Last updated July 2026
Tāpapakanga Regional Park is a coastal farm park on the western shore of the Firth of Thames at Orere Point, approximately 68 kilometres southeast of Auckland. It features a pōhutukawa-edged beach, multiple campgrounds, walking tracks through farmland and bush remnants, mountain biking, fishing and kayaking opportunities, with views across to the Coromandel Peninsula. The park offers a quiet, rural coastal setting with rich Māori and European history. Visitors reach it via a scenic drive through Clevedon and Kawakawa Bay.
Practical Information
| Location | 95 Deerys Road, Orere Point, southeast of Auckland |
| Entry | Free (camping and accommodation fees apply) |
| Camping | Beachfront (tents only), Seaview, Waikaha Stream, plus certified self-contained vehicle sites at Tāpapakanga Stream and Kaparanui Stream. Advance booking required via Auckland Council |
| Beach | Pebble and sand mix on the sheltered Firth of Thames, suitable for swimming and launching kayaks |
| Facilities | Gas BBQs, picnic areas, toilets, water taps. Campgrounds have basic facilities; no rubbish bins |
| Tracks | Historic Loop (30 min, 1.5 km); Coastal Walk (2 hours, 7.5 km); Farm Walk (2 hours, 6 km); Mountain Bike Track (1 hour, 7 km) |
| Dogs | Allowed under control on leash on the park 1 December to 30 June; off leash on the beach. Prohibited 1 July to 30 November (lambing/calving season) and at all bookable campgrounds/accommodation |
About Tāpapakanga Regional Park
Tāpapakanga Regional Park sits on rolling farmland that slopes to a sheltered beach on the Firth of Thames. The park spans 197 hectares and includes regenerating native bush on steeper slopes, a winding stream, and expansive coastal views. It provides a peaceful escape with easy access to water-based activities and farm tracks.
The area has deep cultural significance. For centuries it was an important dwelling place for Marutūahu iwi, particularly Ngāti Pāoa and Ngāti Whanaunga, with archaeological sites including pā, storage pits, terraces and middens. European settlement began with the Ashby family, who built the homestead beside the beach in 1900. Auckland Regional Council purchased the land in 1990 and opened the park in 1995.
Recreational highlights include picnicking and barbecuing along the foreshore, swimming in the beach or lagoon, fishing, and kayaking. The park forms part of the Te Ara Moana sea kayak trail. Facilities remain basic, and visitors must take all rubbish with them. The setting rewards those who travel the winding coastal road from Auckland.
Coastal Trails and Walking
The Tāpapakanga Coastal Walk is the flagship route, covering 7.5 kilometres in about two hours along the coast with farmland, bush sections and views across the Firth. At high tide the Tāpapakanga Stream crossing near a Māori pā site can be difficult; an inland alternative exists. The Historic Loop Track (1.5 km, 30 minutes) passes pā sites, stone fields and early settlement remnants. The Farm Walk (6 km, two hours) climbs to the park’s highest point through open pasture.
Tracks are not suitable for prams or wheelchairs due to terrain and gates. The mountain bike track shares some farm routes and offers moderate cross-country riding with views. Bring your own bike as no hire is available onsite.
Camping at Tāpapakanga Regional Park
Five main overnight options cater to different preferences. Beachfront campground is tent-only beside the foreshore. Seaview offers flat, sheltered sites for tents and vehicles. Waikaha Stream is primarily kayak-accessible as part of the Te Ara Moana trail. Certified self-contained vehicle sites sit beside Tāpapakanga Stream and Kaparanui Stream. Advance booking through Auckland Council is required for all sites; a gate code is issued on confirmation. Facilities are basic with toilets and cold showers where provided. Wood fires are not permitted.
What Visitors Often Say
Camping here delivers peaceful coastal views across the Firth to the Coromandel, with a quiet atmosphere that feels remote despite the drive from Auckland. Reviewers appreciate the basic facilities and recommend booking ahead for the best sites.
The coastal walk provides consistent views and a satisfying loop through varied terrain. The beach suits calm swimming and family time, though it is pebbly in places, and visitors note the park’s unspoiled, low-key character.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council – Tāpapakanga Regional Park: official page with booking links, maps, facilities and current rules.
Tāpapakanga Regional Park map (PDF): detailed track descriptions, dog rules, history and facilities from Auckland Council.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book camping at Tāpapakanga Regional Park?
Book in advance through the Auckland Council website or by phone. A gate code is provided upon confirmation. Walk-up camping is not available.
How far is Tāpapakanga Regional Park from Auckland?
Approximately 68 kilometres southeast via SH1, Clevedon and the Kawakawa Bay Coast Road, taking about one hour and ten minutes by car.
Is the beach suitable for swimming?
Yes. The sheltered Firth of Thames waters are generally calm. A beach and freshwater lagoon provide swimming options.
Can I go kayaking at Tāpapakanga?
Yes. Launch from the beach; conditions are best at high tide. The park is part of the Te Ara Moana sea kayak trail. No hire is available onsite.
Is mountain biking allowed?
Yes. A 7-kilometre intermediate mountain bike track runs through farmland. Bring your own bike.
Are dogs allowed at Tāpapakanga Regional Park?
Dogs are allowed under control on leash on the park from 1 December to 30 June and off leash on the beach. They are prohibited from 1 July to 30 November during lambing and calving season and at all bookable campgrounds and accommodation.
Are there wheelchair accessible facilities or tracks?
No. Tracks involve gates, uneven terrain and slopes and are not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
What should I know about fires and rubbish?
Outdoor fires are illegal in Auckland regional parks. The park is rubbish-free; take all waste and recycling with you.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.