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Auckland is the city where most people will start their New Zealand adventure... But we'll let you in on a secret, when you travel from Christchurch to Auckland you'll see the same sights but often will pay less for your road trip... So you can also make Auckland the final destination of your trip. Anyway, whether you select Auckland as your launch pad or as the final destination of your #SpaceshipsRoadTrip, this blog post will help you to find campsites in Auckland - or near Auckland, in the Auckland region.
The Spaceships Auckland depot is easy to reach, from the city and from the airport, so that is one less thing to worry about. Your next question probably will be: where can I camp in Auckland? Are there any campgrounds in Auckland? Keep reading, we have all the info you're looking for.
Where to camp in the Auckland area? Check out these recommended free camping apps for more info about campgrounds in Auckland and the rest of New Zealand. Our smartphone app will give you all the info you need for a great camping road trip. It's all about knowing where to camp.
To do & see in Auckland
Before you start looking for a campsite in the Auckland region, make sure you have seen the attractions or activities that Auckland has to offer. The famous Sky Tower, Auckland Museum and shopping in the many boutique shops or malls are just the beginning. Auckland has so much more to offer. There is a reason that for years the advertising slogan of Auckland was: The City That Never Sleeps.
Check out these amazing activities in or around Auckland. What else there is to do you?, might ask. Well, did you know there are lots of craft beer breweries to be found in Auckland. They all have a presence on the Auckland Beer Mile. And even if beer is not your thing - most breweries nowadays create super tasty non-alcoholic brews - there are also various wineries to be found, for example on Waiheke Island. Our blog post about Auckland has lots more info.
Experience Auckland before exploring the rest of the North Island
Okay time to start thinking about where to spend the night in the Auckland region. Time to find a campsite.
DOC campgrounds in Auckland
The Department of Conservation (DOC) campsites are a great option for camping in New Zealand. However there are no DOC campgrounds in Auckland city but there are several nearby on some of the islands in the Hauraki Gulf, like Motuihe Island, Motutapu Island and Motuora Island.
Motuihe Island
Motuihe Island has a standard DOC campsite with non-powered/tent sites, so no access for campervans. Bookings are essential and can be made online. There is a maximum of 64 tent sites. Access is by boat only to the Island or a 3-hour kayak trip (for experienced kayakers only).
The campground is to the left of the road coming off the Motuihe wharf, up the path to the right of the toilet block, only a few minutes walk from Motuihe wharf. On the island there's no transport, so you'll have to carry your gear.
Home Bay on Motutapu Island
Home Bay is a standard DOC campsite with 131 non-powered/tent sites. This DOC campsite can be booked online as well.
The Home Bay campsite is divided into different areas. Home Bay on Motutapu Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a must-visit. This campsite is located near the historic Reid Homestead, which dates back to 1901. A short walk through the regenerating bush along the Rotary Centennial Loop Track takes you to the Northern Junction, where you can explore a range of WWII military relics, including the battery that once safeguarded Auckland's harbour.
Motuora Island
Motuora Island has a standard DOC campsite with 18 non-powered/tent sites. Access to the island is by boat only. Booking a spot is necessary and can be done online. Getting to the campground: on the west coast of Motuora Island (6 km east of Mahurangi Harbour).
Even though these DOC campsites on islands near Auckland can only be reached by boat they are worth visiting.
More DOC campgrounds around Auckland
There are a few more DOC campgrounds close to Auckland scattered across Great Barrier Island. If you have time on your side this is a great place to explore for a few days.
DOC campsites in the Auckland area
If you don't want to drive that far after picking up your campervan or before dropping off your campervan, and you don't want to stay in Auckland city, then the following campsites are perfect for you.
Dickey Flat campground (1hr 43min drive from Auckland)
This is a small, basic DOC campground in the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park. It has 35 spaces for campervans and/or tents. It's a basic, non-powered campsite suitable for all kinds of vehicles. You'll be camping close to the river and will have access to short and longer hikes the next day.
As it's a basic campsite, it's cheap and has basic toilets, but there's no cell phone reception. No need to book as it's first come, first serve. More info about this campsite.
Directions to the campsite: follow State Highway 1 South from Auckland. Then drive onto State Highway 2 towards Paeroa. Leave SH2 at Waikino, via Waitawheta Road southbound over a one-lane bridge, then take Kennedy Road and Dickey Flat Rd. The final approach is an unsealed road.
Camping at DOC campsite Dickeys Flat
Uretiti Beach Campsite (1hr 50min drive from Auckland)
This is the perfect DOC campsite if you plan to travel up North towards Cape Reinga. It's a big DOC campsite with 300 non-powered sites for all kinds of campervans or tents. There are hot & cold showers and you can camp close to the beach. Perfect for an early morning swim or a romantic beach walk to watch the sunset.
Booking is recommended in summer, the busy season. Check out the info & how to book online.
Directions to the campsite: Take State Highway 1 North towards Whangarei. Keep driving. When you're in the Waipu area you'll see the sign for the Uretiti Beach DOC campsite. It's that easy.
Camp in the Auckland region at Uretiti Beach campsite
Freedom camping in Auckland
The following information is based on info from Auckland City Council and can change at any time. It is posted as is and no rights or guarantees can be derived from it. Always camp responsibly and correctly, so check the most recent info yourself before deciding to spend the night somewhere. Freedom camping fines in Auckland - like in the rest of New Zealand - are expensive.
You can camp in a certified self-contained vehicle on most public land controlled by the Auckland Council, including most roadsides. To Freedom Camp in Auckland, you must:
- Vehicle Requirements: Use a certified self-contained vehicle.
- Duration: Stay a maximum of two nights in the same road or parking area (e.g., council car parks).
- Departure Time: Leave your parking space by 9am on the day you depart.
- Return Policy: Do not return to the same road or parking area within two weeks, starting from 9am on your departure day.
- Prohibited Areas: Do not camp in areas where freedom camping is prohibited.
- Restricted Areas: Follow any special rules for freedom camping in restricted areas.
- Waste Disposal: Follow rules about disposing of waste and practising responsible camping.
You cannot freedom camp in the following places in Auckland:
- Prohibited Areas: 58 locations where camping is not allowed under the bylaw.
- Council Reserves: Parklands governed by the Reserves Act.
- Regional Parks: Paid camping is available only in designated areas.
- Restricted Carparks: Carparks with reserved parking or where a fee is required (e.g., council parking buildings).
Start or end in Auckland: explore the North Island
All Spaceships campervans drive like a good car and sleep like a campervan. It's super easy to drive your campervan around in Auckland as they have automatic transmissions. Stay at the campgrounds in Auckland mentioned here or stay at a hostel. Parking our Toyota Estima campervans is easy as well. No worries. Also, make sure to check out the best campsites in remote locations in New Zealand so your road trip will always be amazing.