Some council services will be unavailable over the Christmas and New Year break.
Check if you need to apply or order before Friday 19 December 2025.
Pararaha Valley campground at Whatipū, Waitākere Ranges Regional Park
Grassed campground at the foot of a hill with an open shelter surrounded by the stunning bush of the Pararaha Valley.
The walk through the scientific reserve owned by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and managed by Auckland Council provides spectacular views over the coastal dunes and wetlands.
Alert - warning
Check for open and closed tracks and help protect our kauri
We have closed large sections of the Waitākere Ranges to prevent the spread of kauri dieback.
When you visit our parks, you need to clean your footwear and equipment to avoid transferring disease from one area to another.
Find open and closed tracks and read about protecting our kauri.
Pararaha Valley campsite - Campsite area surrounded by bush.
Whatipu Road, Huia
Directions and access
The main park gates are open from 6am to 9pm during daylight savings hours and 6am to 7pm during non-daylight saving hours.
From Whatipū
Walk the Gibbons and Muir tracks to the campground. Please adhere to all signage along the tracks.
Walk duration: 2.5 hours.
From Karekare
Start your walk at the Karekare Beach car park.
Head south from the car park, cross the bridge to Pōhutukawa Glade and then follow the track to Karekare Beach.
Walk around Karekare Point along Whatipū Beach at low to mid-tide only. Follow the beach south, head inland through the dunes and follow the orange markers. Continue south along the back dune track following the sign to Pararaha Valley Campground.
Walk duration: 2.5 hours.
Visit Whatipū, Waitākere Ranges Regional Park for more access information.
Availability and prices
Maximum number of people
40Maximum stay
7 nightsCheck-in time
11amCheck-out time
11amAdult
$10.00 (GST inclusive)
Child
$4.50 (GST inclusive)
Infant
$0.00 (GST inclusive)
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Booking information
Bookings can only be made six months in advance for campgrounds. Availability refreshes at midnight daily.
From 17 December to 31 January: group bookings are limited to a maximum of 10 people.
From 1 February to 16 December: group bookings are limited to a maximum of 30 people.
Find out about booking changes and cancellations, and booking if you are under 18, on How to book accommodation.
Amenities
Tank water only - boil water for at least three minutes before using. Conserve water as supply is limited.
No power supply.
One composting toilet.
Rules
Dogs, other animals and pets are prohibited at all times.
Your campsite must be clean and tidy during your stay, and when you leave.
No bins or rubbish disposal facilities. Take all rubbish and recycling with you when you leave.
You may stay in tents only.
No vehicle access.Fires prohibited at all times.
Information about the park
Whatipū, Waitākere Ranges Regional Park
Scientific reserve within the Waitākere Ranges.