Camping in Mangawhai means a holiday park. There are two in Mangawhai itself, one on the harbour at the Heads and one on the estuary near the Village, and a beachfront camp further up the coast at Waipu Cove. Freedom camping on public land in Kaipara is for certified self-contained vehicles only, and tents have to go in a campground.
Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park
Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park is at 2 Mangawhai Heads Rd, on the harbour, with waterfront and beachfront camping, caravan sites, cabins and a boat ramp. It is the one to pick if you want to walk to the surf beach, the cliffs walkway and the Wood Street shops. Its office is open 9am to 6pm.
Riverside Holiday Park
Riverside Holiday Park is at 41 Blackswamp Road, on the estuary near Mangawhai Village. It publishes its prices: powered and non-powered sites from $24 a night, chalets from $100, a studio unit from $145, two-bedroom cabins from $220 and three-bedroom family cabins from $300. The office keeps shorter hours in winter (Monday to Thursday and Sunday 11am to 4pm, Friday and Saturday 9am to 5pm) and is open 9am to 5pm every day in summer.
Camp Waipu Cove, up the coast
Camp Waipu Cove at 869 Cove Road is a beachfront holiday park with powered and non-powered campsites, kitchen cabins, self-contained cabins and a glamping yurt. It is about ten minutes from Waipu township and an easy day trip back to Mangawhai; day trips from Mangawhai covers the drive.
Can you freedom camp in Mangawhai?
Only in a certified self-contained vehicle. Kaipara District Council's rule is that you cannot freedom camp on public land anywhere in the district unless you display a current certified self-contained sticker. Converted vans and caravans that have never been certified have to use a campground, and tents are not allowed in public places at all.
- Stay a maximum of two nights in the same road or off-road parking area, such as a council car park.
- Leave your spot by 9am on the day you go.
- Don't come back to stay in the same place within two weeks.
- No tents on public land: use a holiday park or private land with the owner's permission.
Those are the council's district-wide rules; check Kaipara District Council's freedom camping page for any area-specific restrictions before you park up for the night.
When to book
Summer, long weekends and the week between Christmas and New Year fill first, especially for waterfront sites at the Heads. Outside those, Mangawhai is quiet, but what closes when is worth a read so you know which kitchens are open midweek. Prefer a roof? Where to stay lists motels, lodges and baches, and dogs has the beach rules if you're bringing one.