Camper's Hidden Gem just 1 hour from Auckland - Hamilton's Gap

May 15, 2016
2 min read

* Price: Free * Toilets: Long drop * Shower: Cold water

* Site: Grassed and fairly level * Pet Friendly: Yes *Phone &WiFi: No, not even a radio station! * Satelite TV Reception: Yes - load up some radio stations

Remote enough to be in the middle of nowhere and close enough to the bustling Auckland city, Hamilton's Gap is a magical stretch of coast which has proven to be family friendly, pet friendly and, well - just friendly.

History of this area

In 1863 James & Margaret Hamilton arrived in New Zealand from Scotland to farm nearby land. The name of the area became Hamilton's Gap. Established in 1899, the Hamilton brothers cheese factory produced "Awhitu" Brand cheese between 1900 to 1920, Using the boiler from the old flax mill at Hamilton's Gap.

The flax mill produced rope and twine and was a source of income for some early settlers. The Hamilton's Gap flax mill was opened in 1906 and was operated by Mr Weir. The mill employed a number of local men and the flax was sourced mostly from the sand hills; then pulled up the beach by horses.

Amenities

With clean toilets, a cold water shower and mowed grass parking area, you find yourself surrounded by awe inspiring beauty. Large dunes and raised farmlands loom on three sides of a sheltered grassed area which is level enough for motor-homes of any size.

We discovered this hidden gem just over a year ago. The coastline has changed every time we visit. From the rugged boulders and eerie arches moulded by sea-washed sand to huge dunes reaching skyward, with 'waterfalls' of fine sand running down - we have watched the sea re-claim the beach with alarming speed.

The changing landscape

My advice would be to visit this amazing stretch of beach on the east coast of Awhitu before the dunes and sea meet to eliminate the beach altogether.