Location: Auckland
Top Things to do in Auckland
Things to do in Auckland, North Island: The Best Beaches
The Māori call Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau — a maiden desired by 100 lovers,
and a valuable territory fought over for centuries for its fertile land and
natural harbors on the Pacific Ocean (to the east) and Tasman Sea (to the
west). Today, it’s New Zealand’s largest city: A vibrant and diverse place
where nature and urban life go hand-in- hand, with 48 volcanic cones, more
than 50 islands, and 29,000 km of coastline and beaches just minutes away
from the arts and shopping of the central city.
Restaurants in Auckland
1. Matakatia Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Medlands Beach
3. Long Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Timetravela1 - East Tamaki, New Zealand
Plenty to do here for the whole family, clean open areas, you can even camp here i think on a short term basis, lots of areas for the kids to play, or family to picnic, great clean beach, very long which has different areas to walk along, new village being built just up the road with great cafe's etc....
4. O'neill Bay
5. Te Arai Point
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By GaryandLesleyTravel - Auckland Central, New Zealand
The Te Aria Point regional park is ~90km from Auckland’s CDB and is an area yet to be fully discovered by locals and tourists alike. At the carpark the long expanse of Ocean Beach coastal beauty is clear to see as are the off shore islands. Prepaid overnight stays available through DOC and there is a camper van dump station beside the public toilets. From the carpark on the northern side of the point there is a great little bay created from quarrying between 2 points. In addition to this there are a couple of walks over the headland to the south and an even longer expanse of beach (also accessible from the forestry road off Ocean View road). We took the direct trail over the point (~30 minutes) enjoyed the solitude had lunch and a swim and then walked back at low tide around the coastline exploring the rock pools and rockscapes. Suggest unless you are prepared to get wet the coastal walk is only accessible an hour either side of low tide.
6. Bethells Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 331 reviews
Reviewed By 155richard81 - Tauranga, New Zealand
This is a great sandy beach. The car park is a little way from the beach and one has to be aware of when high tide is as the access is restricted at high tide.
7. Piha Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 867 reviews
Reviewed By F5666SPalicec
This day with guide Jo was loads of fun. It was truly amazing to drive one hour out of Auckland and experience the glorious Wild West Coast. The walks and the beach were stunning and the food at the Piha cafe has excellent. Jo was a very friendly and knowledgeable guide.
8. French Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Adventurers049 - Brisbane, Australia
This is a lovely bay with a small beach and lots of shade. Very safe for the kids to swim and there is plenty of parking too.
9. Karekare Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By 1SunLovingCouple
This wild beach is found at the end of a crazy, skinny winding road. But it's worth the insane drive to visit. On the Monday morning we went, there were 3 surfers and a handful of people walking their dogs ... no one else around for miles. We drove into the parking lot without noticing the path in the grass/bush, so we ended up walking on the path that runs from the end of the lot, past the statue, and along the side of the cliff - so no access to the main beach unless you want to get your feet wet (water was fairly deep and we weren't up for it). But that small part is nice too because you're right up against the rocky cliff side and you can get some great photos. This was a gorgeous, secluded area where we felt like we were alone on a whole different planet! There is a waterfall across the street, the path was steep & muddy so we just took photos from the road because you can see it clearly.
10. Orewa Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 337 reviews
Reviewed By Deven58 - Auckland, New Zealand
Great safe beach. Peaceful beach one side lots of restaurants and shops on the other. Kayaking. swimming, paddle boarding, and Jetskies. Long tide in and out and only waist height water for 20 to 30 meters so very safe for kids.
