Top-rated campgrounds near Whangaparāoa
Dune Lakes Lodge - Retreat & Horses
1. Dune Lakes Lodge - Retreat & Horses
47km from Whangaparāoa · 1 site · Lodging
Dune Lakes Retreat & Horse Inspired Learning Centre is nestled on the wild South Kaipara Head Peninsula, just 60 minutes from Auckland CBD, yet it feels far removed from everyday life. Set among ancient sand hills, pristine wetlands, native bush, and the calm waters of Lake Kereta — a rare freshwater dune lake — this is a landscape shaped by deep time, quiet balance and wonderful for safe swimming.
The South Kaipara Head is an ancient sand barrier separating the vast Kaipara Harbour from the Tasman Sea. Between the dunes, groundwater has gathered over thousands of years to form freshwater lakes and wetlands that filter water, support rich biodiversity, and create a profound sense of calm.
Guests may choose from a range of camping sites — some nestled near the wetlands, others more open with wide skies and lake views. Facilities include excellent water quality, toilets, and showers. Accommodation includes the Flying Horse Barn with three studio rooms at $150 per night per room, and a cabin available for $100 per night (bring your own linen/towels etc or $25 extra per stay for supplied linen for all accommodation)
To the west lies the dramatic Muriwai / Rangatira coastline with sweeping Tasman Sea sunsets. To the east is the sheltered Kaipara Harbour, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and a vital feeding ground for marine life and migratory birds such as godwits, knots, plovers, and terns. A quiet lagoon to the north shelters swans, ducks, pūkeko, paradise shelduck, kingfisher, fantail, warbler, and silvereye.
At dawn, birdsong fills the air. At dusk, frogs rise in chorus, and from deep within the reedbeds the rare Australasian bittern calls — a nationally threatened bird whose presence signals an intact wetland.
The retreat is also home to a free-roaming herd of horses at the Horse Inspired Learning Centre. The horses are free-roaming, barefoot, unridden, and without covers. Mindful, non-riding interactions grounded in Natural Horse Friendship and Equine-Assisted Learning sessions are available by arrangement at $250 per morning session)
A place to rest, reflect, and reconnect — where land, water, wildlife, horses, and quiet beauty meet.
Pets
Toilets
Hot Tub
from
NZ$84
/ night
Grapevine cabins
2. Grapevine cabins
75km from Whangaparāoa · 3 sites · Lodging
Come and unwind in our peaceful cabins, just outside the friendly village of paparoa. We offer 3 double beds in 3 cabins. There's an outdoor shower and compost loo for your sole use and you're welcome to have a dip in our pool after a long day sight seeing. Local attractions within striking distance are, the popular paparoa farmers market on a saturday morning, surfing at Mangawhai Beach or waipu cove, fishing or cruising in the mighty Kaipara Harbour, the amazing Kauri museum, Dargaville, the wild west coast including Baileys beach, Kai iwi lakes and Tane Mahouta. Bring your own pillows please. No pets as we have free range chooks and stock in the fields. We have a young family so this a family friendly spot, not a party place. If you want wifi you need to come up to the house.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
NZ$120
/ night
Top-rated campgrounds near Whangaparāoa
Dune Lakes Lodge - Retreat & Horses
1. Dune Lakes Lodge - Retreat & Horses
47km from Whangaparāoa · 1 site · Lodging
Dune Lakes Retreat & Horse Inspired Learning Centre is nestled on the wild South Kaipara Head Peninsula, just 60 minutes from Auckland CBD, yet it feels far removed from everyday life. Set among ancient sand hills, pristine wetlands, native bush, and the calm waters of Lake Kereta — a rare freshwater dune lake — this is a landscape shaped by deep time, quiet balance and wonderful for safe swimming.
The South Kaipara Head is an ancient sand barrier separating the vast Kaipara Harbour from the Tasman Sea. Between the dunes, groundwater has gathered over thousands of years to form freshwater lakes and wetlands that filter water, support rich biodiversity, and create a profound sense of calm.
Guests may choose from a range of camping sites — some nestled near the wetlands, others more open with wide skies and lake views. Facilities include excellent water quality, toilets, and showers. Accommodation includes the Flying Horse Barn with three studio rooms at $150 per night per room, and a cabin available for $100 per night (bring your own linen/towels etc or $25 extra per stay for supplied linen for all accommodation)
To the west lies the dramatic Muriwai / Rangatira coastline with sweeping Tasman Sea sunsets. To the east is the sheltered Kaipara Harbour, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and a vital feeding ground for marine life and migratory birds such as godwits, knots, plovers, and terns. A quiet lagoon to the north shelters swans, ducks, pūkeko, paradise shelduck, kingfisher, fantail, warbler, and silvereye.
At dawn, birdsong fills the air. At dusk, frogs rise in chorus, and from deep within the reedbeds the rare Australasian bittern calls — a nationally threatened bird whose presence signals an intact wetland.
The retreat is also home to a free-roaming herd of horses at the Horse Inspired Learning Centre. The horses are free-roaming, barefoot, unridden, and without covers. Mindful, non-riding interactions grounded in Natural Horse Friendship and Equine-Assisted Learning sessions are available by arrangement at $250 per morning session)
A place to rest, reflect, and reconnect — where land, water, wildlife, horses, and quiet beauty meet.
Pets
Toilets
Hot Tub
from
NZ$84
/ night
Grapevine cabins
2. Grapevine cabins
75km from Whangaparāoa · 3 sites · Lodging
Come and unwind in our peaceful cabins, just outside the friendly village of paparoa. We offer 3 double beds in 3 cabins. There's an outdoor shower and compost loo for your sole use and you're welcome to have a dip in our pool after a long day sight seeing. Local attractions within striking distance are, the popular paparoa farmers market on a saturday morning, surfing at Mangawhai Beach or waipu cove, fishing or cruising in the mighty Kaipara Harbour, the amazing Kauri museum, Dargaville, the wild west coast including Baileys beach, Kai iwi lakes and Tane Mahouta. Bring your own pillows please. No pets as we have free range chooks and stock in the fields. We have a young family so this a family friendly spot, not a party place. If you want wifi you need to come up to the house.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
from
NZ$120
/ night
