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With a population of 1.7 million people, Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city. The metropolis is perched on a narrow isthmus bordered by the wild Tasman Sea out west and the glorious Hauraki Gulf to the east.
The City of Sails isn’t just a catchy name but a representation of the sheer number of boats adorning its many marinas, bays and inlets. In fact, Auckland boasts the highest number of boats, per capita, of anywhere in the world.
Auckland is also well known for the sleeping giants it has been built upon. The city is very much dominated by fifty dormant (not extinct) volcanoes with their various cones scattered across the landscape..jpg?width=1920&name=9491-Rangitoto-Auckland-Fraser-Clements%20(1).jpg)
From the city to the sea, the sand and shopping, Auckland has everything you could want for an amazing getaway. And with all that scenery on offer, we highly recommend exploring it up close and personal, by setting yourself up for an epic camping adventure.
So let us help you plan your journey with all the best Auckland campsites to stay at and things to see and do.
Why Auckland is a great place for a camping holiday
Auckland is a fantastic place for a camping holiday because you’re able to enjoy the best of both worlds - some stunning natural landscapes and all the amenities and activities that come with a large city. If waking up beach front before exploring world-class museums and art galleries (less than an hour away) sounds like you, then Auckland is a great option for your next holiday.%20(1).jpg?width=1000&name=Saint%20Alice%20%20-%20Have%20You%20Ever%20-%20Camilla%20Rutherford%20(6)%20(1).jpg)
Want to learn more about activities and dining options in Auckland? Check out this article.
When is the best time of year to have a camping holiday in Auckland?
You may be wondering when is the best time of the year to have a holiday and rent a campervan in Auckland. The answer is - anytime! Yes, all 12 months are actually ideal. Auckland weather is pretty consistent year round, ranging from an average of 14 degrees in winter to around 23 degrees in summer.
While of course the warmer months are more suited to swimming at Auckland’s many beaches, there is still plenty to do in winter - minus the crowds! In saying that, you’ll actually find many Aucklanders who swim in the ocean on a daily basis, no matter the weather, because the water stays quite warm. Still not convinced? Here’s our breakdown on the best times to explore New Zealand in a campervan.
Auckland really is an all-season destination because there is so much to see and do - you’ll always find something to do, rain or shine.
Camping accommodation options in Auckland
Because Auckland is a major city, all the infrastructure is in place to provide easy access to campgrounds and holiday parks. There’s a variety of accommodation on offer for those travelling in a campervan, from cost effective but basic sites to privately owned holiday parks. On the budget end, Auckland has a few freedom camping spots in public spaces and some basic camping facilities in the regional parks. On the higher end, you'll find privately owned campgrounds and holiday parks, which often have a range of comforts and conveniences - like kitchens, laundry facilities, playgrounds and swimming pools.
And that’s what makes a camping holiday in Auckland so easy, because there are accommodation options to suit all kinds of travellers. You can easily move from one place to another within a day to get a whole new experience.
If you haven’t rented a campervan before (or you just need a refresher) here’s your complete guide to doing it the right way, to ensure you have a fun, safe adventure on the open road.
Top Holiday Parks and Campgrounds in Auckland
There are a variety of holiday parks and campgrounds to choose from in Auckland in the north, south, east and west. Because they are all in such unique environments, it’s well worth choosing a couple to stay at for a few nights. That way, you can explore what's on offer in that region and then move somewhere new for a different experience.
Auckland Campgrounds
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Schischka campground
The Wenderholm Regional Park is home to one of the most northern campgrounds in Auckland with a variety of other facilities and attractions here too. You can stay at the Schischka campground set on the Puhoi River Estuary or the Wenderholm self-contained camper parking area. Both locations have no power supply. -
Ōmana Regional Park Campground
Omana Regional Park, about 40 minutes east of the airport, is another council-owned campground with just basic facilities (no power). Set in amongst gorgeous pohutukawas and within walking distance to the beach, here you’ll be able to enjoy a classic Kiwi camping experience with panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf. -
Tāpapakanga Regional Park Campground
About an hour east of the airport on the Firth of Thames is Tāpapakanga Regional Park, has a few different camping sites for self-contained campervans set next to an accessible pohutukawa-lined beach. Facilities are minimal here but this is one place where you can really sit back and relax in the surroundings of nature. Come summer, it is where the popular Splore Festival is held. So if you plan your trip far enough in advance, you may be able to secure a spot here for an amazing weekend of music and fun. -
Poukaraka Flats Campground
No visit to Auckland is complete without venturing to Waiheke Island, the jewel of the Hauraki Gulf. The Poukaraka Flats Campground at Whakanewha Regional Park is a large, flat and sheltered site with minimal facilities but ideal for self-contained campervans. From here you can explore everything the island has to offer, from stunning vineyards to gorgeous white-sand beaches. -
Tāwharanui Regional Park Campground
Head north from Auckland airport and in about an hour and a half you’ll reach the stunning remote coastline of the Tawharanui Peninsula. While most of the Tawharanui campground is allocated to tents, there are some unpowered sites for campervans. This campground is basic and a bit of a distance from town (Matakana is 20 minutes away) but its absolutely stunning beachfront location and the chance to spot kiwi in their native habitat makes this site a must. -
Ambury Regional Park Campground
Ambury Regional Park campground is rather uniquely located right in the heart of all the action of South Auckland. The park is on the edge of the Manukau Harbour, just 15 minutes from the airport, but it feels like you’re a world away from all the hustle and bustle. The campground is basic (unpowered) and there’s a limit of 10 campervans at a time so it is worth booking ahead. -
Āwhitu Regional Park Campground
Set on the western shores of the Manukau Harbour, Awhitu Regional Park is about 1.5 hours southwest of the airport. The unpowered campsites are a perfect spot for a night or two. Enjoy walks, mountain biking, swimming at the safe beach and even try feeding the local eels. When the sun goes down, watch the twinkling lights of the city in the distance. -
Waitakere Ranges Regional Park
The Barn Paddock (Karamatura Farm) campground at Huia is a council owned site west of Auckland City nestled in the mighty Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Self contained campervans can stay for a night in summer and up to three nights in winter. There’s no power but all the amenities you could need aren’t too far away. -
Te Haruhi Bay Campground
The Te Haruhi Bay campground is in the Shakespear Regional Park at the end of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula about 1.5 hours from Auckland airport. It’s a relaxed place to spend a few nights, only a short drive through the bustling centres of Stanmore Bay, Manly and Gulf Harbour. From this sheltered location, you'll be looking across the Hauraki Gulf to the city, making you feel a world away while also close enough for a day trip.
Holiday Parks
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Miranda Holiday Park
If you want plenty of entertainment for the kids, the Miranda Holiday Park is an ideal stopover for a night - or seven! About an hour south of the airport, this park has powered sites for motorhomes plus multiple BBQ areas, a playground, BMX track, flying fox, tennis court, trike hire and mini golf. And of course, not forgetting what the Miranda Holiday Park is famous for - onsite mineral hot pools! This one is a little bit outside the official Auckland border, but well worth the visit. -
Martins Bay Holiday Park
Martins Bay Holiday Park is an hour and a half north of Auckland City and is just perfect for the quintessential beachfront camping experience, just like the good ol’ days. They have laundry and kitchen facilities, as well as plenty of things to keep you and the kids entertained including a playground, trampoline plus games, DVDs, toys and books to borrow. You can also hire pedal karts, kayaks and stand up paddle boards. If you want a beachfront site, make sure you book in advance as these go quickly. -
Takapuna Beach Holiday Park
There's no question that Takapuna Beach Holiday Park is one of the best campgrounds in Auckland. As the city has built up around this small park on the North Shore, it has held on to its amazing position on the edge of the beach with stunning views of Rangitoto and the Hauraki Gulf. It’s all about the ‘back to basics’ here, with everything you need for an enjoyable stay, but nothing you don’t. Wander into Takapuna for Saturday farmers' markets, exceptional shopping and an array of eateries. Then set yourself up for an afternoon of relaxation at the beachside. Sounds like bliss, right? -
Clarks Beach Holiday Park
Clarks Beach Holiday Park is a friendly and welcoming campground on the south side of the Manukau Harbour about 45 minutes south of the airport. It is well-equipped with all the amenities you need, plus a few that are an extra nice touch - like a swimming pool and mini golf! -
Red Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
The Red Beach Holiday Park is a great place to set up camp for a couple of nights because of its proximity to a variety of activities including only being 100 metres from a safe, accessible private beach. It’s about 1.5 hours north of the airport and has powered sites for campervans, as well as laundry, bathroom and kitchen amenities, and a gym, if you fancy catching up on your cardio! -
Piha Domain Motor Camp
Head about an hour west of the airport and you’ll end up at the Piha Domain Motor Camp. The amazing Piha Beach is only a stone's throw away from this campsite. Here you can park up and plug in, make use of the onsite kitchen facilities, playground and shower blocks, and then get ready for a couple of days of adventure. With the beach on your front door, and the bush behind you, it’s time to get back to nature - enjoy walking tracks surrounded by lush forests, and discover the popular Kitekite Falls where you can cool off with a dip. -
Remuera Motor Lodge
If staying in the heart of the city sounds like a bit of fun, then check out Remuera Motor Lodge. It has all the excitement of being surrounded by plenty of attractions but also offers you a quiet space to relax and retreat at the end of the day. Here you can access kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities, and you can also plug in the campervan for a quick charge up of all your devices.
Camping in a self-contained vehicle or campervan
Staying put under one roof can be limiting in a city that has so much to offer. That’s why staying in a self-contained campervan in Auckland is ideal because it allows you to explore every corner and take your bed with you! And because the Auckland region is so large, you definitely want to be as mobile as possible, otherwise you’ll simply miss out.
It also happens to be where most campervan rental operators are based (including Wilderness), because it has the airport where more than 70% of the country’s international visitors arrive.
If you’re wondering how to make sure your trip is as safe and enjoyable as possible, check out a few of the guidelines we have put together on how to travel in a campervan in New Zealand.
Freedom camping in Auckland
Responsible freedom camping is another option in Auckland opening you up to a number of other locations to visit and park up for the night. If this is something you’re interested in, we recommend you read this freedom camping guide to ensure you enjoy the experience but also meet your obligations as a responsible camper.
The Tiaki promise is another great resource to help with understanding why these guidelines are in place. We want to keep New Zealand beautiful for future generations of travellers right? 
Freedom camping sites in Auckland
Auckland Council is currently reviewing its freedom camping bylaws which may bring changes to where you can camp on public land in the region. The best way to stay up-to-date on where freedom camping is permitted is to use one of the official camping apps.
