Source: Auckland Council
We’re pretty lucky here in Tāmaki Makaurau, to have access to such epic scenery right in our own backyard. With a whopping 45,000 hectares, Auckland’s 28 regional parks have plenty on offer. They span bush, beach and farmland and can satisfy anyone from the picnic seekers and beach-goers to water sport junkies, adventurous hikers and campers alike.
Wherever you fall on the adventure spectrum – get inspired here for your next outing with friends and whānau, ready to enjoy the outdoors your way.
BEST REGIONAL PARKS FOR CAMPING:
Ātiu Creek
If you’re keen on horsing around (with a permit), check out Ātiu Creek Regional Park and campground – the only campsite in an Auckland regional park where you can stay overnight with your horse secure in a nearby paddock.
If you’re more keen on mountain biking or walking, you too can make the most of 843 hectares that make up Ātiu Creek, Auckland’s third-largest regional park, which sits right on the shores of Kaipara Harbour.
Safe to say there’s plenty of prime picnic spots and epic lookout points throughout as well.
Explore the serene environment of Āitu Creek Regional Park.
Āwhitu
Located on the southwest shores of Manukau Harbour, and only 90 minutes from Auckland, you’ll find Āwhitu Regional Park. With its two campgrounds, a golf course, historic homestead, picnic and barbecue areas, and safe swimming beaches, this is the prime spot for a weekend getaway.
Wenderholm
Head south towards the mouth of the Puhoi River, to find the region’s best example of mainland coastal forest in Wenderholm Regional Park. You can set up camp for the night at Schischka campground, before exploring the various walking tracks, viewing spots and historic house museum known as Couldrey House. Be sure to check out either the Pūhoi River, Hauraki Gulf and/or Mahurangi Harbour by boat or kayak!
Ōmana
Further southeast is Ōmana Regional Park where you’ll find breathtaking views of Tīkapa Moana/Hauraki Gulf. With accessible concrete paths that lead to shelly beaches decorated by pōhutukawa, the Clifftop campground makes for the perfect home away from home.
Waharau
For something unique, head out to Waharau Regional Park’s Tainui campground, which supplies power and hot showers – a luxury for remote campgrounds!
You’ll be surrounded by nature out at the Blackberry campground, which sits next to a calming river, mature native bush and delightful birdsong.
This location is also the start/finish point of the Te Ara Moana/Kayak Trail, which takes kayakers down the coast with camps at five different regional parks along the way.
BEST COASTAL WALKS
If a multi-day adventure isn’t on the cards, how about heading southeast to the quiet and scenic coastal parks Auckland has to offer. Consider your next day trip sorted!
Duder and Waitawa
For farm and coastal walks, check out Duder Regional Park which consists of a number of trails varying from 30-minute walks to 3hr loop trails and is located on the scenic pōhutukawa-fringed Wahakakaiwhara Peninsula. Dogs aren’t allowed at Duder, but they’re welcome at the nearby Waitawa Regional Park where you can walk, mountain bike, ride your horse, fish and even play disc golf.
Tawhitokino
Tawhitokino Regional Park is praised by having what some call the most beautiful beach in Auckland, the catch is that it’s only accessible at low tide. This means a trip to this small coastal park – at the end of Kawakawa Bay Coast Road – needs careful planning. The walk through the low tide section will take up to 30 minutes. Dogs are allowed off leash (including the adjoining beach) but prohibited near the campgrounds.
The seaside views from Tawhitokino Regional Park are a must-see!
Motukorea/Browns Island
Another regional park that needs careful planning beforehand is Motukorea / Browns Island. One of two island regional parks in Tāmaki Makaurau (the other is Whakanewha Regional Park on Waiheke), Motukorea is only accessible via boat or kayak, so keeping a close watch on the weather is recommended. Some places offer guided kayak tours to the island too.
Orere Point and Tāpapakanga
Spend some time at Auckland’s smallest regional park, Orere Point Regional Park, before heading 10 minutes down the road to Tāpapakanga Regional Park. Marvel at the stunning coastal and farm walks available.
One of these tracks takes you to the highest point in the park, where you can get gorgeous views across to Coromandel Peninsula.
Further along the Firth of Thames is the dog friendly Waharau Regional Park where you can pick from the vast farmland, riverbanks and forest for camping, picnics and walking.
The coastline of Tāpapakanga Regional Park is one of the most gorgeous in the Auckland region.
HIDDEN TREASURES
Te Rau Pūriri
Hidden treasures abound in Tāmaki Makaurau! Did you know the largest and deepest of the sand-dune lakes is found along Auckland’s west coast? Check out Lake Ototoa located in Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park, South Head, which spans 340 hectares and conveniently also offers a beach to its visitors.
Take in the majestic views from the hilltops of Te Rau Pūriri Regional Park.
Mutukāroa/Hamlins Hill
How about a spot where you can see both the East and West coasts from the same point? Check out Mutukāroa/Hamlins Hill Regional Park for this hidden gem of a spot, and a historic strategic location for Iwi, and part of the portage route when moving waka from the Waitematā to the Manukau and vice versa. This epic park, located between Penrose and Mount Wellington, is visible from the southern motorway and holds great importance to mana whenua. Archaeological features include pits, middens and terraces where crops once grew.
Scandrett
For the history buffs, visit Scandrett Regional Park, home to two headland pā sites, on the Mahurangi Peninsula. Shipbuilding took place here in the 1850s, and from the 1860s it was a farm noted for its concrete, rather than kauri, buildings. Restored farm buildings remain and have become features of the park that was still used as farmland until 1998.
Shakespear
Make the most of Auckland’s most accessible open sanctuary! Located on the tip of Whangapāraoa Peninsula, you’ll find a stunner of a place in Shakespear Regional Park where conservation, recreation and farming come together to provide a unique experience. Keep an eye out for glow-worms and kiwi or set up camp behind the sand dunes at the eastern end of Te Haruhi Bay.
BEHOLD THE RANGES!
Waitākere Ranges
Adventure waits out in Auckland’s West side. The Waitākere Ranges Regional Park are a treasure and certainly a sight to behold. Check out the various walking tracks and all it’s got to offer at the Arataki Visitor Centre where you can also learn more about the ecology and cultural significance of the land.
Hunua Ranges
At 25,000 hectares, Hunua Ranges Regional Park features numerous tramping and mountain biking tracks, as well as opportunities to fish, swim and visit waterfalls (but note that swimming at Hunua Falls can be dangerous). Surrounded by stunning scenery, it might also be tempting to explore the interior of the Hunua Ranges, but this kind of remote tramping is only recommended to those with back-country experience armed with a detailed track map and the right provisions and equipment.
Did you know Kauri Dieback, (Phytophthora taxon Agathis), is a disease that is threatening the survival of kauri trees? Hunua Ranges Regional Park is particularly special as it remains the largest Kauri Forest known to be free of this disease.
Regardless of which park you visit, be sure keep to the defined tracks, use the hygiene stations when provided and clean your footwear before and after your visit.
Immerse yourself in the forest and waterfall scenery through the Hunua Bush Walk.
Stay safe out there
You can also check out the Mountain Safety Council’s Plan My Walk app for helpful tips to plan your trip!
And before you take the plunge this summer, check out the Safeswim website for up-to-date information on water quality, wind, waves and tides, as well as jellyfish swarms and other hazards. Safeswim is a fantastic tool to help keep you and your whānau safe.
To ensure an enjoyable time outdoors, remember these helpful tips:
Dogs and track notices: Check the rules before you go. All parks have a designated webpage which outline unique specifications and updates on potential hazards and closures due to maintenance or Kauri Dieback.
Amplified sound: Be courteous of others and the wildlife. Keep amplified noise to a minimum.
Rubbish free parks: Plan your visit, minimise what you bring to the park and ensure you take you all your rubbish home with you.
Fire & solid fuel BBQs: Check for any restrictions at https://www.checkitsalright.nz
Parking: Be patient, park with care and avoid blocking access ways and other people.
