Located approximately 45km northwest of central Auckland towards the Kaipara Harbour, Kaipatiki provides access to the geothermal springs in the Parakai settlement, known to local Ngati Whatua as Te Awa Kahawai.
The reserve is well-known as the site of the Parakai Springs Hot Pools and is situated adjacent to the Kaipara River and within driving distance to the beach, forest, lakes and harbour of the South Kaipara area.
The Kaipatiki Campground (formerly Parakai Springs Campground) is within the reserve. It offers a short-term stay for visitors in self-contained certified (SCC) vehicles. Vehicle sites are non-powered and the campground does not have tent sites.
