Sandy Bay Carpark, Whangarei

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Activities
- Land Activities
  - 4WD Adventures
    
    4WD Adventures
    
    Get off the highway and onto the grass with good old-fashioned 4wheelin' fun. 4WD tours, quad bikes, off-road, self-drive - 101 ways to satisfy the motorhead within.
  - Bridge Climbing
  - Bungy Jumping / Swing
    
    Bungy Jumping / Swing
    
    Bungy Jump 101:
    Find a beautiful place. Check.
    Build a very tall structure with an elastic cord attached to the top. Check.
    Fix cord to body, and leap.
    Wooooo!
  - Canyoning
    
    Canyoning
    
    Canyoning is a mix of land and water travel, descending picturesque canyons on foot (or rear end), ropes and swimming. Born by adrenalin-seekers, the growth in popularity of Canyoning in New Zealand means gentler trips are increasingly available.
  - Caving
    
    Caving
    
    Don overalls and gumboots for a day underground, up and down ropes navigating the maze of tunnels - or go glowworm spotting and enjoy the serenity.
  - Cycling & Mountain Biking
    
    Cycling & Mountain Biking
    
    Put pedal to the metal cycling the length and breadth of New Zealand, or blow your hair back (with a helmet on) navigating NZ's many purpose built Mountain Biking trails.
  - eBikes
  - Group Tours
  - Horse Trekking
    
    Horse Trekking
    
    Galloping down an isolated beach on a trusty steed, sand flying, the salt air whipping in your hair... (admit it, that's how you picture yourself on a horse)
    Horse trekking is offered all over New Zealand, guided trips catering to both experienced riders and those with less time in the saddle.
  - Outside the Square
    
    Outside the Square
    
    Fun, crazy and unusual - these activities refuse to be put in a box. If you're looking for something a bit different, you'll find it here.
  - Railbiking / Railcarting
    
    Railbiking / Railcarting
    
    Railbiking is cycling on unused and forgotten railways. A railbike is either a bicycle that has been modified to be able to ride on the rails of a railroad or a purpose-built specialized railbike or railcart.
  - Snow and Ice
    
    Snow and Ice
    
    New Zealand Glacier and Skiing tours - Good times all round.
  - Sphereing
    
    Sphereing
    
    Sphereing (also known as globe-riding, zorbing or orbing) is the recreation or sport of rolling downhill inside an orb made of transparent plastic.
  - Walking and Hiking Tours
  - Walking and Trekking
    
    Walking and Trekking
    
    Walking and trekking the tracks throughout New Zealand is top of the to-do list for many travellers to New Zealand. From gentle, scenic short walks to multi-day adventures, experience Aotearoa on foot and immerse yourself in the bush, beach and wilderness you came to see.
- Water Activities
  - Boat Cruises
    
    Boat Cruises
    
    With over 15,000km of coastline to enjoy, New Zealand is naturally quite fond of boats… Boat cruises are a great way to explore NZ's rivers, lakes, beaches and fjords, offering a different perspective on both our landscape and wildlife.
  - Diving
    
    Diving
    
    Get deep - explore life beneath the surface with diving, scuba or snorkelling. From the sub-tropical waters of the North Island to the clear, cool waters of the deep South, divers of all abilities can get up close and personal with New Zealand's wrecks, colourful seascape and fish.
  - Fresh Water Canoeing / Kayaking
    
    Fresh Water Canoeing / Kayaking
    
    Epic river journeys, gentle lake paddles and inland excursions, exploring New Zealand's interior by waterway gives you a fresh perspective on the landscape.
  - Fresh Water Fishing
  - Jet Boating
    
    Jet Boating
    
    The need for speed is alive and well! Get up close and personal - at pace - with New Zealand rivers and lakes from the confines of a speedy little boat. Thrills, spins and scenery, jet boating is an adrenaline rush appropriate for young, old and everyone in between.
  - Marine Animal Encounters
    
    Marine Animal Encounters
    
    Get up close with wild sea creatures in their natural habitat.
  - Rafting
  - Sailing
  - Salt Water Fishing
  - Sea Kayaking
  - Surfing
  - Watersports
- Air Activities
Attractions
- Visitor Centres
  - DOC Visitor Centres
  - i-SITE Visitor Information Centres
    
    i-SITE Visitor Information Centres
    
    i-SITE is New Zealand’s official visitor information network with over 80 i-SITEs nationwide
    
    Every person who works at an i-SITE is a local travel expert for their home town. They will help you to find quality activities, attractions, accommodation, transport and more. This ensures you will experience the latest and greatest the town has to offer whatever you are after!
  - Visitor Information Centres
    
    Visitor Information Centres
    
    Local visitor centres often work on a casual basis. Opening hours vary, and you can't always rely on them being open, but if they are you'll have access to very localised information.
- Animal Attractions
- Art & Culture Attractions
- Natural Attractions
  - Scenic Attractions
  - Spas & Thermal Pools
  - Stargazing
    
    Stargazing
    
    Stargazing is accessible astronomy. The natural world includes the universe - we only need look up at the sky to see these natural wonders.
  - Volcanic & Geothermal Attractions
Accommodation
- Camping Grounds
  - Camping Grounds / Holiday Parks
    
    Camping Grounds / Holiday Parks
    
    All the camping conveniences can be found here. Expect powered sites, hot showers, serviced facilities and often much more.
  - Basic Facility Camping
    
    Basic Facility Camping
    
    Camping with just the bare essentials in some of the most beautiful locations across NZ. Expect a non flush toilet that's intermittently serviced. Anything more is a bonus.
  - Freedom Camping
    
    Freedom Camping
    
    Expect no facilities. Generally for self contained vehicles only. Check our notes for details.
Transport
- Land Transport
  - Buses and Coaches
  - Motorcycle Tours and Rentals
  - Motorhomes / Campervans / RV
    
    Motorhomes / Campervans / RV
    
    Travelling New Zealand by rental Campervan and Motorhome gives you freedom. Stay by nature, by the beach or use the full facilities provided by hundreds of Holiday Parks and campgrounds. This ranking table doesn't show all campervan companies in NZ, but does show around 80% of them.
  - Rail
  - Rental Cars
    
    Rental Cars
    
    New Zealand travel is at its best with your own set of wheels. Rental cars give you flexibility to travel at your own pace and deviate off the beaten path.
  - Shuttle Buses
    
    Shuttle Buses
    
    A shuttle bus offers short haul bus services that run multiple times a day, often to an activity or attraction.
- Water Transport
  - Ferries
  - Water Taxis
- Air Transport
  - Helicopter Flights

- North Island
  - Northland
    
    Northland
    
    The wairua (spirit) is strong in this one. Two seas clash on the outer rim while giant forest guardians look over within.
  - Auckland Region
    
    Auckland Region
    
    There is no other city in NZ with such an array of close natural wonders. Sometimes hidden behind poor urban design, a small effort yields great rewards.
  - Coromandel
    
    Coromandel
    
    Go underground to find the gold, when you get out there, let it hang out there, use your tea towel as a loin cloth and drink herbal tea. Can you handle th' Mandel?
  - Bay of Plenty
    
    Bay of Plenty
    
    The name says it all.
  - Waikato
    
    Waikato
    
    The land of milk and honey. A mecca of dairy coupled with the sweetness of serenity.
  - Tairāwhiti Gisborne
    
    Tairāwhiti Gisborne
    
    Gets up before anyone else. A birthplace of the new. Off the track, hongi a local, share a brew. Kia Kaha!
  - Rotorua Region
    
    Rotorua Region
    
    Smell it before you see it. Rotorua is so hot right now!
  - Taupo Region
    
    Taupo Region
    
    Big eruption = Big hole = Big lake
  - Ruapehu
    
    Ruapehu
    
    Slip on your shoes, it's walk-o-rama. Vivid colour like a Psychedelic cruise.
  - Hawkes Bay
    
    Hawkes Bay
    
    Like a masquerade ball; full of pomp, ceremony, fine wine and food. The gannets are cool too.
  - Taranaki
    
    Taranaki
    
    The Naki is quite the surprise package. Talk with the colloquial locals and unlock a Jack-in-the-Box of the unexpected.
  - Manawatu - Wanganui
    
    Manawatu - Wanganui
    
    Raw and real. The Whanganui river is a major artery that has fed culture and change, shaping Aotearoa.
  - Wairarapa
    
    Wairarapa
    
    Get off the main drag and the story of the ugly duckling will be realised.
  - Wellington Region
    
    Wellington Region
    
    Seriously cool that rules with political tools. There's no better place in Aotearoa to get your city fix.
- South Island
  - Marlborough
    
    Marlborough
    
    After slinking through the sounds and sipping on some Savs, keep the sounds down 'cos the spy base is in town.
  - Nelson Region
    
    Nelson Region
    
    This region is like a hippy with flash shoes. Drunk on sunshine. Replenish, reflect, restock & relax. Then relive the 70's and head down the one way street called Golden Bay, it won't let you down.
  - West Coast
    
    West Coast
    
    A diamond in the rough. Get on the offensive, cover yourself in sandfly repellent and tackle the weather & best scenery in NZ head on.
  - Kaikoura Region
    
    Kaikoura Region
    
    Squeezed between two giants, a dramatic point where the Southern Alps and Pacific Ocean meet.
  - Canterbury
    
    Canterbury
    
    Lots on offer here, straight roads make for easy driving but a zig zag approach is rewarded. Good place to get lost in. Watch out for local one eyed rugby fanatics.
  - Central Otago
    
    Central Otago
    
    Surreal space, if the Dalai Lama wanted to hang out in a southern NZ Tibet, then this is the spot. Get out your incense and get remote.
  - Mount Cook - MacKenzie
    
    Mount Cook - MacKenzie
    
    Like a great road trip movie, wind down the windows, put on your favourite tunes and prepare yourself for a sensory intake of freedom.
  - Wanaka Region
    
    Wanaka Region
    
    The outdoor fitness capital of NZ. You get the feeling every local is capable of giving you 10 one-handed push ups, while holding a coffee in the other. All roads from here lead to goodness.
  - Queenstown Region
    
    Queenstown Region
    
    A beautiful place where the locals have devised any conceivable way to scare you silly.
  - Coastal Otago
    
    Coastal Otago
    
    An oddity that works. The Scots did their best to tame the beast but wildlife still prevails. Get a hip flask of whisky, a kilt and stride the coast with purpose.
  - Fiordland
    
    Fiordland
    
    Meditative Milford - Get yourself in a zen state as this place is intense. Once the tour buses depart by 4pm, the locals are in their element (including sandflies). Find yourself in a quiet space and do what you need to do to take it all in.
  - Southland
    
    Southland
    
    A true blue, quirky mix of heartland and bogan, add a dash of the gay in Gore and gregarious local penguins on lonely beaches.
  - Stewart Island

Ranker's Qualmark Silver Award is evidence of a sophisticated tourism operation that consistently exceeds visitor expectations.

Overnight Campervan Parking

9 Rankers Reviews

0 Face-to-Face

16 Whangarei

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All Reviews

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Whangarei, Northland

Camping near Whangarei

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Information

Closed to campers between 18 December and 8 February inclusive each year. Open to day trippers only during that period.

Covid19 information can be found here: http://www.wdc.govt.nz/FacilitiesandRecreation/ReservesandOpenSpaces/Pages/Camping-in-public-places.aspx

One night maximum
You must park in the designated site that is indicated by signage
If the site is full, you must move on

Details

Feature	Value	Info
Organisation	Whangarei District Council Local government organisation
Location	North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Whangarei
Categories	Freedom Camping Free

Feature

Value

Info

Organisation

Whangarei District Council

Local government organisation

Location

North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Whangarei

Categories

Freedom Camping
Free

Feature	Value	Info
Overnight Camping Site Cost	Free Camping Overnight Camping Site Cost What is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight? Free Camping It costs nothing to stay overnight. In general this means that you should not expect any facilities.	Overnight Camping Site Cost What is the approximate per-person cost to camp or park your vehicle overnight? Free Camping It costs nothing to stay overnight. In general this means that you should not expect any facilities.
Overnight Stay Rules	Camping and any vehicle Overnight Stay Rules What are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite? Camping and any vehicle You are permitted to stay overnight and camp (with a tent) or in any vehicle.	Overnight Stay Rules What are the accommodation rules for overnight stays at this campsite? Camping and any vehicle You are permitted to stay overnight and camp (with a tent) or in any vehicle.
Payment Requirement	Free access/participation Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in.	Payment Requirement Is there a cost for this experience or is it free? Free access/participation The experience costs no money to access or take part in.
Maximum Stay Duration	1 night Maximum Stay Duration How many consecutive days can you stay overnight at this establishment? 1 night You are permitted to stay only one night here in a row.	Maximum Stay Duration How many consecutive days can you stay overnight at this establishment? 1 night You are permitted to stay only one night here in a row.
Dump Station	No dump station Dump Station Dump stations allow the safe disposal of sewage and greywater from self-contained vehicles. Does this site have a dump station? No dump station This location has no dump stations for the disposal of waste water from recreational vehicles.	Dump Station Dump stations allow the safe disposal of sewage and greywater from self-contained vehicles. Does this site have a dump station? No dump station This location has no dump stations for the disposal of waste water from recreational vehicles.
Booking Required	First Come, First Served Booking Required Is it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? First Come, First Served Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot.	Booking Required Is it necessary to book a campsite in advance in order to stay overnight? First Come, First Served Sites are allocated in a first come, first served basis. Get in early for the best spot.
Campfire Rules	Fires prohibited Campfire Rules What are the rules for open air fires? Fires prohibited There is a total fire ban -no fires are permitted.	Campfire Rules What are the rules for open air fires? Fires prohibited There is a total fire ban -no fires are permitted.
Powered Sites	No powered sites Powered Sites Does this establishment have powered sites? No powered sites This campsite does not offer any powered sites with an electricity supply.	Powered Sites Does this establishment have powered sites? No powered sites This campsite does not offer any powered sites with an electricity supply.
Toilet	Public toilet Toilet Is there a toilet available? Public toilet There are toilet facilities available to the general public.	Toilet Is there a toilet available? Public toilet There are toilet facilities available to the general public.
Dogs	No dogs allowed Dogs Does this establishment allow dogs? No dogs allowed The location does not allow dogs under normal conditions. Their may be be exceptions granted under specific circumstances eg. guide dogs.	Dogs Does this establishment allow dogs? No dogs allowed The location does not allow dogs under normal conditions. Their may be be exceptions granted under specific circumstances eg. guide dogs.
Vehicle Access	Vehicle accessible Vehicle Access Can vehicles drive in? Vehicle accessible This location is accessible in a vehicle. Vehicles over 10 metres are allowed.	Vehicle Access Can vehicles drive in? Vehicle accessible This location is accessible in a vehicle. Vehicles over 10 metres are allowed.

Reviews

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Beachcamper

Ranking: 9/10

Awesome scenic spot with clean toilets and running (not potable) water. Nice free BBQ to use.

Only thing annoying was the pesky seagulls!

Reviewed about 1 year ago

Kara

Ranking: 10/10

Great spot with ocean views. I stayed here just before a storm hit and it was so windy and rainy.. so I don’t recommend to stay here if it’s bad weather.. lucky I was behind a big horse truck to shelter me! But I barely slept because the wind was rocking my van.. despite the weather this is a great spot and would be primo on a nice day!!

Reviewed about 1 year ago

Mortlandz

Ranking: 10/10

Great spot off the road, right in the beach near a nice little stream. Great surf. Highly recommend.

Reviewed over 1 year ago

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Aimee

Ranking: 7/10

There is a limited number of spots here and it was full so we stayed in the car park near by. (We had got quite sick and were unable to keep driving and there was no sign saying we couldn't??). The toilet was clean enough and the beach was beautiful.

Reviewed over 1 year ago

Mike Smith

Ranking: 9/10

Small car park right by the beach. Clean toilets close by. Space for about 8 campers. Loved it.

Reviewed over 2 years ago

Rachelle

Ranking: 10/10

Beautiful spot to post up for the night. Clean toilets, free BBQ and picnic table. Watching the surfers was very cool. About 6 or so spots available and filled up by 6pm. Seagulls are a tad aggressive, but when aren't they. Would recommend!!

Reviewed over 2 years ago

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Jenny

Ranking: 8/10

Great freedom camping spot. Right on the beach which is gorgeous. Nice clean toilets plus picnic table and bbq. Was lovely and quiet and very peaceful. Would stay here again!

Reviewed almost 3 years ago

Andy and Julia

United Kingdom

Ranking: 8/10

Beautiful sunset spot by the beach. A pretty small camp place, so be sure to get there before the evening as we had to squeeze close together. Ok toilets, male and female separated, but no one really cared. We still really enjoyed our night, and who doesn’t love waking up next to the beach.

Reviewed about 3 years ago

Kay

Ranking: 8/10

Surfspot, great view, one men+ one women restroom. Quiet clean for public ones. Campsite at the SH but not very much traffic at night. Nice for a stay

Reviewed about 4 years ago

Northland ▷ Whangarei

Land Activities

4WD Adventures

Bungy Jumping / Swing

Canyoning

Caving

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Horse Trekking

Outside the Square

Railbiking / Railcarting

Snow and Ice

Sphereing

Walking and Trekking

Water Activities

Boat Cruises

Diving

Fresh Water Canoeing / Kayaking

Jet Boating

Marine Animal Encounters

Air Activities

Visitor Centres

i-SITE Visitor Information Centres

Visitor Information Centres

Animal Attractions

Art & Culture Attractions

Natural Attractions

Stargazing

Camping Grounds

Camping Grounds / Holiday Parks

Basic Facility Camping

Freedom Camping

Land Transport

Motorhomes / Campervans / RV

Rental Cars

Shuttle Buses

Water Transport

Air Transport

North Island

Northland

Auckland Region

Coromandel

Bay of Plenty

Waikato

Tairāwhiti Gisborne

Rotorua Region

Taupo Region

Ruapehu

Hawkes Bay

Taranaki

Manawatu - Wanganui

Wairarapa

Wellington Region

South Island

Marlborough

Nelson Region

West Coast

Kaikoura Region

Canterbury

Central Otago

Mount Cook - MacKenzie

Wanaka Region

Queenstown Region

Coastal Otago

Fiordland

Southland