Last updated July 2026
Waharau Regional Park lies on the eastern side of the Hunua Ranges, stretching from farmland and river valleys down to the gravelly shoreline of the Firth of Thames at Whakatīwai. It offers a quieter alternative to busier Auckland regional parks, with opportunities for camping, walking, mountain biking and coastal access roughly 65 kilometres southeast of central Auckland. The park connects inland tracks into the broader Hunua Ranges network while providing sheltered spots along Waihihi Bay. Visitors appreciate the mix of open farmland, bush and long views across the water toward the Coromandel. Advance booking is required for all campgrounds, and track status should be checked before travel.
Practical Information
| Location | 1748 East Coast Road, Whakatīwai, approximately 65 km southeast of Auckland |
| Entry | Free |
| Camping | Tainui Campground (6 power points, flush toilets, hot showers); Blackberry Flats Campground; CSC overnight parking area. Book via Auckland Council. Tainui closed June to September. |
| Facilities | Toilets, hot showers at Tainui, BBQs, picnic areas |
| Activities | Walking, mountain biking, picnics, coastal access |
| Dogs | On leash in designated park areas only; prohibited at campgrounds and during lambing/calving season (July–November) |
| Track Status | Check Auckland Council website for current open/closed tracks before visiting |
About Waharau Regional Park
Waharau Regional Park occupies the eastern foothills of the Hunua Ranges and extends to the Firth of Thames coast. The landscape includes farmland, river banks along the Waharau Stream and pockets of forest, creating a varied setting for day visits and overnight stays. The coastal edge features gravel beaches rather than sand, with sheltered swimming possible at Waihihi Bay and expansive views across the water.
The park holds cultural significance as a traditional summer camping area for Tainui. It serves as an eastern gateway to the Hunua Ranges, with tracks that link into the wider network. Facilities remain basic compared with northern parks, emphasising self-sufficiency and advance planning.
Park gates operate from 6am to 9pm during daylight saving and 6am to 7pm outside that period. Rubbish-free rules apply throughout, and fires are prohibited. The combination of coastal and inland environments supports a range of low-impact activities while protecting the natural and cultural values of the area.
Walking Tracks
Waharau Regional Park provides access to several walking options that range from short coastal or riverside strolls to longer climbs into the Hunua foothills. The Waharau Bush Walk takes approximately 45 minutes and covers 2.4 kilometres through forest, leading toward a small beach area with opportunities to observe birdlife. It is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
The Waharau Ridge Track offers a more challenging route of 3.5 hours and 14 kilometres that ascends into the ranges and connects with other Hunua tracks. Both routes traverse a mix of bush and farmland. Track conditions can change due to maintenance or kauri dieback controls, so visitors must confirm current status on the Auckland Council website before setting out. Mountain biking is also permitted on designated routes within the park.
Camping at Waharau
Two campgrounds operate at Waharau Regional Park, both requiring advance bookings through Auckland Council. Tainui Campground provides the main vehicle-based facility with six power points available on a first-come basis for self-contained vehicles, flush toilets and hot showers. It accommodates up to 60 people with a maximum stay of seven nights outside the winter closure period from early June to late September.
Blackberry Flats Campground offers a more basic streamside setting. A separate CSC overnight parking area is also available. During peak summer months from December to Waitangi Day, management of Tainui shifts to Waahi Pa Trust, and bookings must be made through the on-site host. All visitors must take rubbish away, and dogs are not permitted at any campground.
Coastal Access and Swimming
The park provides direct access to the Firth of Thames coastline at Waihihi Bay. The beach is gravelly and relatively sheltered, suitable for swimming and picnics with views toward the Coromandel Peninsula. The area forms part of the Te Ara Moana kayak trail, allowing paddlers to combine coastal travel with overnight stays when the campground is open. Conditions can vary with tides and weather, and visitors should exercise normal water safety precautions.
What Visitors Often Say
Reviewers describe the park as peaceful and uncrowded, with good campground facilities including hot showers that stand out for a regional park. Many note the beautiful coastal views and quiet atmosphere, especially mid-week, making it a worthwhile drive from Auckland for those seeking solitude.
Visitors often call it one of Auckland’s underrated regional parks, praising the near-empty campgrounds on weekdays and its value as a base for exploring both the coast and the Hunua Ranges tracks. The combination of farmland, bush and sea views receives frequent positive mentions.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council – Waharau Regional Park: official page with track status, maps, activities and booking links.
Auckland Council – Tainui Campground: detailed information on facilities, prices, seasonal closures and booking rules.
Auckland Council – Blackberry Flats Campground: information on the alternative basic campground option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Waharau Regional Park from Auckland?
Approximately 65 kilometres southeast of central Auckland via State Highway 2 and East Coast Road, taking roughly one to one-and-a-half hours by car.
Are dogs allowed at Waharau Regional Park?
Dogs are permitted on leash in designated park areas but are prohibited at all campgrounds and during lambing and calving season from July to November. Registered assistance dogs may be exempt with prior notice.
What walking tracks are available?
The Waharau Bush Walk covers 2.4 kilometres in about 45 minutes. The Waharau Ridge Track is 14 kilometres and takes around 3.5 hours. Both require checking current status on the Auckland Council website.
Is swimming possible at Waharau?
Yes, at the gravelly beach at Waihihi Bay on the Firth of Thames. Conditions are generally sheltered but visitors should check tides and weather.
Do I need to book camping in advance?
Yes, all campgrounds and the CSC parking area require advance bookings through Auckland Council. Tainui Campground closes from early June to late September each year.
Is mountain biking allowed?
Yes, mountain biking is permitted on designated routes within the park alongside walking tracks.
Are there any entry fees?
Entry to the park is free. Camping fees apply and vary by season and age group.
Can I access the Hunua Ranges from here?
Yes, the Waharau Ridge Track provides a direct connection into the eastern side of the Hunua Ranges walking network.
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