We have been coming here for what seems like forever. Some of my first memories are waking up in…read morethe tent, running down to the water and swimming all day long at Sullivans (Otarawao) Bay. It's an Auckland Regional Council camping ground so it's super cheap to stay in paradise. But this means that the sites book up seriously fast. They open booking six months before you want them and they can sell out in a matter of hour over the summer holiday. It is rather primitive with drop toilets and only a hose tap. But this is part of the fun for us. There is hardly any reception so even though you are not even an hour from Auckland, you feel like you're way out in the whaps. We usually take up kayaks, fishing gear, loads of board games and of course our togs. It's the most amazing way to spend your summers and I am so thankful for my parents for taking me here so many years.

There's an urban legend about Parakai that involves a woman squeezing the pus out of pimples on her…read moreman's back while sitting in a hot pool. I almost feel like I have seen it happen myself because I actually think I did. In the really hot adults-only pool. Anyway, such are the risks you take when sharing water with others. Ergh. The whole place has hardly changed in years and has a slightly sad faded feel about it which does nothing to deter the masses from descending, particular on chilly Winter's days. The slides are pretty rough but the kids think that's a good thing (uh huh) and the facilities in general are just a bit dilapidated. Still, it's so wholeheartedly Kiwi that you just gotta love it. I remember we used to have friends who would take their campervan to Helensville (the whole 40 minute drive from home) and camp at the campground here, which is part of the Springs complex. I was so jealous. Now I'm not really sure why you would - it's nice and green enough but there's better places. Still, like I said, it's classic Noo Zilland.

I hadn't been to Parakai since the last year of High School which was over 10 years back, so was…read morelooking forward to seeing if anything had changed since my last visit. Other than possibly redoing the reception, and maybe cafe area, I don't think a lot has changed since I last swam here. I did have a blast coming down the hydro slides with the kids on the mats provided; however I'm sure the owners could possibly put a bit more money in sprucing up the facilities and particularly the padding on the stairs up to the top as it looks a bit tired in places. The hot pool inside is great, and had it been a colder time of year I would of spent more time inside, however it was sweltering hot, so I had a quick splash and spent more time in the sun, and riding the slide. It felt like the busiest Saturday ever, 100's packed in to the springs, and the pool was a sea of faces- quite fun, but also hard to enjoy your own space really. I would recommend trying the pools out on a week day, when the kids at school next time.

I came here recently for the first time with my daughter's school camp. It's in a lovely spot in a…read morevalley but I guess if I was choosing to stay in Piha I would want to see the water. I was more than happy to have the kids far away from it though and for a school camp this place was fine. I say fine because it just didn't feel very homely. I don't know if that's because of the makeshift nature of what the school was trying to achieve (kids in tents, no dining area just a big room to store their food and makeshift cooking facilities) or the camp itself. True the camp kitchen is the most well equipped I've ever seen and fairly clean as well. But maybe this was because the school staff had the run of the place? I'm not sure. I only have Camp Adair to compare it to and they are totally different beasts but are obviously used for the same things with school trips being one of them. The activities the kids took part in here were a little on the lame side and there's not much in the way of adventure infrastructure (i.e. nothing at all). In terms of accommodation there is one large dormitory and several smaller rooms with male and female bathrooms. I don't know, maybe I'm just not a camper but for a big group booking like a school I would choose Camp Adair any day. Probably it comes down to complicated school funding but interestingly the fees for this camp were more than those for the far superior Camp Adair (which included food where this one did not). This place is more for adults I think.

I remember this place from when I was a kid, and in primary school we came here for school camps. I…read morehave really great memories from the camp. It has a great location, set around the trees and not too far from the beach. We'd go for bush walks, we had a night time burma trail where all the adults through water and mud all over us and we made our way through the bush using peanut butter covered ropes. There's heaps of field area for tents, as well as the big dormitory that was split level. Perfect for boys on one level and girls on the other. From memory the top floor was all one room, with bunks lining the walls, and downstairs was separate rooms with two or three bunks in each room. The only thing is, there's not actually anything at the camp. All our activities were done elsewhere.

Absolutely love Home Bay. Huge grassy meadow to tent on and still have your own space even when a…read morelot of other people are there. Although I have never experienced a lot of people being there, and I used to go every summer. A calm beach of smooth stones which is great for swimming, and rockpools to explore at low tide. There are walks around both Motutapu and Rangitoto to check out if you're staying a while, otherwise just relax and enjoy the peace. There are flushing toilets, water, and it's only $6 per night (for adults, and $3 for children). You really can't find better. Take the ferry to Rangitoto and hike over, or access the bay itself by private boat. It's possible to kayak here but is recommended for experienced kayakers only.

I was truly excited to visit Whatipu Beach because I have been to so many of our West Auckland…read morebeach favourites, but I had not experienced this wonder. Upon arrival I was off with my family to walk the 20 minute/1.5km track to the Whatipu Caves. On the walk to the biggest cave you pass smaller old sea caves along the track, they are really fun to walk into for some exploring. The big cave was very impressive; I really enjoyed walking around and hearing my voice bounce around its walls. I made sure I listened to the department of conservation- and sprayed a disinfectant on the bottoms of my shoes before and after entering the walk; this would help prevent the deadly Kauri collar rot which is easily passed from soiled footwear to trees. After the cave walk, I headed to the beach for a bite of lunch and a chance to soak in the scenery, hardly a sole to see. Picturesque waves rolled in to the shore, while in the distance the Manukau bar dramatically splashed up almost to say check me out I'm dangerous. I will be back Whatipu I promised as I departed this afternoon- you are a mysterious beauty.

Over Christmas my husband and I knew we wanted to go camping but also wanted some quietude, so we…read morelooked somewhere close to home, the Waitakere ranges were it, and Whatipu Lodge camp grounds looked quite remote but interesting. It took quite a windy drive to get to, passing very close to the oceans edge and down some narrow curly passes but with just a mild case of nausea (for me) we eventually got there. The space was very open and had one other camper nearby, a family tenting. We have a van decked out, which was ideal as the place was very windy and wet. It rained the whole time, but I liked it none the less, it wasn't cold and a bit of rain is no drama in my world. The hike up the big hill was easy and gave amazing views of the coast that we had walked along earlier in the day. The wind up on the cliffs did mean we had to keep our wits about us, and no rock climbing. We tried to get to the caves but it wasn't really possible without more serious wet weather gear, we got soggy shoes and socks even through the mere attempt to get at them. I recently read about all the ghost sightings in this place, we saw, nor felt, none, but it did give off a rather haunting feel. But that could also be because it felt like such an isolated environment and was so wet and windy. We did, however, see a lot of bird life. Bird watching is not a hobby of mine but it was kind of cool to see so many and all their antics. The lodge caretakers came over to the car and collected the $15 (per night, per car) and had a brief chat soon after we had arrived. Bookings are essential before you arrive.

Very nice motorcamp with lots of lighting, spacious kitchen & bathrooms. We used the powered site…read morewhich is right by the bathroom, kitchen, grills, TV room and laundry. They even Have vending machine in kitchen & music in the bathroom. Unfortunately no hair dryer & wifi which is big bummer. Office also close by 6pm but you can park first and settle with them the next morning after 8am. But what about if you have to leave before then? Also, I made my reservation through phone (no website available) but I'm not sure if it was ever reserved Coz I don't see a spot reserved for us when we arrived late last night.

Cuuuuuute. This place is adorable. Mum bought me and my boyfriend and weekend here for Christmas,…read moreand we went up last weekend. It was so so cute. Sandspit is really close to Aucklanders' favourite - Matakana, and just like Matakana even though you're close, it feels like you're miles away. It was super easy to find despite never having being there and as soon as we arrived we felt more relaxed. The service was super friendly and chilled despite us arriving outside of working hours. We were shown to our little waterfront cabin and left alone for the rest of the time. It was everything we needed, a bed, fully equipped kitchen, bunk beds if you need the, a great deck and a bench for eating on. Oh, and a TV. We were so close to the water and the place is idyllic. It is a favourite for families, so if you are wanting an adult escape, it's probably not the place. But we loved the cheerful family vibes. You can take kayaks out whenever you want, go for walks along the wharf and cook on the great BBQ set up. With Matakana, Goat Island and Omaha just a short drive away, there are plenty of things to do, great food, drinks and adventures to be had.

OMG what a discovery. I was excited to see that we were going on a tramp to a waterfall when I was…read morerecently at camp with my daughter and what an amazing place it turned out to be. I know there's a lot of secret little places in the Piha/Karekare area and this is one of them. Although I've since discovered that most people I've talked to already know about it. Oh well. If you drive to the end of Glenesk Road in Piha the tramp is clearly signposted. The walk is fairly steep in places and takes about 45 minutes (many more with many many children in tow) each way. I thought I was fairly fit and coped really well at the time but my legs felt like jelly at the end and I literally couldn't walk properly for several days - something to do with the steps coming down and the way they affect your calf muscles. Anyway, whatever, it's SO worth it. Remember this though: go right at the fork and come back on the other side (doing an anticlockwise loop). Trust me if we had done the reverse I'm not sure I would have made it out. If you go in the morning as we did the water in the pool will be freezing cold - I truly thought I was having a heart attack. Later in the day the sun comes over the cliff-face which I imagine would warm it up a bit. There's also an amazing rock canyon just down from the swimming hole that can be abseiled into. Just having a peek down there blows your mind, it's very cool. This is one of those idyllic Auckland spots that just has to be seen to be believed and the walk through the bush is so peaceful, even as you are killing your legs.

Very nice & sweet trail. Felt like I was at Rain Forest Cafe in America! :) would definitely come…read moreback for this hike again. Walking through nice green scenery while listening the the streams made my mine clear up a bit from stressful life back at home. Much needed vacation and throughly enjoyed my time at the Kitekite Trail & Falls!

It's a bit of a drive but Huia National Park is well worth it. Basically a series of bush walks…read morefrom a carpark, there is also a few large spaces for just hanging out if you aren't feeling energetic. This part of the Waitakere Regional Park is also home to parts of the Hillary Trail multi-day bushwalk. For me though the real beauty of this place is the flowing stream with its many swimming holes and small waterfalls. The fresh water is cold (ok frickin freezing - even on a summer's day) but such a different swimming experience to anywhere else. The carpark is rudimentary(and can get pretty full), there's a sprawling picnic area and you can even abseil here with the right permits (and skills!). There's a couple of campgrounds to choose from too if you want to make more than a day of it, but for a day trip it's around a 40 minute drive from central Auckland. The kids absolutely love all the rock jumping and although I wouldn't let my kids do it, there were several large groups of teenagers walking down the streambed rather than using the bush tracks. Fun but a bit scary!

Growing up, I used to walk everywhere, to the zoo, shopping mall or to visit family. People in the…read moretown knew I was an explorer, so nobody called the police when they saw a 6 year old boy walking all over the place. This didn't really change as I grew older, and only really came to an end when I got my first car. Then it stopped, big time; causing the pounds to add to my already comfy midriff. These days I don't mind walking, but it is a mission if you live in a busy suburban area, so I've started to take scenic walks. The Huia Regional Park is a great place to go for a hike, and yes, this is a hike, not to be confused with a walk. The golden oldies in my walking group quickly showed me the way, and I soon realized that I'll have to get my fitness improved if I wanted to avoid being embarrassed by octagerians. The views are awesome, trees majestic and you get excited by even the littlest of things. Plus, the fresh air allows you to recharge and power up.