Parry Kauri Park in Warkworth is one of a small number of designated freedom camping spots in the Auckland region where certified self-contained vehicles can stay overnight. The park sits on the southern edge of Warkworth at 32 Tudor Collins Drive and combines an overnight campervan stop with access to a genuine kauri bushwalk — one of the few mature kauri stands accessible from a freedom camping site in the region. It makes a practical base for those travelling north from Auckland or exploring the Rodney area.
Practical Information
| Address | 32 Tudor Collins Drive, Warkworth |
| Vehicle requirement | Certified self-contained vehicle only — must have onboard toilet, fresh water, waste water storage and rubbish bin |
| Max vehicles | 3 vehicles at any one time |
| Maximum stay | 2 nights — must vacate by 9am on day 3; maximum 2 nights in any 4-week consecutive period |
| Facilities | Toilets, car park with mobility parking, picnic tables and seating |
| Bush walk | Short kauri bushwalk with boardwalks — accessible from the park |
| Cost | Free (valid self-contained certification required) |
About the Park and Kauri Walk
Beyond the overnight stop, Parry Kauri Park has a genuine attraction of its own: a network of walking paths and boardwalks through mature kauri trees, along with interpretive information about the kauri milling history of the Warkworth area. The kauri here are well-established and give a sense of the forest that once covered much of Northland. For travellers stopping overnight, it is worth doing the bushwalk in the evening or early morning when the park is quiet.
Kauri dieback disease (Phytophthora agathidicida) is a serious conservation concern in the Auckland region. Before entering the bush, use the boot and gear cleaning stations provided at the park entrance. This is a legal requirement under the National Policy Direction for Kauri Dieback Management — do not skip it.
Self-Contained Certification
All vehicles must be certified self-contained to stay at Parry Kauri Park. From June 2025, vehicles require a green warrant certification — the older blue self-containment stickers are no longer valid for new certifications. If you are travelling in a privately owned vehicle with an older blue sticker, check with the certifier whether it remains valid. Certification must be visible on the vehicle.
You must park in one of the designated marked spaces in the freedom camping area. Parking elsewhere in the car park for overnight stays is not permitted.
Getting There
Parry Kauri Park is just south of Warkworth town centre, about 1 hour north of Auckland on State Highway 1. From Auckland, take the Warkworth off-ramp and follow Tudor Collins Drive. The park entrance and car park are clearly signed. Warkworth town (cafes, supermarket, fuel) is a short drive from the park.
FAQ
Do I need a self-contained vehicle to stay at Parry Kauri Park?
Yes — only certified self-contained vehicles are permitted to freedom camp here. Your vehicle must have an onboard toilet, fresh water supply, waste water storage and a rubbish bin, and must display a valid self-containment certification.
How many nights can I stay?
A maximum of two consecutive nights. You must leave by 9am on the third day, and you cannot return within four weeks of your stay.
How many vehicles can stay at once?
A maximum of three vehicles at any one time in the designated freedom camping area.
Is there a kauri walk at Parry Kauri Park?
Yes — the park has a short bushwalk through mature kauri with boardwalks and interpretive signage about the area’s kauri milling history. Clean your boots at the stations before entering the bush.
Are fires allowed at Parry Kauri Park?
No — fires are not permitted at this freedom camping site. Auckland Council’s general freedom camping rules prohibit open fires at designated sites.
See the Auckland parks and reserves guide for more parks and outdoor options across the Auckland region.