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.

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.

Orewa Campground is a good option if you have little kids. Firstly you don't have to spend 17 hours…read morebattling traffic in a hot stuffy car; you can take the Northern Motorway for less than 30min pretty much to the front gate. The campground itself is very family friendly and has a playgroud, basketball hoop and great games room. Of course the biggest draw card it that its right next to Orewa Beach. I'm not the hugest fan of Orewa Beach, it's shallow and flat; but this I guess is what makes it popular with young families. Orewa is a nice place to holiday, they've recently renovated the boulevard and it's open and paved. There are good food options along the front stretch if you get sick of baked beans on the camp cooker. And there's a perfectly positioned ice cream shop across the road from the campground.

Park at Glenesk Road and take the walking track to the bottom of this gorgeous multi-step…read morewaterfall. Bathrooms available as well as outdoor picnic tables here. The first thing you pass on the tramp is this cool Kauri tree trunk eaten by termites that is hollow and you can stand inside it- very neat. Cool rainforest walk that follows a beautiful stream and passes a wooden bridge and past the old milling area. A great wooden picnic table that overlooks the waterfall from a distance- great place to stop for a breather or proper meal. You know you're nearly there when you reach the wooden staircase to the rocks that is a little slippery. Be careful. A large lake-pool at the base that is gorgeous for swimming. Water is quite cold but still so nice. Definitely worth taking a dip. We spotted a giant eel so beware. You are able to climb to the top but it's steep going but still well worth it. Cool several level-led private pools that you can climb down to enjoy- need to come back to nab one of these gorgeous spots. Must see- and not too intensive or long of a walk either. Winner

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.

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.

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.

Nice camping ground with a beautiful location. But compared…read moreto others also very expensive. 30$ per night for a campervan with two adults. But you have to pay more for the shower, I think 50c for 3 min. Also there are no devices in the kitchen, not even towels. Also no towels in the toilet and on top of that just one toilet for the whole place. Poorly not really other interesting people. Mostly there is nobody in the kitchen and around. It's just a 2 min walk to the beach which is awesome for surfing. But if you want to surf the green waves you have to be really good. Because I have never seen such big waves and especially such powerful freshets before. All in all no reason to stay here except the location.

Takapuna Beach Holiday resort sucks. We rented a campsite…read morefor three days, and when we were out to dinner they put someone else in a tent into our campsite adjacent to our RV. The showers are in need of updating and are barely acceptable. I feel as though I was taken advantage of.

We were working on the North Shore for a couple of days this week - so instead of braving the…read morebridge we decided to treat ourselves and stay by the beach. We rented out one of the 'luxury' caravans. It had a toilet, TV, a well equipped kitchen and was very snug in the rain. But luxury might have been pushing it :) But for the price it was fantastic. The camp itself is in a fabulous location right by the beach. It's pretty tidy but needs some maintenance work. However, I can hardly blame them for not keeping up with repairs as the council only renews their lease on a month by month basis. The council has other plans for the site where the camp has been for over 80 years. Check out the news here http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/8430106/No-lifeline-for-Takapuna-Beach-Holiday-Camp My advice would be to go and stay there while you still can

A weekend getaway to Miranda is one of my favourite things to do, particularly if you can convince…read morethe grandparents to come along too! We've stayed in the motel apartments here which are new and fairly luxe with spa baths, and the whole place is designed for de-stressing - even when you have little ones in tow. There's plenty for the kids to do with a trampoline, playground, tennis courts, bikes for hire and more; plus of course the mineral hot pool which (blessedly) has a shade cloth over it so you don't expire. Like all hot spring towns, Miranda is better in cooler weather and I like that you can just stay here, walk next door to the main hot spring public pool, BBQ your dinner and not really do much else - just chillax and rejuvenate. The pricing here at the Holiday Park is really reasonable and I love that they cater to larger families as well with the chalets sleeping up to seven people.

This is a beautiful and well looked after Holiday Park, in an amazing location, literally right…read morebeside the beach. It is only a short walk and you can find yourself on Pakiri Beach, which is a pretty stunning beach in itself. I've been here a few times for swimming and snorkelling, and the water is usually really clear. We also tried a bit of surfcasting off the beach, but only managed to catch a few small kahawai. You can't ask for a much better location really, and the staff/owners are friendly and accommodating. They have a whole range of cabins to choose from, and plenty of space for tents. One downside is that this place is very expensive, even just for camping. Be prepared to pay a bit extra, especially in peak season when prices skyrocket.