Beaches in Auckland

Auckland's beaches are commonly categorized by area—east, west, or north. The eastern beaches, such as those along Tamaki Drive on the south side of the harbor, are closer to the city and don't have heavy surf. They usually have playgrounds and changing facilities. Judge's Bay and Mission Bay are recommended for their settings. One of Auckland's first churches, St. Stephen's Chapel, overlooks Judge's Bay, a tidal inlet. You'll get a clear view of Rangitoto Island from the beach at Mission Bay or one of the many nearby cafés. Both beaches are close to the city center and can be reached by bus.

West-coast black-sand beaches are popular in summer, but be warned: the black iron-sand can get very hot so you need footwear. The beaches tend to have bare-bones facilities, but many have changing sheds near the parking areas, and you need a car to get to them unless you take a tour. The sea at the western beaches is often rough, and sudden rips and holes can trap the unwary. Lifeguard patrol varies among the beaches; don't be tempted in unless they are on duty. Safe swimming areas are marked with flags.

The most visited of these beaches is Piha, some 40 km (25 mi) west of Auckland, which has pounding surf as well as a sheltered lagoon dominated by the reclining mass of Lion Rock. A short, steep climb up the rock rewards you with a dramatic view. Whatipu, south of Piha, is a broad sweep of sand offering safe bathing behind the sandbar that guards Manukau Harbour. Bethells, to the north, often has heavy surf but is superb to walk on, and often there is a van in the carpark serving coffee.

In the same vicinity, Karekare is the beach where the dramatic opening scenes of Jane Campion's The Piano were shot. Steep windswept cliffs surround the beach, and the surf is rugged. Again, swim only when lifeguards are on duty. A short walk from the parking lot is a 200-foot waterfall, feeding a lagoon that is good for swimming. Another beach Muriwai is about 40 km (25 mi) from Auckland and you have the added bonus of passing vineyards on the way home. It has spectacular cliff walks. To get to the west-coast beaches, head to Titirangi and take the winding road signposted as The Scenic Drive. Once you are on that road, the turnoffs to individual beaches are well marked—and, as advertised, there are lots of beautiful harbor views. Across Waitemata Harbour from the city, a chain of magnificent beaches stretches north as far as the Whangaparoa Peninsula, 40 km (25 mi) from Auckland. Taking Highway 1 north and keeping an eye peeled for signs, for instance, you'll reach Cheltenham, just north of Devonport and then after that Takapuna and Milford.