Paekākāriki Camps

The Three Paekākāriki Marines Camps

Between them the three Paekākāriki Marines camps housed almost 15,000 men. Another 7982 men were stationed in neighbouring camps in Judgeford (3,800), Pauatahanui (2,000), Titahi Bay (1,500), Plimmerton (482) and at Paraparaumu Airport (200). The accommodation in the camps covered a total floor area of 2,083,633 square feet including 2728 buildings, 1,590 huts, and 3401 tents.

US marines in New Zealand


Camp Paekākāriki (Paekākāriki)

Camp Paekākāriki was the largest camp and housed 5,200 men from the 8th Marine Regiment of the 2nd Marine Division. It covered a significant area of Paekākāriki Village, east of Wellington road between Queen Elizabeth Park and Tarawa Street. Prior to the Marines 'occupation the land was the site of the Paekākāriki Golf Links. Read more

Camp Mackay (Whareroa Farm)

Camp Mackay housed 4,650 men and was built on the flat plateau, south of the current entrance to Whareroa Farm. This camp was home to men from the 5th Marine Regiment of the 1st Marine Division and the 6th Marine Regiment of the 2nd Marine Division. Read more

Camp Russell (Queen Elizabeth Park)

Camp Russell housed 4,850 men in 112 tent decks and a number of officer’s quarters. This camp was home to men from the 5th Marine Regiment of the 1st Marines Division and the 6th Marine Regiment of the 2nd Marine Division. It had two recreation areas, a medical centre, and a number of cook houses, stores, ablution blocks and laundries. Read more