Auckland gets a bad rap, especially from the rest of the country. There’s a lot of noise made about the traffic and the house prices, but if you ask us, there are a lot of reasons to be a fan of the City of Sails. One of these, of course, is the number of beautiful beaches in Auckland – or at least a short drive away. There aren’t many major cities in the world that have countless unspoiled beaches right in amongst the hustle and bustle. Feel the rhythm of New Zealand’s biggest city, with your face to the sun and your feet in the water.
Auckland sits at one of the skinniest points of the North Island (and the country), which means the city is surrounded by water and the east and west coast are both at the urbanite’s fingertips. The two sides are vastly different, too – think golden sand and gentle lapping waves on the east, and black sand with wild pounding surf on the west. That’s not to mention neighboring Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island, with their own collection of gorgeous beach playgrounds.
Whether you want to be able to order a coffee from the water, have a picnic with the kids in view of the CBD or get yourself deep in a barrel, there’s something for every beach-loving city goer. We’ve put together a rundown of the best beaches in Auckland and their activities on offer, but remember, this list is just scratching the surface.
1) Bethells Beach
Bethells, while close to Auckland, is a visit to another world. This wild, black sand beach is full of west coast magic, starting from the winding drive through the bush of the Waitakere ranges to get there. Easily accessed from west Auckland, or a 45 minute drive from Auckland City, Bethells feels like a step back in time. The black sand is volcanic, after all, a dark and beautiful reminder of our ever shifting planet.
Let the day stretch out and enjoy the full 2km of beach, but be wary of the ocean – it’s strong and unpredictable here. It’s popular with surfers for its punchy waves, but for swimming it’s important to stick between the flags, and watch little kids closely. It’s a wonderful place for a picnic, or stay and munch fish and chips with a view of the sun setting to meet the sea. As far as beaches in Auckland go, it’s relatively quiet, but if you want even more solitude, get your adventure on and check out the surrounds, like O’Neils bay, Bethells Lake or the impressive Bethells Cave. Land activities abound, too, like hiking through the bush covered hills if you’re wanting to work up a sweat.
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2) Long Bay Beach
Long Bay beach is, as it’s name suggests, a rather long stretch of glorious white sand beach on the east coast just north of the CBD. It’s one of Auckland’s best beaches, with its location within Long Bay regional park meaning there are rolling hills between the beach and any houses. That gives it a truly unspoiled feeling, although it’s just 20km from central Auckland. The water is calm and perfect for swimming, and there’s endless space for activities so pack your bag to the brim with toys – or just lax out with a book under a tree. You’re on vacay!
There’s a public bus service, too, so it’s an easy-access escape from the hustle of Auckland.
3) Mission Bay Beach
This is probably the most popular of Auckland’s beaches, simply for its proximity to town. It’s not so much an escape from the big smoke, but the perfect place to get your toes into some golden sand whilst Auckland continues to whirl around you. Mission Bay is just twenty minutes from the CBD, with the beach gentle and great for swimming. As far as activities go, it’s flanked by parks, a playground and a giant fountain, which sometimes get filled with dishwashing liquid for a foamy fiesta – it’s got a hella vibe.
There are plenty of restaurants lining the main beachfront drag for a cocktail , ice cream or coffee with views out to the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto. You really can’t beat the after-work vibes on a Friday, or if the beach has tuckered you out, finish the day at the beach with a night at the movies.
Walk along the waterfront to St Heliers Bay for a change of scene, which takes around an hour, with another whole selection of refreshments waiting for you at the other end. The urban beach life ain’t so bad, huh?
4) Cheltenham Beach
This has got to be one of the best beaches in Auckland for a gentle day out. Found in quaint North Shore village, Devonport, Cheltenham is the perfect spot to take the kids or a hangover. The water is mellow and safe for swimming, with a pontoon to jump off at high tide. There’s a playground, a park, and you’ll find a couple of cafes (and a fantastic milkshake bar) a short walk away.
The white sand, Pohutukawa trees and views out to the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto broken only by little sailboats make this one a quintessential Auckland beach and always worth a visit.
5) Piha Beach
Piha Beach is the west coast at its best, and one of Auckland’s top day trips. The rugged black sand beach stretches north and south of the famous volcanic Lion Rock, and looks out at expansive views of the Tasman Sea. It’s one of the more popular of Auckland’s beaches, but the untamed wildness of the place means it never feels over crowded.
Piha has no shortage of activities and things to do, both in and out of the water. It’s famous for its pounding surf (in fact it was the birthplace of modern surf culture in New Zealand), but swimming can be dangerous, and you’ve got to swim between the flags. Keep a close eye on the kids, and if the water is too scary for safe swimming, there are a couple of lagoons and a playground to keep everyone happy.
Tucked into the native bush of the Waitakere Ranges, Piha is also a great place for bush walk, with even the shorter ones rewarding hikers with views down the beautiful coastline. You know the drill – take only pictures and leave only footprints.
6) Karekare Beach
Karekare Beach is another west coast beauty, and a top option if you’re after the magic of Piha but looking for something more secluded. Find Karekare by taking a left turn along the Piha road, and soak in the picture perfect beach with black sand dunes and thundering surf.
7) Takapuna Beach
This is another one of Auckland’s best beaches, the ultimate combination of idyllic white sand, calm, safe water for swimming, and top restaurants and cafes close enough to shuffle to with just your towel wrapped around you. Takapuna, on the North Shore, is only 10 minutes from Auckland’s CBD, so it’s a great spot to still feel the city rhythm as well as beach vibes. It’s a popular spot for water activities, too, and is great for kite and windsurfing when the wind picks up. There’s a playground for the kids, and Mr Whippy is known to park up for the day along the waterfront, too.
How many beaches are there in Auckland?
As an isthmus flanked by water on both sides, Auckland has 3,700 kilometres of coastline, and hundreds of beautiful beaches to choose from. Ranging from gentle to wild, there’s no end to sandy spots to get amongst some activities or simply put your feet up and relax.
What’s the best beach just outside of Auckland?
If you’ve got a car and are hankering to get out of town, the beaches just get better and better, especially if you head north. Anchor Bay, in Tawharanui regional park just an hour north of Auckland, is one of these gems. With clear waters and plenty of space, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the tropics, New Zealand style. As far as activities go, Anchor Bay is a great spot to learn to surf, explore the rockpools or go for a bush walk. Being a regional park, Tawharanui is protected from dogs and fishing to give the native species a fighting chance.
Another treat just outside Auckland is Muriwai Beach; similar vibes to Piha but with an impressive, stinking gannet colony. If you visit this raw, windswept beach, make sure you check the life guard’s warnings and always swim between the flags.
Are Auckland beaches safe to swim?
On the east coast, being mostly harbor beaches, the water is generally mellow and gentle, and perfectly safe for swimming. It’s always wise to check the news before you go, though, as if there’s been heavy rain there can be a risk of sewage contamination in the beaches closer to the CBD.
On the west coast, things are pretty different. They’re wilder beaches with dangerous currents and powerful surf, and on some days, that means they’re just not safe for swimming. There are plenty of land-based activities on offer though, from playgrounds and bushwalks to peaceful lagoons and fish and chips on the beach.
What’s the safest beach for families with young children?
One of the best beaches in Auckland to take the kids would have to be Orewa Beach. It’s a mecca for activities, with paddle-boarders, wind surfers, surfers and volleyballers all over the show. With 3km of beach, though, there’s plenty of space for the kids to hang out. You’ll find Orewa half an hour from Auckland – check the traffic, that highway can get busy during peak season.
What’s the weather like in Auckland in the summer?
Come summer, temperatures in Auckland reach an average of 24°C, and beaches fill with weekenders and holiday makers getting their fix of summer activities. The days are long and hot, and for the urban worker and beach lover, Auckland, New Zealand is the place to be.
What’s the ocean water temperature around Auckland?
In summer, it can get up to 22°C, while in winter it hovers around 14°C.
So there you have it: a run down of the best beaches in Auckland, New Zealand. Well, 7 of them, anyway. There are hundreds around New Zealand’s biggest city, which is really just a big sandy playground waiting to be explored.
