Te Hāruhi Bay Campground, Shakespear Regional Park

Overview

Te Hāruhi Bay campground is a flat, grassy campground behind the dunes at the eastern end of Te Hāruhi Bay, at the tip of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula. Native plantings divide it into sections.

It sits inside the Shakespear Open Sanctuary, a pest-free area behind a 1.7 km predator-proof fence, so birdlife is a big part of the appeal. Tūī, kererū and kākāriki all live in the sanctuary.

Who it suits

• Families and groups who want a beach campground within easy reach of Auckland
• Tent campers and anyone in a non-self-contained vehicle: all modes are welcome
• Walkers and paddlers: the Tiritiri, Lookout and Heritage tracks start in the park, and Te Hāruhi Bay is known for kite and windsurfing in southerly winds

It's not for dog owners: dogs are banned throughout the sanctuary, including in vehicles.

Getting there

Drive to the end of Whangaparāoa Road at Army Bay and follow the signs to Te Hāruhi Bay, then to the campground. The campground is about 250 m along a gated access road. The gate code comes with your booking confirmation.

The main park gates open at 6am and close at 9pm in daylight saving and 7pm the rest of the year. You can't drive in after closing.

Before you book

• Bookings open six months ahead, and summer weekends go quickly.
• From 17 December to 31 January, groups are limited to 10 people.
• There's no power and only cold outdoor showers. Bring a solar shower if you like, but don't hang it from trees.
• Check your gear for pests before you arrive. It's a sanctuary.

Self-contained? There's a separate area

Certified self-contained vehicles can book the Shakespear CSC parking area beside Te Hāruhi Bay instead. It costs $22.50 per vehicle per night, for up to 3 nights, with one vehicle per booking. See our Auckland camping guide.

More about the park: Shakespear Regional Park guide.