Auckland's best camping is in its regional parks, run by Auckland Council. Many have campgrounds behind beaches or in farmland, and several also have certified self-contained (CSC) vehicle areas and overnight car parking.
These are council campgrounds, not holiday parks. Expect toilets, water and sometimes cold showers rather than kitchens and hot pools, at a much lower price.
How Auckland Council camping works
Book online through Auckland Council. Campground bookings open six months ahead, and availability refreshes at midnight.
Group limits: At Te Hāruhi Bay, groups can be up to 10 people from 17 December to 31 January, and up to 50 the rest of the year.
Locked gates: Some campgrounds have a locked access gate. The code comes with your booking.
Park gate hours: Some parks close their gates at night. Shakespear's main gates are open 6am–9pm in daylight saving and 6am–7pm otherwise.
No dogs at bookable sites: Dogs and other pets are banned at all regional park bookable sites and accommodation, except registered aid dogs.
No fires: Lighting an outdoor fire is illegal in all public areas in the Auckland region.
Rubbish: Most regional parks are rubbish-free, so take everything home.
Te Hāruhi Bay, Shakespear Regional Park
The Te Hāruhi Bay campground is on the tip of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, inside the pest-free Shakespear Open Sanctuary.
Tent and vehicle campground
Adult $18.50, child $7, infant free per night
CSC parking area
$22.50 per vehicle per night, maximum 3 nights, one vehicle per booking
Overnight car parking
$8 per night, for people on an off-park trip (such as an island or boat trip). No sleeping in your vehicle.
Prices include GST. Check the operator's website for current rates.
Because it's a sanctuary, check your vehicle and belongings for pests before you arrive. Dogs aren't allowed anywhere in the sanctuary.
Other regional parks with camping
Our regional park guides cover the camping at each park:
Ambury Regional Park: a farm park in the city, handy if you've just collected a campervan from the airport.
Auckland Council sets its own rules for freedom camping in vehicles, so check its website for where you can and can't stay. Since 7 June 2026, a self-contained vehicle needs a green warrant. Read our freedom camping guide for the national rules.