Sun-kissed days are back, and it is time to pack your beach bags and head for the comfort of velvety sand dunes that blanket the land. Here is our pick of the must-visit beaches in and around Auckland.
Piha
The vast stretch of black sand that covers Piha beach is one of the most popular go-to locations in summer. Situated on the west coast of North Island, it is a 45-minute drive from the city of Auckland. Make your way through the lush rainforest of the Waitakere Ranges to a beach marked by rugged cliffs. The small scenic bay is guarded by Camel Rock (Taitomo Island) to the south and Lion Rock (Whakaari) to the north.
Piha is known for its notorious wild surfs that roll in over the Tasman Sea and is a popular surfing location among tourists and Kiwis. Bask under the sun or take a dip in the turquoise waters during the day or climb the majestic Lion Rock—Piha’s iconic landmark—to see the Maori carving. Watch the sun disappear in the horizon as the sky turns a beautiful shade of orange and pink and spend the night lying supine on the sand to watch the slow dance of the infinite stars.
Takapuna
With soft white sand and one of the most breathtaking coastlines, Takapuna is located at Auckland’s coastal suburb of North Shore. The beach, which offers a clear view of the volcanic Rangitoto Island, is a 15-minute drive across the Auckland harbour bridge and can be reached using the bus or the ferry. During a low tide, part of a fossilised kauri forest can be seen.
Go swimming or windsurfing, or take a walk from Takapuna north to Milford (also known as the lava trail or Golden Mile)—a path that follows the North Shore heritage trail and ends at the seaside village of Devonport. The beach is home to sports clubs such as Takapuna Football Club and the Takapuna Rugby Club. With shops, cafes and restaurants in close proximity, Takapuna beach combines the rhythm of the city and the vibe of a beach.
Maraetai
Located on the Pohutukawa Coast in east Auckland, this swimming beach is an hour’s drive from Auckland CBD and is popular among families every summer. In Maori, Maraetai means ‘meeting place by the sea’.
Drive along the Pohutukawa Coast, swim in the water at the beach or explore the loop tracks at Omana Regional Park. And while you are at Maraetai, stop by the neighbouring Beachlands area that has three swimming beaches—Sunkist Bay, Shelley Bay and Green Bay that form a part of the Pohutukawa Coast.
Orewa
A large flat beach with golden sand, Orewa is not only one of the best beaches in the vicinity of Auckland but also one of the best in the country. A favourite among joggers, the beach stretches for three kilometres and borders the Orewa town. Situated at the north of Auckland’s harbour bridge, Orewa beach is a mere 20-minute ride from the city. The beach is ideal for different water sports such as windsurfing, surfing and kayaking. Families with kids can access the large playground near the beach.
Tourists often walk or cycle along the Millennium Walkway that starts from South Bridge and loops through Orewa before returning along the beach. The Whangaparaoa Peninsula, also home to numerous beaches, is a few minutes’ drive from Orewa. With numerous cafes, restaurants and bars to dine at and backpackers lodge available for accommodation, you can spend your weekend away from the city at the beach and then head towards Waiwera Thermal Resort to soak in the geothermal hot pools.
Pakiri
A majestic 14-kilometre long white sandy beach to the north, Pakiri is a coastal paradise. The pristine beach has a lot to offer—from fishing for fresh snappers to tackling the tumbling waves and horse riding over the dunes and through Pohutukawa groves. The magic of the beach lies in soaking the sun rays as you watch whales and dolphins on the horizon or spot rare species of seabirds on the shore.
Pakiri beach is an hour’s drive from the central city, located on the east coast from Wellsford, north of Auckland. The Pakiri beach walk is a one-hour return trail (south) from the end of the Pakiri River Rd to Goat Island. If you wish to head north, the path crosses the Pakiri River and continues for around 14 km.
Cheltenham
The mystical allure of Cheltenham lies in the panoramic view it has to offer of the Hauraki Gulf. With a backdrop of Rangitoto Island, the beach offers a long sandy stretch and calm waters and is popular with locals and tourists for swimming and kayaking. A 1.5-km walk from the ferry terminal, the route has beautifully restored Victorian villas and a stunning view of the ocean.
You can also access the North Head Historic Reserve from the beach. With benches located in shaded areas that overlook the waters, Cheltenham beach is popular among families for setting up picnics. A short walk away is the Torpedo Bay Navy Museum that gives an insight into the country’s military history.