Poukaraka Flats Campground

Overview

Poukaraka Flats is a large, flat and sheltered campground located at Whakanewha Regional Park. It is set back from a beautiful bay and child-friendly beach called Whakanewha Bay.

Whakanewha bay is home to many birds and a perfect spot to relax kick your shoes off and breath in that fresh ocean air.

Whakanewha regional park is owned and looked after by the Auckland Council. The regional park extends from the ridge line towards Rocky Bay / Whakanewha Bay and includes the catchments of three streams which flow into the bay. The site became a regional park in 1994 and was officially opened in 2007.

Camping areas are sheltered by native plantings helping ensure any bird watchers get tent side viewing.

At the campsite there’s a communal gas BBQ, flushable toilets, cold showers and drinkable (potable) water.

Animals/pets and fires are prohibited at this campsite and bay. There are also no rubbish bins so please take your rubbish away with you and keep your campsite tidy.

Waiheke Tourism

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Gear Grab – Hire

Gear Grab is a hire shop on Waiheke, they have a wide range of everyday gear. Their store consists of party, gaming, outdoors, household, tech and more.

Bisou Cafe

Bisou Cafe brings a taste of Europe to Waiheke Island, serving up savoury and sweet crepes, freshly baked baguettes and pastries alongside Eighthirty coffee and fresh juices.

KAK’s Real Fruit Ice Cream

KAK's real fruit ice cream is a new addition to Waiheke, located in Oneroa village is this cute little ice cream cart an absolutely perfect addition to the hot summers.

Enclosure Bay

Enclosure Bay is semi hidden gem bay made of rock formations that almost entirely enclose the bay from the sea. This creates a natural, shallow swimming pool.

Mint As

Mint As is a popular burger cart located in Ostend, next to RAW fruit and vege, they serve juicy burgers, taco's and milkshakes all made while you wait.

Waiheke Explorer

Waiheke Explorer is popular hop on hop off tour, that showcases the best wineries, restaurants, shops, art galleries, beaches, and nature walks Waiheke has to offer.

On The Hunt Charters

On The Hunt Charters is a fishing charter company, that specialises in small group charters, half or full day fishing trips around Waiheke Island.

I Love Crepes

They serve delicious gourmet sweet and savoury crepes (galettes) in front of you while you wait. They use all fresh ingredients and accommodate for all dietary needs.

Island Direct

Island Direct is a direct ferry service that travels from Downtown Auckland and Waiheke Island. It is a smaller ferry company in comparison to Fullers.

Palm Beach

Palm Beach is a well known favourite of locals and tourists. With its beautiful white sand and palm trees surrounding the beach it makes you feel like you are in…

Red Crab Thai Restaurant

Red Crab Waiheke is the perfect place to go. Being the only Thai restaurant on Waiheke it is a popular place to eat at, experience the taste of Salty, sweet,…

Kayak Waiheke

Kayak Waiheke is a kayak and canoe tour agency located at Matiatia Bay. They hire out paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and a few inland activities.

Take A Bite Cafe

Take A Bite is a small delightful café located on in Ostend on Belgium Street. They offer delicious handmade pastries, breakfast items, light lunches and coffees.

Waiheke Wings

Waiheke Wings operates at the Carsons Airfield on Waiheke, they fly to a few destinations around the gulf islands, Auckland and also offer scenic tours.

Waiheke Bike Hire

Waiheke Bike Hire is a small walk from Fullers ferry terminal, located amongst the main car park, they hire out Avanti mountain bikes for $50 a day and $20 per…

Island Scoot

Island Scoot is a local scooter hire business based in Ostend, they hire premium retro scooters combined with a classic Italian design.

Passage Rock

Passage rock is a restaurant/vineyard located on the outskirts of waiheke, it offers delicious food, fine wine and a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by beautiful Syrah vines.

Arcadia

Arcadia is a laidback style restaurant located metres away from Palm Beach. Their menu is not fussy, they use fresh quality ingredients to create good, honest food.

Charlie Farleys

Charlie Farleys is Waiheke's favourite Onetangi gastropub. It is a restaurant/bar with a relaxed vibe right on the beach front of Onetangi beach.

Shop The Rock

Shop the Rock is a local gift shop located in Oneroa, they sell a range of Waiheke and New Zealand-made gifts and souvenirs. Perfect for gifting or keepsakes.

2025 Update

Most things seem the same, just the price of a adult has gone up 50 cents from $17.50 to $18. This is similar to Matiatia parking going up 50 cents.

Availability

• Maximum number of people – 80
• Maximum stay -7 nights
• Check-in time – 11am
• Check-out time – 11am

Costs

• Adult -$18.00 (GST inclusive)
• Child -$7.00 (GST inclusive)
• Infant -$0.00

Main park gates are open from 6am to 9pm during daylight savings hours and 6am to 7pm during non-daylight saving hours.

Pedestrians have 24hr access.

Bookings can only be made six months in advance for campgrounds. Availability refreshes at midnight daily.
From 17 December to 31 January: group bookings are limited to a maximum of 10 people.
From 1 February to 16 December: group bookings are limited to a maximum of 40 people.

It is important to note that for health and safety reasons, bookings for groups of people aged 15 years and under are not allowed without appropriate supervision. You will also need consent to make a campground booking when your group is aged between 16 and 17 years.

Campground Amenities

• Toilet: Flush toilets
• Bathroom: Cold showers
• Kitchen Facilities: Free gas BBQ available to campers for use when staying at the campground.
• Water: Potable water available
• Rubbish: All regional parks are rubbish free. Whether you call it rubbish, trash or garbage, please bag it all up and recycle it or throw it away when you return home
• Power: No Power supply

Campground Rules

Animals – Dogs, other animals and pets are prohibited at all times.

Cleaning – Your campsite must be clean and tidy during your stay, and when you leave.

Rubbish – No bins or rubbish disposal facilities. Take all rubbish and recycling with you when you leave.

Fires – Fires prohibited at all times.

Self Contained Campervan/Motorhome overnight parking

Designated parking area for NZS5465 certified self-contained (CSC) campervan or motorhome only located in the main car park. Maximum of one vehicle per booking.

CSC vehicles can stay for one night in this designated parking area.

Availability and prices

• Maximum number of vehicles – 5
• Maximum stay -1 night
• Check-in time -11am
• Check-out time-11am
• $17.50 (GST inclusive)

Self Contained Campers Amenities

• Water -No water available – vehicles must be self-contained.
• Power supply -No power supply.
• Toilets and bathrooms -No toilets as vehicles must be self-contained.

Key Access Points

From Gordons Road

Gordons Road is the only road access available to get to Poukaraka Flats Campground. It is a long stretch of road entered via O’brien Road opposite the Dirt Track. The entrance to the campground is at the bottom of the hill and to the right.

You will need a combination code to open the locked access gate – They will send you the combination code with your booking confirmation.

Walk ways

• Nikau Track -150 minutes 4 km Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
• Pa Loop Track – 30 minutes, 500 m Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
• Park Walk -150 minutes, 5 km Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.

Wheel Chair

• Mobility access (partial) – For special access provisions contact them on 09 301 0101.
• Toilets – There is one male and one female wheelchair accessible toilet.

Well Known For

• Camping
• Picnics
• Bird Wildlife – Nesting
• Birdwatching/Photography
• No Dogs
• No Fires
• Weddings

Whakanewha Bird Life

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Kaka

The Kaka is a large, olive-brown parrot with grey-white crown, red-orange underwing and deep crimson belly, located in tree covered areas around Onetangi.

Grey Warbler

The Grey Warbler is a tiny olive-grey song bird often heard before seen. Locations on Waiheke are dense woody vegetations. The warbler can be difficult to spot.

Pied Stilt

The pied stilt is a dainty wading bird, It is common at wetlands and coastal areas, found on Waiheke at Putiki Bay, Anzac Bay and Blackpool.

White Faced Heron

The white-faced heron is a tall, elegant, blue-grey bird usually spotted stalking prey. Locations found on Waiheke are Mangroves, Anzac bay and quiet beaches.

Pūkeko

The Pukeko is a large relatively compact rail with a deep blue-violet head, breast and throat and a red bill. Found in swamp/Mangrove areas of Waiheke Island.

Variable Oyster Catcher

The variable oystercatcher is a stocky coastal bird with a long, bright orange bill, it is located on many quiet beaches such as Blackpool, Whakanewha and Anzac bay.

Hire Beach Gear

If you need beach items on your stay at Waiheke. There is a local hire shop called Gear Grab, they have a range of beach and camping items – sea scooters, metal detectors, beach speakers, sea biscuits, tents, air beds and games starting at a price of $5 for the smaller toys.

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