The Best Places To Go Camping In Auckland

New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, is surrounded by areas of natural beauty like the Ōmana and Wenderholm Regional Parks. For the perfect chance to escape city life, here are Culture Trips best places to go camping in Auckland.

If you’re using a camper van on Auckland Council campsites, you’ll need a self-containment certification (SCC). Most camping grounds are open to vehicle-based camping, tents and have basic bathroom facilities. Camping grounds situated in Auckland’s regional parks are usually closed over winter so check for availability before going.

1. Wenderholm Regional Park

Park

Head to Auckland’s northeast coast for a camping trip at Wenderholm Regional Park. This camping spot has rivers, a forest and a stunning beach all within walking distance. Hikes along the park’s headland between the Waiwera and Puhoi rivers offer views up the Puhoi river valley and across the Hauraki Gulf.

2. Ōmana Regional Park

Natural Feature, Park

Omana Regional Park in Auckland, New Zealand with water view and trees

Set up a tent on top of a hill at the Ōmana Regional Park clifftop camping ground on Auckland’s east coast. This vehicle-based campground is set against a backdrop of the inner Hauraki Gulf, with views of Rangitoto Island in the distance. Walk down to the beach, let children climb up the rope tower in the playground or do the 2.5km perimeter walk to explore nearby mangroves, estuaries and paddocks.

4. Piha Domain Motor Camp

Camping

Auckland’s west coast is a wild place to go for a camping trip for those who want to explore the rocky cliffs and enjoy the Tasman Sea’s black-sand beaches. Piha Domain Motor Camp, near Piha Beach, is just 39km west of Auckland city centre. This campground at the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges has a communal kitchen and barbecue, as well as bathroom facilities. You can explore the local waterfalls, forest and bushwalking tracks from here but make sure to check signs and follow instructions for cleaning shoes to protect the forest from Kauri dieback disease.

5. Martins Bay Holiday Park

Camping

Situated 72km north of Auckland on the east coast is Martins Bay Holiday Park, a great place for a weekend getaway from the big city. This camping ground is situated at the end of a long white-sand beach and offers campsites on the beachfront. Look out for visiting dolphins in the bay and enjoy views of the Hauraki Gulf islands without even leaving your tent.

6. Orua Bay Beach Motorcamp

Camping

Manukau Heads Lighthouse with sea in the distance on the Manukau Peninsula, North Island, New Zealand

Explore the Awhitu Peninsula on Auckland’s west coast at Orua Bay Beach Motorcamp. This quiet camping ground is situated at the rural north end of the peninsula 40km southwest of Auckland city. The camp is situated in the middle of a 3km sandy beach that is suitable for swimming, boating, kayaking and fishing. Explore the nearby Manukau Heads Lighthouse and the local art galleries or play a game of golf, tennis or bowls only 10 minutes away from the camping ground.

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