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.

The park is well maintained, with a safe to swim at beach. Great walks along the cliffsread more

Auckland really is a beautiful city with so many outdoor beauties…read more Long Bay Regional Park is a sure winner, and a superb place to take the little ones on the weekend. On my recent second mother's day, my family and I travelled to Long Bay to take part in the Free Volunteer Tree Planting at Long Bay Regional Park. Parking close to the awesome kid's playground with flying fox, we had a 15 minute uphill walk to the park location that had been chosen for planting. This event had been organised by the wonderful Auckland City Council. The stunning weather really brought out the serenity of mother nature. Aucklander's and foreigners showed up from all around to plant kowhai's, flax, cabbage trees and more. This beautiful park has so much to offer; a slice of paradise where young and old can come, relax and enjoy nature in its purest form. I recommend taking one of the many walks through tracks labelled in the park, or even enjoying leisure time walking or running in your spare time. You have so much on offer, whether you want to do nothing or do lots. The ocean is at the parks edge, so be sure to stroll on the beautiful long beach and take a swim in the glorious ocean too.

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 can't believe how fun it is to be campervan traveling in new Zealand, and top 10 holiday park…read morecampsites are great for first timer / beginner for campervan experience. This is my second time doing campervan traveling in new Zealand, but first time at the hot water beach top 10. Like all the other Top 10 Holiday park. They offered full kitchen, full hot showers, and also powered parking for campervan . If you are just driving a car and wanted to use their facilities, they also have cabins for rental. They all look pretty cute from outside. I've always told my friends, I am really doing "glamping" than camping. We never have through it out in the wild , but fully equipped kitchen and bathrooms with good hot water pressured shower. The staffs are also very friendly in terms of helping you to book activities around and for recommendations. The unique name of hot water beach comes from the beach has lava rocks underneath that heat up the sand . At low tides, you can dig your own spa spots to lay around for hot water sipping through the hot sand by the beach. Ita quite an interesting experience. It is about 10 to 15 minutes walk from this camp ground and the holiday park do provide shovel for rental. It did took us about 30 to 45 min to finally got a spot that gives really good very warm water , so you definetly want the shovel. This park is also very close to the Hahei and catherdral cove and other small towns with lots of good restaurants, gardens and wineries. We can easily find things to do around regardless of the weather. Since we arrived with a rainy day, we end up walking around the nearby town and spent the next day by the beach. Another great thing at the top 10 park is that, they have a fun jumping pillows that we have not seen in the states. Not only.kids enjoys bouncing around, so do all the adults. It was such a fun easy, non attraction activities. Great for all ages. We even star.gazed at night in the magical new Zealand campgrounds. I am already missing the great time in new Zealand. Tips: reception closed at 8. So make sure to arrived before then, or you might not find your parking spot at the campground and your complimentary limited WiFi. We got 2- 250MB WiFi for free for 2 night stays. And check out time is at 10 am.

OK OK OK you have to do this!!!…read more Think about it, where else can you make a hot spring sand tub on the beach, watch a beautiful sunrise, and be surrounded by some of the most breath taking scenery... Nowhere! (if there is another place like this don't ruin it for me, I like to think it's one of a kind). I traveled all around New Zealand and did a lot of fun things, but this was and experience that I'll never forget. Of all the things we did in the North and South island this was my favorite. You need to time your visit with the low tide, I would suggest the morning time (check with the Holiday Park staff, they will let you know when the low tide is). Also, you can pay them $5 to rent a shovel if you don't have one. I'm sure the afternoon is fun as well, but I heard there are just more people and it gets crowded fast. Morning time you get your sunrise, and it's just an amazing way to start your day. This is a must, but I'd say it's only for the adventurer type.

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.

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.

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.