Destinations
Auckland campervan parking: best free camping spots
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No one likes paying for parking - especially overnight. So to help you out, we’ve constructed this list of the top 10 free Auckland campervan parking spots.
We’ve tried to cover all areas of Auckland and include details on the amenities and rules at each free campervan parking spot. However, for further information about the rules at freedom camping spots, you can see our guide called “Where Can I Park My Campervan in New Zealand?”.
If for some reason you can’t find a free campervan parking spot on this list that suits your needs, we’ve also included information about the best holiday parks and paid camping grounds near Auckland. These places are ideal if you plan on hiring a campervan in Auckland to start your NZ road trip.
Free Campervan Parking in Auckland
Sunrise Reserve and Sunburst Reserve, Snells Beach
Score: 4.5/5 Stars
Area: Sunrise Boulevard and Sunburst Ave, Snells Beach - North Auckland (66km)
Features: Toilets, tap water, changing rooms, cold shower, picnic tables, public BBQ, children's playground and beachfront walking path.
Maximum Stay: 2 Nights
There are two freedom camping car parks along Snells Beach, both of which are renowned for being some of the most beautiful and well kept in Auckland. Both car parks have 5 freedom camping spots that boast waterfront views and luscious lawn areas. The beach itself is very shallow and safe to swim in at high tide. During low tide, however, the beach turns into mudflats. Snells Beach is particularly great if you’ve got kids, thanks to the awesome playground with a flying fox. Be aware though, this site is very popular, so best to arrive early.
2. Hamilton's Gap, Awhitu
Score: 4.5/5 Stars
Area: 238 West Coast Road, Āwhitu - South Auckland (90km)
Features: Public toilets, cold shower, tap water, picnic tables and beach access.
Maximum Stay: 2 Nights
Hamilton's Gap is famous for having the largest sand dunes in Auckland. The freedom camping car park has a large grass area and is a great option if you want a beach camping holiday. From the free car park, you can access the West Coast beach and the local freshwater stream for swimming. Sometimes, you may even spot sea lions sleeping on the beach. However, the car park gets very busy in summer with both day visitors and overnight campers, so get there early if you want your choice of spots. The road to the site is well sealed, but you’ll pass through a farm to get there.
3. Port Albert Domain, Rodney
Score: 4/5 Stars
Area: Wharf Rd, Rodney - North Auckland (88km)
Features: Toilet, tap water, picnic tables, rubbish bin, children's playground and the historic Port Albert Wharf.
Maximum Stay: 2 Nights
The freedom camping area at Port Albert Domain provides you with waterfront views and access to the Oruawharo River, making it a great spot for fishing and swimming in summer. You can sit back and relax whilst surrounded by the lush green rolling hills of Port Albert and Oruawharo. And if you get peckish, there’s a takeaway restaurant just down the road. The car park itself has plenty of parking spots and room to maneuver large campervans. However, only certified self-contained vehicles can park overnight.
4. Te Toro Reserve, Pollok
Score: 4/5 Stars
Area: Toro Rd, Awhitu Peninsula - South Auckland (78km)
Features: Public toilets, picnic tables, kids playground, boat ramp and beach access.
Maximum Stay: 2 Nights
Park your self-contained campervan in the large grassed area, stand on the sandy beach and look out over Manukau Harbour. This site is still a well-kept secret and mostly only used by locals as a boat ramp. The toilets are clean, the reserve is well kept and the beach views are idyllic. The playground is also great if you’re travelling with kids. The roads to Te Toro Reserve are all sealed and make for a scenic drive from Auckland. Perfect if you want a quiet weekend getaway near the water.
5. Gulf Harbour Car Park, Whangaparaoa
Score: 4/5 Stars
Area: Laurie Southwick Parade, Whangaparaoa - North Auckland (47km)
Features: Public toilets, dump point, rubbish bins and boat ramp.
Maximum Stay: 2 Nights
The Gulf Harbour Car Park is a nice large parking area with 20 freedom parking sites. It’s located right next to the marina with great views back over Auckland city. If you’re looking for a free parking site where you can wake up on the water and take a stroll along the beach, this is a great choice. Plus, you are only a minute's walk away from a wide range of shops, including a hardware store and restaurants. But be aware that the car park can get noisy at times given that you are next to a working marina.
6. Rays Rest Camping Reserve, Kaiaua
Score: 3.5/5 Stars
Area: East Coast Rd, Kaiaua - South Auckland (85km)
Features: Beach access.
Maximum Stay: 2 Nights
On the Coromandel Coast sits one of Auckland's best free campervan parking sites. Looking out over the Firth of Thames, Rays Rest is a long stretch of camping reserve on the water's edge. The surrounding wetland is used as a resting ground for thousands of migratory birds making international journeys throughout the year. Plus, you simply can’t beat waking up to a magical Coromandel Coast sunrise on the water. There is a heap of both gravel and grassy areas for freedom camping, with the parking areas well signposted. However, be aware that there are no amenities at Rays Rest, so your campervan must be fully self-contained.
7. Hatfield's Beach Reserve, Orewa
Score: 3.5/5 Stars
Area: Hibiscus Coast Hwy, Hatfields Beach - North Auckland (39km)
Features: Public toilets, dump points, rubbish bins, boat ramp and beach access.
Maximum Stay: 2 Nights
Hatfields Beach is a pretty little coastal beach with pristine waters and sandy shores. During summer, you can swim in the warm waters and relax in the grassy park next to the beach. However, the reserve is just off of the highway and there are limited parking spots, so it can get busy and a little noisy at times. The area itself is also split in two by a road, with the parking area next to the beach and the amenities on the other side. If you need to pick up groceries or fuel, the township of Orewa is only 5 minutes drive and the public bus stops at the reserve.
8. Rosa Birch Car Park, Pukekohe
Score: 3.5/5 Stars
Area: Beresford Street, Pukekohe - South Auckland (51km)
Features: Toilets, kids playground and picnic tables.
Maximum Stay: 2 Nights
Rosa Birch car park is a quick and easy option if you’re looking for free overnight campervan parking south of Auckland. It does not have any scenic views or fancy amenities, but it gets the job done. Make the most of the lush green parks and playing fields while you’re there. Plus the shops are within walking distance if you want to grab some snacks. Strict rules apply, so be sure to read the signage. Dogs are only allowed on leashes and no alcohol, smoking or outdoor fires are permitted. Your campervan must be fully self-contained to park overnight.
9. Parry Kauri Park, Warkworth
Score: 3/5 Stars
Area: Tudor Collins Drive, Warkworth - North Auckland (58km)
Features: Picnic tables and a bushwalking track.
Maximum Stay: 1 Night
Parry Kauri Park is famous for its lush forest and historic museum. Self-contained campervans are allowed to park in the car park for free overnight. The area is sheltered and quiet, with well-maintained grass lawns and gardens. It is worth parking here if you want to check out the famous Kauri tree and the pioneer museum. Plus, you can also check out the forest walk whilst you’re at it. However, be aware that there aren’t many amenities. Also, the entrance gate is locked between 8 pm and 6.30 am so don’t arrive too late.
Other Campervan Parking Spots in Auckland
We’ve been through all the best free Auckland campervan parking spots - but what if you still haven’t found what you’re looking for?
You may want to check out some of the best holiday parks and paid camping grounds near Auckland if you’re after amenities like:
Hot showers
Kitchen facilities
TV lounges
Access to power
Laundry
And heaps more!
Prices are generally very reasonable and the extra comforts that are provided can make your trip that much more enjoyable.
Road Trips from Auckland
Auckland is a great starting point for road trips around the North Island. The city itself has a lot to offer both local and international tourists. Plus, you can reach the top or the bottom of the Island in only a matter of days.
If you’re interested in heading north and experiencing some of New Zealand’s most historical sites (like the Waitangi Treaty Grounds), you should use our Auckland to Cape Reinga road trip guide.
Alternatively, if you head South on an Auckland to Wellington road trip, you’ll get to see some of New Zealand’s most remarkable natural wonders like Rotorua.
What are you waiting for? Start searching for the perfect campervan hire in Auckland today.