With the warmer season upon us, how about planning a little holiday escape prior to the summer break? Whangateau Holiday Park is an ideal paradise spot close to Auckland for families and friends, large groups and small for your next getaway. 

Just an hour’s drive from Auckland’s city centre, you’ll find this hidden gem of a waterfront holiday park on Whangateau Harbour between Matakana and Leigh. Immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings and make yourself at home in a comfy cabin, a powered site for tents or by camping right on the water’s edge.

There are also retro caravans available for hire for those who prefer a more vintage feel and some of the comforts of home. With excellent amenities, including play areas, barbecues and cooking facilities – your perfect holiday escape awaits.  

A few of the many activities to enjoy during your stay include swimming, pontoon access, fishing or exploring the tidal harbour; pedal carts, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards available for hire; playground and next-door sports fields, outdoor chess set; barbecue area, picnic tables and a recreation room with the all-important air hockey table! Even some spectacular snorkelling can be found right out front, 45 minutes either side of high tide.

As an Auckland Council holiday park, you can book a wide range of accommodation options and facilities to suit your needs, including waterfront powered sites, family cabins, budget to self-contained units and beachside caravans. While there’s plenty within the holiday park to keep everyone entertained, the surrounding areas are also great to check out, either on the way or as a day’s excursion - from walks, waters sports, food and drink or a little something extra. 

Walks 

Rock pools at Tāwharanui Beach

For those looking to stay active, there’s some epic walks around the area that will surely get the blood pumping, from bushwalks like the Tāwharanui Ecology Trail to coastal walks such as the Leigh Coastal Path, Goat Island Coastal Walkway or a leisurely stroll of Omaha Beach which overlooks Whangateau Harbour.

If you’re keen to take on a bit more of a challenge, there’s Mount Tamahunga Walkway. And while there’s a song out there telling us to not chase waterfalls, we recommend you do, and in these parts particularly, check out the Kohuroa Stream Waterfalls, found along the Matheson Bay bush walk. 

Water sports 

Speaking of waterfalls, what about water sports? We’ve got you covered too! While there’s plenty on offer within the Whangateau Holiday Park, it’s good to be aware of the vast array of options in the surrounding areas like New Zealand’s first marine reserve Goat Island.

Boasting 518 hectares of protected land, this piece of paradise is a must for leisure visitors looking to enjoy an epic day out in nature. Just over the hill you’ll find Mathesons Bay, another go-to in the area for swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking. Or perhaps a surf or boogie boarding in Tāwharanui - here you’ll find beautiful white sand beaches, rolling pastures, native coastal forest and regenerating wetlands. 

Food and drink 

Omaha Beach - the perfect spot for a quintessential summer picnic

You’ll have built up quite the appetite after a walk or a swim, and there’s plenty to choose from. Matakana is a quaint little spot that’s perfect for any foodie, known for its weekend farmers markets, artisan food, boutique shops and vineyards. Just a ten-minute drive away you’ll find Leigh, a small coastal town with heaps to explore and discover, including eateries and bars. And right across from Whangateau Holiday Park, you’ll find Omaha – a welcoming beach community where the quintessential Kiwi summer experience awaits you.

As an added bonus, for the history buffs, there’s also Warkworth Museum nearby where you can learn about the history of the area. Or check out Perry Kauri Park which has recently been updated and now offers a sturdy boardwalk pathway as you walk amongst the giants in the kauri forest. 

Whether you’re after a relaxing getaway, an active holiday full of walks and water sports, or you’re a foodie who enjoys nature and great eateries nearby, there’s something for everyone in these parts. So don’t delay any further, discover the holiday in Whangateau Holiday Park and unwind in a way that suits you best. 

Book your stay today on the Auckland Council website.