Best Camp Spots in Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland – Coastal Views & Nature Retreats

Finding a spot to camp in Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland can be tricky, as the city itself has limited options. You won’t come across many traditional campgrounds in the CBD where space is tight and parking is expensive. Instead, the best campspots in Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland are scattered along the coast or tucked into rural areas, giving you more space, fresh air, and access to stunning beaches and bush walks.

If you’re travelling by campervan, remember that freedom camping rules are strict. You’ll need a certified self-contained vehicle to use the designated areas. Tent travellers will find a mix of holiday parks, regional park campgrounds and even a DOC site, all offering their own unique charm.

To make planning easy, here are five of the best campspots in Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland — two paid holiday parks, two free or low-cost regional options, and one DOC site for a true back-to-nature escape.

Tāwharanui Campground – Beachside Escape

Located about 85 km north of the city, Tāwharanui is one of the best campspots in Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland for nature lovers. Surrounded by a marine reserve and a wildlife sanctuary, it blends beach fun with conservation.

• 85 km north of Auckland near Matakana
• Golden sandy beach and safe swimming spots
• Abundant native birdlife in the sanctuary
• Book through the Auckland Council website

Pakiri Beach Holiday Park – Surf and Sand

On Auckland’s north-east coast, Pakiri offers long stretches of white sandy beach and a peaceful vibe just outside the city. It’s one of the best campspots in Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland for surf, swimming, and relaxation.

• 90 minutes north-east of Auckland
• Beachfront sites with amazing sunrise views
• Surfing, fishing, and horse riding nearby
• Book direct via the Pakiri Beach Holiday Park website

Schischka Campground, Wenderholm Regional Park – Riverside Setting

Only 40–50 minutes from the CBD, Schischka is one of the most convenient campgrounds in Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland. Set on the Puhoi River estuary, it combines calm waters with lush bush surroundings.

• 45 minutes north of Auckland near Pūhoi
• Easy access to bush and coastal walks
• Calm estuary for kayaking and swimming
• Book through the Auckland Council website

Te Haruhi Bay Campground, Shakespear Regional Park – Coastal Views

Shakespear Regional Park is known for its peaceful setting and wildlife sanctuary. Te Haruhi Bay Campground is one of the best campspots in Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland if you want a quiet break close to the city.

• Located on Whangaparāoa Peninsula, 1 hour north of Auckland
• Harbour views and sandy beaches
• Part of a fenced wildlife sanctuary with rare birds
• Book through the Auckland Council website

Muriwai Beach Campground – Wild West Coast

Just 45 minutes from the city, Muriwai Beach is famous for its dramatic surf, black sand, and gannet colony. The campground has a rugged, coastal feel with good facilities.

• 45 minutes west of Auckland
• Black sand beach and surf breaks
• Walking access to the gannet colony lookout
• Book online via the Muriwai Beach Campground website

🚐 Freedom Camping in Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland

While the best campspots in Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland tend to be holiday parks, council campgrounds, and DOC sites, there are also a handful of designated freedom camping areas. These are not full campgrounds, but they do allow overnight stays for travellers with a certified self-contained vehicle.

• Some of these spots are free, while others may charge a small fee
• Facilities are very basic, often just toilets or rubbish bins
• Parking is usually limited and stays are often capped at two nights in one location

Freedom camping is a good option if you’re passing through and want a budget-friendly stay, but if you’re looking for more space, facilities, or a family-friendly base, the five best campspots in Tāmaki Makaurau – Auckland listed above will serve you better.

Auckland Council Parks

If you want to stay in or near Auckland, check out Auckland Council’s regional and holiday park options. Book your spot, glamping, bach or lodge easily via their website:

Book accommodation at Auckland Council parks HERE

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🚆12Go Asia – Compare and book trains, buses, and ferries across Asia in one place with 12Go.
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.