Beaches in Auckland

New Zealand beaches are special in that you can often find a deserted on all to yourself. In the city, things are a little different since there are so many people, but it never gets to the point where you can't get a decent spot on the sand to put down your towel. On the sunniest days, however, you might find the 1.4 million Aucklanders dispersed along the shores so if you dont' like the looks of the first beach you get to, head odwn the road and you will eventually find the perfect one for you. Think of Auckland beaches in three main areas, the city including Tamaki Drive beaches, out west, and north of the city. The beaches along Tamaki drive include the popular Mission Bay and St. Heliers with their cafes and boardwalk. The boardwalk itself is known to cyclists, runners, and walkers. You could take the family to Kelly Tarlton's Underwater world and then walk along the boardwalk to a beach for a swim and/ or picnic. The "out west" beaches include Kare Kare, Piha, and Muriwai. These beaches are a bit more wild, mostly black sand, and good for surfing. There is also a gannet colony at Muriwai that makes for an interesting view. If you head north of the city in a car you can just about stop off at any of the neighbourhoods along the east coast and find yourself a nice beach. If you get as far as Pakiri, there is a small outfit who do horse rides, but do ring ahead to ensure you can get a booking.

Mission Bay

user rating

expert pick

Tamaki Drive
Mission Bay

Easily accesible city beach with cafes and ice cream shops...
Read more

Saint Heliers Beach

user rating

Tamaki Drive

Far end of Tamaki Drive...
Read more

Bethells Beach (Te Henga)

user rating

expert pick

Bethells Road
Waitakere

Wild West coast beach...
Read more

Muriwai Beach

user rating

expert pick

Muriwai Road
State Highway 16

West coast beach with a gannet colony...
Read more

Piha Beach

user rating

expert pick

Waitakere

Surf's up and it's a blast!...
Read more

Karekare Beach

user rating

Karekare Road
Waitakere

Gorgeous black sand beach where "The Piano" was filmed...
Read more

Whatipu

user rating

expert pick

Whatipu Road
Waitakere

West Coast beach...
Read more

Takapuna Beach

user rating

expert pick

The Strand
Takapuna

Million dollar views...
Read more

Waiheke Island

user rating

expert pick

Hauraki Gulf

Beaches, hiking trails and vineyard restaurants...
Read more

Pakiri Beach Horse Riding

user rating

expert pick

Rahuikiri Road
Wellsford

Saddle up and hit the beach...
Read more
Contact   ·   Privacy   ·   Terms