loads of options available: from pitching a tent, to staying in deluxe cabins, to parking and sleeping in a campervan.

We know that nobody wants to spend hours combing through accommodation options, so we have narrowed your search down to 7 camps. These can work as base camps that you can return to after a full day of exploring, but a few of them are worth staying at just for the views and experience.

Quick Links

1. Tapapakanga Regional Park
2. Tāwharanui Regional Park
3. Takapuna Beach Holiday Park
4. Poukaraka Flats Campground
5. Big Bay Holiday Park
6. Clarks Beach Holiday Park
7. Pakiri Beach Holiday Park
8. Orewa Beach Holiday Park
9. Martins Bay Holiday Park
10. Ōmana Regional Park

Tapapakanga Regional Park

Ōrere Point, New Zealand

Popular with day trippers and campers alike, Tāpapakanga Regional Park sits right on the edge of the beautiful Firth of Thames — a large coastal bay south-east of Auckland surrounded by lush rolling hills. At around an hour and a half from Auckland’s CBD, the area is popular with campers, fishers, sightseers and people who come to enjoy the many walking trails.

The beachfront campground at Tāpapakanga Regional Park is a popular spot among campers who want to enjoy a few nights of old school camping. If you have a caravan or campervan, this isn’t the spot for you — unless you want to park somewhere else and pitch a tent for the night. 

While the park does have running water, gas barbeques and some pretty basic bathroom facilities; it doesn’t have electricity or anywhere to put your rubbish, so you’ll have to take all of your waste with you. The campground also has 40 sites in total (so it books out pretty quickly) and almost all of them have coastal views, so you won’t have to fight your neighbours for a prime position.

You can find out more about pricing and book your stay on Auckland Council’s website.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Dog walking
• Playgrounds
• Sports fields
• Bookable picnic sites
• Farm walk
• BBQ
• Pedestrian access
• Vehicle access
• Mountain bike track
• Tapapakanga coastal walk

Tāwharanui Regional Park

Tāwharanui Peninsula, New Zealand

Located around 1 hour and 20 minutes drive north of Auckland, this regional park is part of the Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary which sits on the Tawharanui peninsula. The park is defined by its lush hilly landscapes, protected kauri tree forests, and gorgeous beach — right near the park’s campground.

If you’re interested in wildlife — and particularly birds — this is the campsite to visit! The Sanctuary is a protected area for monitoring rare and endangered bird species like the kiwi and dotterel, so if you’re lucky you might spot some during your travels. Since the regional park also sits on the edge of the Tāwharanui Marine Reserve, you cannot fish in the water. That said, you will probably be so busy exploring the park’s many trails that you might not even notice.

The campground can accommodate up to 290 people and has space for tents and a nearby area is available for caravans and campervans. As a protected area, you will be responsible for keeping your impact on the landscape to a minimum — there is nowhere to get rid of your rubbish, no electricity available onsite and you shouldn’t expect a lavish bathroom. While water will flow through the taps, you’ll want to boil it before you drink it.

Visit the Auckland Council website if you want to book your stay.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Pedestrian access
• Disabled access
• Pram access
• Mobility parking
• Car parks
• Toilets
• Beaches
• Tarwharanui open sanctuary
• Native bush
• Coast walks
• Ecology trail

Takapuna Beach Holiday Park

Takapuna, Auckland

Just 20 minutes from Auckland’s CBD, this popular holiday park is in the heart of Auckland’s North Shore. The area is great for holiday goers who want to get out of the city, but don’t want to be too far from bars and restaurants.

The park has views of Rangitoto Island, the site of a dormant volcano formed just 600 years ago, and the tranquil waters of the Hauraki Gulf. The park is right next to Takapuna Beach, so it’s popular with swimmers, surfers and paddleboarders — or if you prefer to stay out of the water, you can sometimes watch dolphins and killer whales in the deeper water.

If camping outside isn’t your thing, the park offers some reasonably comfortable cabins that are suitable for two people. For everyone else, there are both powered and non-powered sites for you to pitch a tent or park your campervan. In terms of facilities, the park is well-equipped — with communal bathrooms, a kitchen with fridges and stoves, and a laundry.

Check out their website to compare accommodation options and make a booking.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Communal bathrooms & showers
• Kitchen
• Kitchen equipment & appliances
• BBQ
• Laundry facilities
• Outdoor dining area
• Free unlimited WiFi for all guests

Poukaraka Flats Campground

Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Separated from the mainland by a 2-hour trip and ferry ride, getting to Waiheke Island from Auckland means putting in some extra effort. If you don’t have a vehicle, you can catch a ferry and bus across Half Moon Bay; or if you have a car or campervan with you, a Sealink car ferry can take you across the water, then you can drive the rest of the way.

Waiheke Island is a lifestyle destination. It has an incredible selection of beaches, vineyards and olive groves for you to visit — plus some of the most stunning coastal views you will ever see. While the island does have some premium accommodation options, the Poukaraka Flats Campground in the Whakanewha Regional Park is a popular destination for travellers on a budget.

The campground has room for up to 80 people and is mostly for campers who have their own vehicle, like a car, caravan or campervan. The campground is in the protected Whakanewha Regional Park and (since the island is so remote) there’s nowhere to get rid of your rubbish or electricity available onsite. There is fresh drinking water available, free gas barbeques and cold showers that you are free to use.

You can check availability and book a site on the Auckland Council website.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Potable drinking water
• Kitchen facilities
• BBQ
• Toilets
• Bathrooms

Big Bay Holiday Park

Āwhitu, Auckland

Situated on the Awhitu Peninsula, Auckland’s last undiscovered rural region, our park offers spectacular scenery and safe, white sandy beaches perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing. Enjoy modern amenities and on-site activities like bowling, tennis, and golf, or simply relax and listen to the birds in the trees. And with a free wood-fired pizza oven for campers to use, you’ll have the perfect recipe for a memorable stay.

Pets are allowed by prior arrangement in motorhomes/caravans only. So why wait? Head to Big Bay Holiday Park for an unforgettable family getaway, and book your stay today!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Boat Ramp
• Laundry
• Playground
• Cabins
• Toilets
• Shower

Clarks Beach Holiday Park

Clarks Beach, New Zealand

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and discover a hidden gem just 40 minutes from Auckland’s CBD and airport – Clarks Beach Holiday Park. This beautiful family camp on Manukau Harbour boasts panoramic views of the adjacent golf course and beach, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely holiday or for large groups.

With a covered swimming pool, mini-golf, TV/games room, pedal carts, and kayaks for hire, there’s something for everyone. Clarks Beach is also a great spot for fishing and scallop gathering. Choose from a variety of affordable holiday accommodations, including motel units, kitchen cabins, cabins for groups of up to 42 people, spacious powered campervan sites, and tent sites.

Plus, you can enjoy the park’s quiet and peaceful surroundings while being just a short drive away from Auckland’s major tourist attractions. Book your stay at Clarks Beach Holiday Park today!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Bike hire
• Dump station
• Free WiFi
• Playground
• TV Lounge
• Boat ramp
• Games room
• Laundry
• Restaurant on-site/nearby
• BBQ area
• Go Kart hire
• Swimming pool

Pakiri Beach Holiday Park

Wellsford, Auckland

Nestled in a peaceful rural landscape, our park is the perfect environment for a family holiday or a relaxing retreat. Relax alongside the stunning white sands of Pakiri Beach and the tranquil Pakiri estuary, surrounded by nature’s beauty and hundreds of rare birds.

As a family-owned park for over 40 years, they take pride in offering well-established seaside campgrounds, cabins, and luxury beachfront accommodations. With activities like swimming, surfing, beach fishing, and kayaking, there’s truly something for everyone.

Ready for the perfect beach vacation? Book your stay at Pakiri Beach Holiday Park today and brace yourself for a truly memorable experience.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Park store
• Coffee cube
• Park playground
• Jumping pillow
• Giant chess
• Pétanque Court
• Kayak, SUP, Surf
• TV room
• Games room
• Showers
• Laundry
• Clothes lines
• Pedal carts
• Kitchen and dining
• WiFi

Orewa Beach Holiday Park

Orewa, Auckland

Ideal for families, the park offers a range of activities, including swimming (in the patrolled area near the surf club), boating, fishing, windsurfing, and golf (including the international course at Gulf Harbour). The park is also conveniently located near restaurants, shopping, and attractions like Snowplanet, Auckland Luge, Go-Karts, and Waiwera Thermal Spa Resort.

Facilities include a children’s adventure playground, covered BBQ area, boat ramp, basketball pad, stand-up paddleboard and Pedal Kart hire, TV lounge, and games room. Plus, the park is able to accommodate large groups and has facilities for the aged and people with disabilities.

With two scenic regional parks nearby and the Tiritiri Matangi Island bird sanctuary just a short trip from Gulf Harbour marina, your experience here at Bay Holiday Park is sure to be a memorable one. Book your stay today!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Children’s Adventure playground
• Covered BBQ area
• Boat ramp
• Basketball pad
• Stand-up paddleboard
• Pedal kart hire
• TV lounge
• Games room
• Toilets
• Showers
• Free WiFi
• Dump station

Martins Bay Holiday Park

Mahurangi East, New Zealand

For a unique coastal escape with safe swimming and great fishing, Martins Bay Holiday Park is your best choice! Located on the edge of a stunning sandy beach, this park offers an all-tide boat ramp and easy access to the Hauraki Gulf and Kawau Island. With accommodation options to suit every budget, including caravans, self-contained units, tourist flats, cabins, and glamping tents, Martins Bay won’t disappoint.

Enjoy beachfront showers and taps to wash off before heading back to your site. Plus, the park is family-friendly, with a security guard patrolling in the evenings to keep noise under control. Guests rave about the excellent facilities and welcoming reception staff. With swimming to the pontoon and nearby fishing, there’s plenty to do in the area.

Book now and get ready for some unforgettable beach days and incredible sunsets at Martins Bay Holiday Park!

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Laundry
• Communal kitchen
• Kitchen equipment
• BBQ
• Boating
• Fishing
• Dump station
• WiFi
• Toilets
• Showers
• Playground

Ōmana Regional Park

Maraetai, New Zealand

Situated on a gently contoured knoll offering outstanding views of the inner Hauraki Gulf, Ōmana Regional Park features a shelly beach ideal for safe swimming at high tide, shady pōhutukawa, walks to farmland, and an intriguing pā site. With 40 hectares of land, visitors can enjoy a mixture of open farmland, regenerating forest, pohutukawa-fringed cliff tops, mangrove mudflats, rocky sea shore, and a sandy beach.

There’s something for everyone with pet animals to feed, a children’s playground, large flat grass areas for organized games, a boardwalk, and cycling tracks. Plus, the park has plenty of picnic and barbecue sites and is located near the Pine Harbour and Beachlands bar and cafe marina area. Guests rave about the camping grounds, clean toilets, playgrounds, paddocks area, cycling/walking tracks, and BBQ stations.

Book now at any of the 4 sites available, and come explore the beauty of Ōmana Regional Park.

FEATURED AMENITIES

• Parking
• BBQ
• Picnic areas
• Beach
• Boat ramp
• Omana farm walk

Learn more about New Zealand’s best campgrounds so you can spend less time researching and more time exploring this beautiful country!

Remember to also check out the latest deals and offers on campervan hire in Auckland.