Whatipu Lodge and Campground
About the Business
Welcome to Whatipu Lodge and Campground, located on Whatipu Road in Auckland, New Zealand. Our institution offers a unique experience as a campground, lodging, park, and point of interest all in one.
We are pleased to announce that Whatipu Road is now open, allowing easy access to our campground for all vehicles. Our bridge has been temporarily fixed, ensuring a smooth journey for our visitors. Additionally, Omanawanui and Beach tracks are open for exploration. However, please note that the Gibbons and the Caves tracks are currently closed due to a big slip at the Whatipu end.
At Whatipu Lodge and Campground, we are proud to have the support of the Friends of Whatipu (FOW), an incorporated group dedicated to preserving the special character of the area and assisting the Auckland Council. FOW organizes various activities, including an annual planting day, beach clean-up, seed collecting, and a group stay at Whatipū Lodge. During the group stay, guests can enjoy a guest speaker and a shared Saturday night meal.
One of FOW's long-term goals is to release kiwi birds into the Whatipū landscape. To achieve this, they are committed to practicing best predator control methods, eliminating mammal pests such as opossums, rats, mustelids (stoats, etc.), wild cats, and ensuring dogs are no longer taken into the area. Although dogs are already banned from the Whatipu Scientific Reserve, some visitors still bring their pets to the beach.
FOW also manages a survey of shorebirds and contributes to an ongoing predator trapping program in cooperation with Auckland Council. The tidal dune area between Whatipu and Karekare is home to approximately six pairs of New Zealand Dotterels, with FOW recording an impressive 31 fledged chicks over the past decade. The estimated national population of these birds is around 2000.
If you would like to join Friends of Whatipu, please email info@whatipulodge.co.nz for more details. Membership fees are $10 for individuals and $15 for families.
Nestled in the south-western coastal corner of the Waitakere Ranges, Whatipu Lodge has been creating cherished memories for over a century. Staying at our lodge is like stepping back in time to a slower, unplugged era. It's a place where simple pleasures of friendship, food, play, exploration, and relaxation take center stage.
The surrounding area offers a wide variety of walks suitable for both beginners and experienced walkers. Whether you are captivated by magnificent views, magical sunsets, moonlit nights, dark night skies, or birdlife in its natural habitat, Whatipu provides endless inspiration for photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventurers. Rain or shine, Whatipu is a destination to be enjoyed.
We eagerly await your visit this summer, as Sir Bob Harvey himself has named Whatipu Lodge as his favorite place to stay. Our institution is privately managed by Peter and Ursel, who are dedicated to providing a memorable experience for all guests.
Whatipu is located approximately 42 kilometers from Central Auckland and 25 kilometers from Titirangi Village, making it a scenic journey to reach us. The range of activities available includes tramping, walking, fishing, and exploring the nearby caves, dune areas, and wildlife sanctuary.
Please note that there is no surf patrol at Whatipu, and Auckland Council advises caution when swimming, fishing, or exploring the area. Special care should always be taken to ensure your safety.
We look forward to welcoming you to Whatipu Lodge and Campground, where unforgettable experiences await.
Photos
Location & Phone number
Whatipu Road, Huia, Auckland, New Zealand
Reviews
"While I haven't yet camped here, I made the trip out to assess whether it would be suitable for us. The facilities were basic (as expected) but most importantly very clean and the grounds had plenty of taps. The gravel roads are high and narrow at points, with 10+ areas of severe water erosion where a standard car would need to drive carefully. The Park Ranger we came across was very helpful and we're looking forward to trying Whatipu."
"Honestly the best campsite within Auckland, you don't even think you're near Auckland while there, staff are friendly. Some nice walks and caves close to the campsite! Make sure to book online if you're going to stay on a long weekend."
"We can't say enough praise about this little campsite. The views are stunning, there's friendly pukekos wondering about, there's a shower available, clean and very well kept composting toilets, and we happened to be there on a clear night with a stunning full moon. We did the cave track, make sure you crawl through inside all the caves, you'd be surprised how expansive they are once you crawl in! The view from the top of the hills is a killer and the beach is a beautiful, massive black sand beach with lovely swimming water. An especially big shout out to Peter, the groundskeeper, who made our stay particularly lovely, he made us feel like we already lived there, offered us tips, a ride, and went out of his way to help me personally when I lost my manaia. Thank you Peter, you're the loveliest soul!"
"The near-anxiety attack driving so close to a cliff was 100% worth it, this campground was so quaint and beautiful. Short, majestic hike to the caves, and even shorter walk to the beach were the cherries on top. The amenities, toilets and sink, were basic but surprisingly clean. A small kitchen area that we didn't use was able to be used as well. Our first night campervaning New Zealand has set the bar high!"
"Beautiful location only 10 minutes walk to the main beach and 20 minutes to the caves. Very basic campground. Manager is a very chilled guy who was knowledgeable about the area and gave us some tips. Campground itself has lots of room, no need to worry about the first come first served spaces as there are plenty. Less than an hour from our place in Was Auckland, we are definitely coming back!"
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