Sandy shores and clear water reminds you New Zealand is an island country. Auckland may be New Zealand’s most populated city, but it’s home to some of the most spectacular beaches. These stretches of sheltered bays transport you from the hustle and bustle of the city streets to idyllic waterfront locations. From black sand beaches to seaside resorts, here are some of the best beaches in Auckland.
1. Cheltenham Beach
Cheltenham Beach is a lengthy strip of golden sand popular for walking, swimming, and good old picnicking. Located close to the small town of Devonport, the area is populated with Victorian buildings for you to admire as you stroll along the coast. Ascend the summit footpath to the North Head Historical Reserve, where you can enjoy expansive views of Auckland City, the Waitemata Harbour, and the Hauraki Gulf. While in the area, check out the Torpedo Bay Navy museum, where you can learn more about New Zealand’s military history, then relax on the beachfront with calm, clear waters that invite you in for swimming and kayaking.
2. Cornwallis Beach
Enjoy 1.3km of golden sand at Cornwallis Beach in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. This is one of the most popular beaches in West Auckland, with a wide range of activities to provide fun for the entire family. Enjoy a scenic walk down the historic wharf and admire the views over Manukau Harbour. Go swimming, kayaking, or boating (there’s a boat ramp nearby!) in the clear blue waters, and grab an onsite picnic table to make the most of your day. While you’re here, there are several walking tracks to enjoy, such as the Spragg Monument walk, perfect for history lovers, or the Kakamatua Beach walk, where dogs can run around as they please.
3. Piha Beach
Situated on the rugged coast of West Auckland, Piha beach is one of the most famous in the area, thanks to its black sands and surf opportunities. You don’t have to be a water baby to enjoy this location; the surrounding area offers several lush forested walks and the chance to visit two waterfalls: the Kitekite falls, and the Karekare falls. Both of these falls lead you through the forested surrounds of the Waitakere ranges and offer plenty of things to look at along the way. Once you arrive, you can enjoy a cool swim in the refreshing waters of the swimming hole as you admire the tumbling falls. If you enjoy hiking, make sure you climb Lion Rock which offers incredible 360-degree views over Piha beach and the surrounding area.
4. Point Chevalier Beach
Point Chevalier Beach is one of the best in the west with safe swimming and ample shade. This inner city escape provides a beautiful sandy beach, and the accompanying park offers several attractions for kids – including a flying fox – plus an off-leash area perfect for dogs to stretch their legs while you admire the surrounding views.
If you’re so inclined, check out the Top 7 Nudist Beaches in the Auckland area while you’re at it!
5. Karekare Beach
Discover the beauty of Karekare Beach, where crystal clear waters meet the darkness of the black sand. Located in a steep valley, the area is surrounded by high ridges, a creek, and a lagoon that cuts the beach in half. This is a popular beach for surfing and relaxing, having come to public attention when it appeared in The Piano in 1993. Here, you can snap some stunning photographs of the beach and the neighbouring Karekare falls, which are only a 15-minute walk away.
6. Karaka Bay Beach
Karaka Bay, also known as Waiarohe or “the bay of shimmering waters”, is located east of Auckland. The beauty of the bay is its hidden status which keeps it quieter than many other beaches in one of New Zealand’s biggest cities. There is no vehicle access to this bay; instead, you must park at the end of Peacock Street and descend the steep path. Once you reach the water’s edge, you’ll find yourself on a horse-shaped stretch of sand that offers stunning views of Rangitoto and Browns Island.
7. St Heliers Beach
St Heliers Bay is one of Auckland’s premium waterfront locations popular for swimming and boating. It’s also a perfect area for families to relax and admire the views of Rangitoto Island and Waitemata Harbour. Several facilities are nearby, including a playground, toilets, changing rooms, picnic benches, drinking fountains, and an electric barbecue.
8. Kendall Bay Beach
Kendall Bay is an excellent family beach that provides a safe spot for swimming during high tide and a great range of walks during low tide. This beach is a charming spot for swimming, having achieved a “green” status thanks to its long history of excellent water quality. Take the half-hour track along the Kauri Point Centennial Path to access the beach. It is pretty steep in places; still, the viewpoints offer stunning views over Waitemata Harbour. Not only does the beach provide great swimming for kids, but there is an off-leash area for your four-legged friends to have a run around as well.
9. Mission Bay
Mission Bay is an idyllic Auckland destination that offers a waterfront paradise for locals and tourists alike. Here, you can enjoy the golden sands and lively beachfront promenade packed with a range of eateries. Check out some local sights and attractions, including Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, where you can enjoy more than 30 live animal exhibitions with great underwater viewing tunnels. Enjoy the promenade on wheels when you hire a bike or rollerblades from Fergs Kayak, or head into the ocean by hiring a paddle board or kayak from Mission Bay Watersports. Mission Bay is not just a beach – it’s an entire destination that will delight and entertain the family for an entire trip.
10. Anawhata Beach
Anawhata Beach is located in the Waitakere Ranges and can only be accessed by foot, making it much quieter than other beaches in Waitakere. This beautiful expanse of the beach has 24-hour access for pedestrians, with the opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the West Coast, Piha, and Whatipu. You can swim, but there are no surf patrol guards, so be careful when entering the water. The same applies to fishing; there are some nice spots along the coast, but the environment can be unpredictable. Anawhata also provides the opportunity for birdwatching and farm animal viewing. Some of the species you might encounter include fantail, shining cuckoo, morepork, tūī, fernbird, kereru, and grey warbler.
