1. Ladies Bay Beach
This sheltered cove is one of Auckland’s most famous nudist beaches, thanks to its stunning location below the cliff tops of St Helier’s. As this is one of the most frequented beaches in the north, Ladies Bay may not be the best spot if this is your first time in the buff. Plus, you’ll have to descend a challenging set of steps to locate the beach. But if you’re feeling confident (and fit) enough, Ladies Bay will reward you with stunning views and beautiful blue waters to enjoy in your birthday suit.
2. St Leonards Bay
Fifteen minutes north of Auckland CBD, you will find the small urban beach of St Leonards. This secluded spot is an unofficial nudist bay that requires you to follow a set of strict guidelines. Firstly, you must stay at least 50m away from the beach steps. Secondly, you can not engage in any lewd behaviour. And finally, you must stay at least 30m away from any clothed visitors. But if you’re happy to abide by these rules, St Leonards Bay is an excellent place for some secluded naked sunbathing.
3. Pohutukawa Bay Beach
Access to Pohutukawa Beach requires a 20-minute walk over the hill or a walk around the rocks at low tide. Though it’s a little bit of an effort to reach the bay, it’s a beautiful spot with plenty of shade from the Pohutukawa trees, and it rarely gets crowded. Technically, Pohutukawa Bay isn’t a nudist beach, but the authorities are easygoing on this tradition as long as you remain clothed on the trails and through the Hinterland area.
4. Orpheus Bay
Orpheus Bay beach is one of the more secluded and obscure destinations on the list, surrounded by hundreds of acres of the Waitakere forest. Still, for those in the know, Orpheus Bay beach is a great destination for travellers who would rather leave their clothes at home. Located about 30 km southwest of Auckland city, this beach is small (only 0.26km in length) but private. If you visit during the week, you’ll likely have the place to yourself, and at weekends you’ll probably find a handful of like-minded people enjoying the beach as nature intended them to. Access is via the Con Bryan track that weaves through the luscious green trees down to the ocean’s edge. This little gem is perfect for couples looking for a relaxed and private beach retreat.
5. Little Palm Beach
Waiheke Island is an excellent choice for a day trip. Accessible by ferry, this is a popular tourist destination, only 35 minutes from Auckland by boat. Little Palm Beach is the name for the Western section of Palm Beach, which is separated by a rocky outcrop. You can access Little Palm Beach by traversing the rocks from the main beach, or you can park directly above Little Bay and take the forest walk to lead you through its own Entrance. Little Palm Beach is the most prolific area on Waiheke Island for naturists and offers a beautiful spot for a swim. There are more areas to go skinny dipping, and if you take the trip to Waiheke Island, it’s worth exploring everything the island has to offer.
6. Herne Bay Beach
One of Auckland’s most desirable and expensive suburbs offers a string of delightful beaches with sandy shores and clearwater. The area is perfect for picnics, so make sure you pack a blanket. Herne Bay beach is yet another fantastic nudist-friendy spot around Auckland.
7. Point Chevalier Beach
While this one is not technically a nudist beach, it is a hidden gem for the naturist community. Head to Eric Armishaw Park at the end of Walker Road in Point Chevalier and take the coastal track down to a lovely and secluded little beach. This area is usually unpopulated, though you may get the occasional dog walker. As this is not an official nude beach, it’s best to visit at off-peak times such as weekday afternoons and evenings.
