With private campgrounds going under auctioneers' hammers up and down the country, it's good to know the old Department of Conservation (DoC) campgrounds are there for good. More often than not consisting of a long-drop toilet and a shower open to the heavens, they aren't everyone's cup of tea, but they can't be beaten for location or picture-perfect aesthetics. For less than a tenner per person per night, it's hard to go by them. Here are the Element team's favourite half dozen campsites within striking distance of Auckland
WAIKAWAU BAY, COROMANDEL PENINSULA
The Coromandel Peninsula cannot be matched when the sun is shining, and the further north you go the better and less developed it becomes. Waikawau Bay is on the eastern side of the peninsula, almost at the top.
A textbook arc of squeak-when-you-walk white sand, Waikawau Bay also has good snorkelling at the northern end. Here is also where the NZ dotterel and variable oystercatcher breed.
There is a small store, and a horse riding operation up the road.
Summer programmes are run from here by the Moehau Environment Group for all ages and focus on fun and learning in amazing surroundings from coast to steep forested hills.
OTAMURE (WHANANAKI) CAMPSITE
Otamure Bay Campsite is a little patch of Northland happiness just over the hill from Whananaki village. With room for 100 tents, and just the basic amenities - toilet blocks and a cold shower - the campsite sits near a beautiful white-sand swimming beach.
A line of ancient pohutukawa provide a windbreak between campers and the sea. When you tire of swimming a short stroll over the headland at the northern end of the campground will take you to the stunning and secluded Tauwhara Bay, where the snorkelling is excellent. If you're lucky you'll catch a glimpse of the endangered Pateke, or brown teal, which lives around the stream bordering the campsite.
HOME BAY, MOTUTAPU ISLAND CAMPSITE
A half-hour ferry ride (or, even better, a three-hour kayak) from downtown Auckland will take you to the Gulf paradise of Home Bay on Motutapu Island.
Right on the beach, this campsite is near the Reid Homestead, built in 1901, and various WWII military remains. Explore historic relics and the stunning coastline via the island's walkways and enjoy all the usual water activities.
Motutapu Island is also connected to Rangitoto, so there are endless trails to explore and some big day hikes to contemplate. It is approximately 90 minutes walk from Rangitoto's Islington Bay or 3 hours from Rangitoto wharf.
WHAIKAHOA CAMPSITE
Shrouded in bush, the knotted limbs of old pohutakawa envelope the small crescent of Waikahoa Bay at Mimiwhangata.
With a history dating back to pre-european occupation, the bay was rescued from becoming a New Zealand Breweries tourist resort back in the 60's, instead being recognised for its historic importance and idyllic repose.
A steep walk being the only option to get there, it's well worth the effort for campers looking to escape it all.
SPIRITS BAY CAMPSITE
It's a mystical name, and a magical place. You'll find it a stone's throw from Cape Reinga at the top of the island. Said by Maori to be the place where the spirits of the dead leave for their journey to the afterlife, the drama of the landscape is certainly a fine send-off.
The bare bones of what you need are here, flat campsites, open shower and long-drop toilets, but little else. The closest store is a 25-minute drive on a metal road away.
The beach - a stunning eleven-kilometre crescent of white sand and pink shells - is a short walk from the campsite.
There is almost no shade in the campground, so come with umbrellas and awnings. And don't forget your insect repellant; you won't last a night without it.
URETITI (BREAM BAY) CAMPSITE
On the way to Spirits Bay, you could do worse than stop at Uretiti.
Follow the white sand trail, dotted with Aztec-like succulents and tussocks that spill down to Uretiti beach - a vast expanse glimpsing the mini city of Marsden Point's oil refinery at one end and at the other, an indefinable horizon whispering down to Waipu Cove.
The campsite offers a perfect summer set-up surrounded by sky-high pines and sheltered behind the dunes.
To book all campsites or for more information visit www.doc.govt.nz
