Shakespear Regional Park is at the very tip of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, about 50km north of Auckland city. It’s New Zealand’s most visited open sanctuary, which sounds like a marketing line but is actually true. Three beaches, rolling farmland, native bush, a waterfall, a 360-degree lookout, WWII history, and a campground right on Te Haruhi Bay. You can do a short walk or string the tracks together for a full day out.
The park is free to enter. No dogs anywhere in the open sanctuary, which covers almost the entire park. Check your car and gear for pests before you arrive, it’s a serious request, not a suggestion.
From Auckland follow SH1 north to the Silverdale off-ramp (about 26km), go through Silverdale and turn right onto Whangaparaoa Road. Continue for 12.3km to the end of the peninsula and follow the signs. About 40 minutes from the city.
By public transport, take the NX1 north to Hibiscus Coast Station, then the 982 bus toward Gulf Harbour. Get off at 2 Shakespear Road and walk along Whangaparaoa Road to the park entrance.
Park gates open 6am to 9pm during daylight saving, 6am to 7pm otherwise. Nearest cafes are at Gulf Harbour, about 4 minutes by car.
Toilets at Te Haruhi Bay car park and the campground. Drinking water throughout the park. Cold showers at the campground. No fires anywhere in the park. No dump bins, carry your rubbish out.
Te Haruhi Bay campground is right on the beach. Flushable toilets and cold showers on site. Tents, campervans and caravans all welcome. Book through the Auckland Council website up to six months in advance. You’ll get a gate code with your confirmation.
