Medlands Beach conservation campsite: Great Barrier Island Aotea, Auckland region

Introduction

This campsite is set back from Medlands Beach amongst mature trees. The estuary is safe for swimming and the beach is popular for surfing.

Access

Landscape

Bookings

Bookings required

Facilities

60 non-powered/tent sites

Activities

Seasonal restrictions

Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Image gallery

About this campsite

Total campground capacity: 120 people

Surrounded by a mix of farmland, holiday homes and sand dunes, the campsite is sheltered and overlooks a tidal stream.

Facilities and services

Camp hosts on site from Christmas until mid-February.
Shop and cafe approximately 4 km north, and also 6 km to the south of the campsite.
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 and bookings

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 are open for stays up to 30 June 2026.

All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.

Bookings are required all year.

Book Medlands Beach campsite online.

A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.

Your booking will be for the number of people in your party – there are no designated sites. Find space for your party on arrival.

Getting there

On the South end of Medlands Beach, 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 to campsite, off main sealed road.

Location

NZTM2000 coordinates: E1824828, N5983154
Latitude: -36.27039426, Longitude: 175.50288341

Know before you go

Bring your own cooker or gas BBQ.
Vehicle access to beach is not permitted, except at south end for boat launch.

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.

Activities

The estuary is safe for swimming and the beautiful beach is popular for surfing.
Vehicle access to launch boats for fishing.

Stop kauri disease and protect kauri

Scrub all soil off shoes and gear.
Use cleaning stations.
Always stay on the track.

How you can help save kauri

Medlands Beach Campsite

Access

Landscape

Category

Bookings

Facilities

Activities

Seasonal restrictions

Dog access

About this campsite

Facilities and services

Fees and bookings

Fees

Passes

Bookings

Getting there

Location

Know before you go

Rubbish

Behaviour and alcohol

Activities

Stop kauri disease and protect kauri

Camp host on Aotea/Great Barrier Island

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