Parua Bay
Overnight Campervan Parking
Maps
Camping NZ NEW
Welcome to New Zealand's most comprehensive database of freely available camping information. This is the only travel map of its kind in NZ.
Photos
Images
Information
Parua Bay
Beachside reserve with large flat grassy area and boat ramp access.
You must park in the designated site that is indicated by signage.
If the site is full, you must move on.
Details
| Feature | Value | Info |
|---|---|---|
|
Organisation |
Whangarei District CouncilCouncil organisation |
|
|
Location |
North Island ▷ Northland ▷ Whangarei |
|
|
Categories |
|
|
|
Directions To Coordinates |
||
|
Coordinates |
Freedom Camping
Nearby
Reviews
-
-
5.0/5
Great place to stay when making day trips to Whangarei.
Quiet, safe, spacious. Seems pretty relaxed about the 3 night rule it seems because theres a few locals that are there longer. (Don’t quote me on that though) Toilets and water available 24/7
-
4.0/5
Wonderful campsite The view is amazing right on the water.
Enjoy the interactions with other campus. Flushable toilets and clean. They no garbage cans is the only downsides
-
4.0/5
Nice free parking and camp site with basic facilities (toilets, drinking water tap) which were not too dirty.
Lots of tables and grass areas, perfect for dining while admiring the sunset over the bay. A bit of noise from the road at night and some locals with boats in the morning. We felt very safe.
-
-
-
-
4.0/5
We stayed here overnight on our way far north.
Great location but toilets let it down, also there was quite a bit of road noise from trucks early in the morning.
-
3.5/5
Grass was very boggy so limited parking spots.
Nice location, great that dogs were OK. Toilets disgusting, and obvious long term stayers.
-
4.5/5
April 23: The parking lot is spacious and even people later arriving will find a spot.
The ground is level and there is a great view and picnic tables. There is a tap for drinking water and toilets that are also open at night. Nice people and locals who also stay longer than 3 nights. During the day a lot of hustle at the boat ramp, walkers and bathers. At night a bit noisy from the street, but I felt comfortable and safe as a solo female traveler.
-
2.0/5
A bit of a shame that my visit to this lovely bay was spoilt by some fellow campers who drank way too much, were way too loud and fell asleep with their "music" still playing.
In fact it was still going when I left at 7am. I would guess that it isn't always like this, and the scene as the sun set was peaceful and serene.
-
5.0/5
My friend and I stayed in a tent and in the car, May 2022.
It was so beautiful to wake up next to the water, the seagulls as annoying as they are were a pleasant morning friend. I didn't have to pop a squat or have my dog trapped in my car. We were on a mish at night slightly stressed on where to go and this place was the perfect fit for our travel, convenient and reasonably quiet. Ka Pai Whangarei, we appreciated our stay ❤️
-
-
5.0/5
Great place to stay when making day trips to Whangarei.
Quiet, safe, spacious. Seems pretty relaxed about the 3 night rule it seems because theres a few locals that are there longer. (Don’t quote me on that though) Toilets and water available 24/7
-
4.0/5
Wonderful campsite The view is amazing right on the water.
Enjoy the interactions with other campus. Flushable toilets and clean. They no garbage cans is the only downsides
-
4.0/5
Nice free parking and camp site with basic facilities (toilets, drinking water tap) which were not too dirty.
Lots of tables and grass areas, perfect for dining while admiring the sunset over the bay. A bit of noise from the road at night and some locals with boats in the morning. We felt very safe.
-
-
-
-
5.0/5
My friend and I stayed in a tent and in the car, May 2022.
It was so beautiful to wake up next to the water, the seagulls as annoying as they are were a pleasant morning friend. I didn't have to pop a squat or have my dog trapped in my car. We were on a mish at night slightly stressed on where to go and this place was the perfect fit for our travel, convenient and reasonably quiet. Ka Pai Whangarei, we appreciated our stay ❤️
-
4.0/5
We stayed here overnight on our way far north.
Great location but toilets let it down, also there was quite a bit of road noise from trucks early in the morning.
-
3.5/5
Grass was very boggy so limited parking spots.
Nice location, great that dogs were OK. Toilets disgusting, and obvious long term stayers.
-
4.5/5
April 23: The parking lot is spacious and even people later arriving will find a spot.
The ground is level and there is a great view and picnic tables. There is a tap for drinking water and toilets that are also open at night. Nice people and locals who also stay longer than 3 nights. During the day a lot of hustle at the boat ramp, walkers and bathers. At night a bit noisy from the street, but I felt comfortable and safe as a solo female traveler.
-
4.5/5
Lots of room for self contained, non-self contained, and tents!
24 hr bathrooms, and lots of green space and picnic tables. Would definitely stay here again!
-
4.5/5
Great spot with plenty of room for quite a few vehicles.
Smaller section for non CSC vehicles, so would recommend parking in one of the other spots if you’re self contained 😄 clean toilets with a light and open at night. Quite a bit of activity next door at the boat club in the evening and next morning.
-
-
4.0/5
Pretty and quoet place with alot of space for campers.
When we arrived late Dec perhaps 1/3 the site was too boggy to park in but we managed to find a spot nonethleless. Decent public toilets a short walk away and a very pretty little jetty - great photo ops! A nice spot to stay on our way deeper into Whangetei Heads.
-
2.0/5
A bit of a shame that my visit to this lovely bay was spoilt by some fellow campers who drank way too much, were way too loud and fell asleep with their "music" still playing.
In fact it was still going when I left at 7am. I would guess that it isn't always like this, and the scene as the sun set was peaceful and serene.
-
5.0/5
Amazing spot!
Beautiful view. Quiet. Didn't use facilities so unsure of condition. Has picnic tables and 4 flat structures which I assume are for hiking tents. Really enjoyed this spot. Chur
-
5.0/5
Lovely spot if you can get in ...
does anyone police the 3 night stay? Same vehicles have been parked there for a month now
-
5.0/5
Beautiful spot, great views from camping area of water and boats, nice green area, lovely clean toilets, fresh water, lots of space for both tents and non self-contained vehicles, jetty for diving and
swimming, boat ramp. Everything you could want!
-
-
5.0/5
Great spot right on the water front.
Quite a busy boat ramp during the day but quiet during the night. Lots of room for campers and all good toilet facilities. Would stay again.
-
5.0/5
Had a fantastic stay here.
Great spot by the water. Don’t know why this app says no dog allowed as we’re lots of dogs there and no signs stating they weren’t allowed
-
5.0/5
Perfect spot on reserve by boat park.
Waterfront sites. In winter sites are limited by the muddy grass only about 4 would fit in approved area that is tarred. Great pub a safe 5 minute walk away. Only downer was boy racers tearing past for a part of the night.
-
5.0/5
Excellent spot, close to the water with a great view over the bay.
Spots for parking non-contained, extra spots for self contained vehicles and an area for tents as well. Definitely one on the best free camping spots we have found!
We intended to go to Reotahi Road, which was just a gravel car park and no view. So glad we came back here!
-
4.0/5
Absolutely beautiful spot!
Stayed several times here, but on Friday night we were invaded by 10 non self contained vans full of French tourists. They clearly were all together, and left all their rubbish ! Two visits from armour guard did nothing, even though they were clearly out of the area allowed for non self contained vans. Those people are why we worry about losing such nice opportunities for free camping in this beautiful country. Step it up armour guard, and city council!!
-
5.0/5
Lovely Place with a nice view.
Big grass area. Clean public toilets every time open. The place is really quiet.
-
3.0/5
If dark then not easy to find, the rules where to stay are complicated, bit noisy, if other campers are not stupid there is place for 6-8 Campers.
-
4.0/5
Quite a busy little bay with people accessing sailing club, slipway etc, but signage on the corner of the designated area is very clear, toilets are good (and colourful), and site is fine with a 10m limit
for van length. Views of the bay and lots of boats.
-
4.5/5
Lovely place right on the water front with very clean toilet facilities.
Would definitely use this again and recommend to anyone!!
-
4.0/5
Fantastic view, room for a few vans and toilets OK.
Be careful to park in correct place. Worth the 15 mins drive from city
