The best budget-friendly holiday spots in Auckland

An unforgettable Auckland holiday doesn’t have to be restricted by budget. Auckland is a diverse region, with so much natural beauty in incredible locations, it’s not hard to have memorable experiences without breaking the bank.

Here are our top picks for affordable accommodation and activities in and around Auckland.

1. Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park

Located just north of Auckland, Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park is a popular seaside escape for beach lovers on a budget. The park caters to all setups - from tent sites and campervan spots to cosy cabins and luxe ecostructure glamping tents - all situated a frisbee-throw away from Ōrewa Beach. 

Imagine waking up to the sound of waves, spending the day swimming, building sandcastles with the kids, and wrapping it up with a sunset beach stroll. It’s what core memories are made of.

For a fun detour, head over to the Ōrewa Estuary Walkway, a scenic loop packed with beautiful views and a snapshot of neighbouring suburb, Millwater. The magic of this buzzing beach town doesn’t stop when the summer crowds leave either.

With reduced off-peak rates, Ōrewa becomes a serene, affordable escape perfect for spring or autumn. Ōrewa is conveniently accessible by bus from the city centre, making it easy for visitors without a vehicle. 

2. Martins Bay Holiday Park

Cruise up the Mahurangi Peninsula, North of Auckland, to Martins Bay Holiday Park. Here, you’ll enjoy quintessential Kiwi camping vibes paired with million-dollar views of Kawau Island and the Mahurangi coast. Choose to pitch a tent, park up your campervan or relax in the comfort of a cabin, right on the bay’s edge. 

Spend the day swimming in the safe bay, launch a kayak from the shore or cast a line out and try your luck at catching dinner. There are two fun playground areas and a nearby reserve with a basketball hoop to keep young ones entertained.

When it’s time for a change of scenery, head to Warkworth, a charming town with quirky cafes. Or, plan a ferry trip to Kawau Island with Kawau Cruises from Sandspit, where there are a range of walking trails through native bush and photo ops around every corner.

3. Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island might be well known for its luxury offerings, but you certainly don’t need a big budget to get an authentic Waiheke experience. The Waiheke Backpackers Hostel offers an affordable place to base yourself, leaving more room in the budget to explore the island.

Overlooking the white sands of Onetangi Beach, you can wake up to the sounds of seagulls and tūī, enjoy a meal at beachside cafes and take a dip in the calm waters. The hostel offers different options, including dorm or private rooms.

Explore the island on your own schedule with an electric bike from eRide Waiheke. The ebike will make lighter work of the island’s hills, and make it easier to tick off more of the island’s beaches, cellar doors and galleries during your stay.

It can be more convenient (and more affordable) to bring a car over from the mainland, rather than hiring one on the island. SeaLink offers return ferry services for passengers and cars.

For those travelling without four wheels, Fullers360 also departs regularly from Auckland’s ferry terminal for a scenic 35-minute trip across the harbour to Waiheke.

4. Whangateau Holiday Park

Perched on the edge of Whangateau Harbour, east of Warkworth and near Leigh in the Matakana Coast area, Whangateau Holiday Park offers scenic camping sites, cabins, and self-contained units with views of the sparkling harbour.

Pack your swimsuit and your goggles, Whangateau’s calm waters make it ideal for snorkelling and paddleboarding, while nearby Goat Island Marine Reserve offers an incredible untouched underwater world to observe. If you’re a keen surfer, try the waves at Pakiri or Omaha Beaches. 

When you’re ready to explore beyond the shore, visit the Ti Point Reptile Park and see local and exotic reptiles up close – including New Zealand’s living dinosaur, the tuatara.

The nearby village of Matakana invites you to wander through local shops and weekend markets, and sample the fare of local artisan makers. 

5. Tāwharanui Regional Park

Tāwharanui Regional Park on the Matakana Coast is a stunning coastal park, offering camping in an area packed with biodiversity. The park is bordered by the marine reserve, which runs along the northern coast, and encompasses the open sanctuary, where native birds are in abundance and even the rare takahē roam. 

Set up your tent and immerse yourself in the sounds of native bush and rolling surf. Anchor Bay is a popular spot for swimming and surfing. From here, you can also explore the Ecology Trail; starting at Sanctuary Hut in the Anchor Bay car park, follow yellow markers along the road, beach, and cliffs, then through native bush. The trail showcases the peninsula’s diverse natural beauty, from seashore and coastal wilderness to native bush, streams, and regenerating wetlands.

Tāwharanui is also a working sheep and cattle farm, with spring lambs being a delightful highlight. Don’t forget your camera for stunning elevated coastal views.

(Note: the beach section of the Ecology Trail is accessible only at low tide. During high tide, take the marked 'Ecology Trail Alternative' via the North Coast Track.)

Affordable Auckland city hotels

If city life is more your scene, Auckland has some great budget-friendly hotel options. 

LyLo Auckland is modern accommodation in the heart of Auckland. With its vibrant, pod-style rooms and shared social spaces, LyLo offers a convenient stay designed for those who value affordability, community, and an energetic vibe. It’s a great choice for solo travellers, backpackers, and groups looking for a base close to Auckland’s city attractions.

The Parnell Hotel & Conference Centre is versatile accommodation offering a blend of comfort, convenience, and value. Nestled in the leafy suburb of Parnell, the hotel provides spacious rooms, many with stunning views of the Auckland skyline or Waitematā Harbour. Its proximity to Spark Arena, Auckland Domain, Auckland War Memorial Museum, and boutique shopping in Parnell and Newmarket makes it ideal for travellers seeking a quieter, relaxed base with easy access to the city.

ibis Budget Auckland Central delivers compact, functional accommodation for travellers who want to stay right in the bustling heart of the city. With simple, affordable rooms and key amenities like kitchenettes, this hotel is perfect for visitors seeking convenience and value. Located near the Viaduct Harbour, Queen Street and public transport hubs, it’s an excellent choice for those who plan to explore Auckland on foot or via public transport.