Image: Frederick Church | ©
Awana estuary.
Awana Beach Campsite

Located in Great Barrier Island/Aotea in the Auckland region

This campsite is near Awana Beach, one of the island's most popular places to surf.

Maximum number of people is 120.

Surrounded by farmland and dunes, the grassy campsites are next to Awana estuary. We recommend you bring mosquito repellent. Walk 300 m to one of the island’s best surf beaches.

Facilities and services

  • Camp hosts on site from Christmas until end January.
  • Picnic shelter available.

  • There are no public bins on Great Barrier Island/Aotea - take orange official council rubbish bags (available from local shops (prices vary) or the Auckland Council Service Centre) to drop off for free at Claris Landfill.

Fees

  • Adult (18+ years): $18 per night
  • Child (5–17 years): $9 per night
  • Infant (0–4 years): free

Passes

The DOC Campsite Pass can be used at this campsite. 

Campsite Pass bookings must be booked online before occupying a site. If you do not book, bookings may be made by campground staff (if present) and will incur a $10 service charge. Sites may not be available if you do not book. 

Bookings

Bookings for the 2026/27 season open at 12 noon on Thursday 14 May 2026.  

  • If no availability shows online for your dates, the campsite is fully booked.
  • No spaces are kept for campers arriving without a booking.
  • Phone and in‑person bookings made at a visitor centre incur a $10 service fee.
  • Same‑day bookings are available online until 8 pm if spaces remain.

Book Awana Beach campsite online.

At Awana Estuary, north end of Awana Bay, Great Barrier Island.

From Auckland via passenger and car ferry to Tryphena or Port FitzRoy, or air travel to Claris or Okiwi. Rental cars available for hire from Tryphena and Claris by arrangement.

Access: Narrow gravel roads.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1822809, N5990750
Latitude: -36.2024443, Longitude: 175.47826444
  • Bring your own cooker or gas BBQ.
  • Vehicle access to beach is not permitted.
  • Bring insect repellent.

Rubbish

This campground is Pack In Pack Out. There are no rubbish or recycling facilities. Council rubbish bags and clean recycling are accepted for free at the Claris landfill. See Great Barrier Island Claris landfill for opening hours.

Behaviour and alcohol

You'll be asked to leave if you behave in a disorderly or offensive way, eg excessive alcohol, using foul language, noisy or riotous. Drinking in public and the public display of alcohol are not permitted.
  • Surf, swim and sea kayak.
  • Explore historic sites.
  • Endangered bird species: pateke (brown teal), New Zealand dotterel, oyster catcher and banded rail. Do not disturb, and take special care during nesting season.