Tawharanui Regional Park Auckland
Auckland's picturesque regional park with golden beaches, native bush, and a thriving wildlife sanctuary. Perfect for walks, camping, and nature lover...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for beach dips and hikes.
Tawharanui Regional Park Auckland
Best Time
Perfect for beach dips and hikes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Auckland's picturesque regional park with golden beaches, native bush, and a thriving wildlife sanctuary. Perfect for walks, camping, and nature lovers.
"This is by far the most beautiful and magical beach around Auckland."
🚗 Accessing the Park
The main road may have slips, but beach access is usually possible. Pedestrian access is available even after car gates close. :car:
🥾 Muddy Trails Alert
Some inland trails can get quite muddy, especially after rain. Wear appropriate footwear! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Anchor Bay
Tawharanui Regional Park
Pristine golden sands and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing. Often less crowded than other spots.

Tawharanui Beach
Tawharanui Regional Park
A beautiful beach known for its white sand and clear blue water, ideal for surfing and picnics.

Ecology Trail
Tawharanui Regional Park
Explore native bush and spot unique wildlife, including a specific takahe feeder.
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Campsite Access
Embrace the Trails and Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Accessing the Park
The main road may have slips, but beach access is usually possible. Pedestrian access is available even after car gates close.
:car:🥾 Muddy Trails Alert
Some inland trails can get quite muddy, especially after rain. Wear appropriate footwear!
:athletic_shoe:📸 Drone Photography
Capture breathtaking aerial views of the park and coastline with your drone.
:camerawithflash:🐠 Snorkel for Marine Life
The fish life is incredible! Don't forget your snorkel to explore the underwater world.
:ocean:Tawharanui Beach
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Accessing the Park
The main road may have slips, but beach access is usually possible. Pedestrian access is available even after car gates close.
:car:🥾 Muddy Trails Alert
Some inland trails can get quite muddy, especially after rain. Wear appropriate footwear!
:athletic_shoe:📸 Drone Photography
Capture breathtaking aerial views of the park and coastline with your drone.
:camerawithflash:🐠 Snorkel for Marine Life
The fish life is incredible! Don't forget your snorkel to explore the underwater world.
:ocean:🦉 Wildlife Spotting
Look for takahe on the Ecology Trail and listen for kiwi at night.
:bird:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Tawharanui Regional Park, calling it a 'slice of paradise' and a 'magical beach' near Auckland. The combination of stunning golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush native bush, coupled with abundant native birdlife, creates an idyllic escape. Many appreciate the well-maintained walking tracks and the peaceful atmosphere, even on busier days. The park is highly recommended for its natural beauty and wildlife sanctuary status.
"Beautiful large campsite in protected wildlife area. Short walk to beach. Lots of birdlife and birdsong - love hearing that!! Clean composting toilets. Drinking water on tap. You will need to book and pay online to get access code for gate. Would definitely be back if up this way again."
WendNZ E
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Slice of Paradise in New Zealand
Tawharanui Regional Park is an absolute gem! 🌿 The drive in itself is beautiful, with rolling hills and coastal views, but the real magic starts once you arrive. The combination of golden sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and lush native bush makes it feel like you’re stepping into a postcard.
The walking tracks are well-maintained, with options for all fitness levels—from peaceful coastal strolls to slightly more challenging bush walks. Along the way, you’ll spot native birds thanks to the predator-free sanctuary—tui, fantails, and even the occasional kiwi if you’re lucky! 🐦
The beach is stunning—perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing on the sand. If you love photography, sunrise here is absolutely worth waking up for.
There are clean facilities, picnic spots, and plenty of space to spread out, so even on busy days it never feels overcrowded.
It’s the perfect place to escape the city, reconnect with nature, and just breathe. Highly recommended for families, couples, and solo explorers alike. Me and my husband go to place whenever we get time love this park ❤️"
Ankita Khare
"I was blown away by the beauty of the beach, the white sand and crystal clear water. we came here just before sunset so didn’t get enough time to explore. Kids loved to run around on the beach, climbed the rock and draw in the sand. We will definitely come back for trails and kiwi spotting at night, thinking of camping here in the summer time. For me, this is by far the most beautiful and magical beach around Auckland."
Fan Zhang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tawharanui Regional Park is located on the Takatu Road, Tawharanui Peninsula, about an hour's drive north of Auckland. The drive itself offers scenic views.
Yes, Tawharanui Regional Park is generally open for day visitors. While the campsite might have specific closure notices, the park itself is usually accessible.
Yes, pedestrian access is possible even after car access closes at 9 pm. You might need to walk around the beach end of the fence.
There can be some slips on the road, but access is typically still possible, especially along the beach.
Yes, Tawharanui Regional Park is located just around the corner from Matakana, making it a great addition to a visit to the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You need to book and pay online in advance if you plan to camp at Tawharanui. This booking provides you with the access code for the gate.
While the park is generally open, car access typically closes at 9 pm. Pedestrian access may be available later.
There is no entrance fee for day visitors to Tawharanui Regional Park. However, camping requires online booking and payment.
You can visit for the day without a booking. However, if you intend to camp, booking online is mandatory to get the gate access code.
Information on campsite availability and booking can be found on the Auckland Council website, where you can secure your spot and access code.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tawharanui offers various walks, including coastal paths and bush trails like the Ecology Trail. Many visitors enjoy the 'coast until it directs up on the eco walk' route.
The park is a wildlife sanctuary with native birds like tui and fantails. You might also spot takahe on the Ecology Trail and hear kiwi at night.
Absolutely! The park offers stunning coastal views, beautiful beaches, and abundant wildlife, making it a photographer's paradise, especially at sunrise.
Yes, the park has clean composting toilets and drinking water on tap, especially convenient for campers.
Yes, families love Tawharanui for its safe beaches, space to run around, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. Kids can enjoy climbing rocks and drawing in the sand.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or cafes within Tawharanui Regional Park itself. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for picnics.
The park offers numerous picnic spots, especially near the beaches and along the walking trails, providing beautiful views for your meal.
While not explicitly mentioned, picnic areas are available, suggesting that self-catering is encouraged. Check local regulations for specific BBQ rules.
Yes, drinking water is available on tap at the park, which is particularly useful for campers and day visitors.
Pack plenty of snacks, water, and picnic items. Consider bringing a cooler bag to keep food fresh, especially during warmer months.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers magical light for coastal and beach photography. Golden hour in the late afternoon is also excellent for capturing the park's beauty.
Landscape photography of the beaches and coastline, wildlife photography of native birds, and drone footage capturing the park's expanse are popular.
The Ecology Trail is a good spot for bird photography, particularly near the takahe feeder. The bush remnants are also great for spotting native species.
Yes, drone footage has been captured at Tawharanui, offering unique aerial perspectives of the park and its stunning scenery.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light photography, especially at sunrise.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏕️ Campers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Tawharanui's Beaches
Beyond the main beaches, exploring the park's coastline can reveal hidden coves and more secluded spots. Visitors often recommend allocating a full day to truly explore all the park has to offer, including its various beaches and trails. Whether you're looking for a place to swim, surf, picnic, or simply relax by the sea, Tawharanui's beaches provide a picturesque backdrop for a memorable day out.
Wildlife Sanctuary and Birdwatching
Beyond the Ecology Trail, the park's native bush remnants are excellent for observing various bird species. Redditors suggest that while Tiritiri Matangi and Rotoroa Islands are also renowned for their birdlife, Tawharanui offers a more accessible and integrated experience within a regional park setting. Remember to tread lightly and listen carefully to increase your chances of spotting these beautiful native creatures in their natural habitat.
Hiking and Walking Trails
One popular route involves following the coast before heading inland on the eco walk. Be aware that some inland sections can become quite muddy, especially after rain, so appropriate footwear is recommended. The diverse terrain ensures that each walk offers unique scenery, from open headlands to dense forest, making Tawharanui hikes a rewarding experience for nature lovers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit