Discover the best beaches near Auckland
Surrounded by 2 harbours, Auckland is a major city and resort area on the North Island of New Zealand with an array of picturesque beaches. You’ll have numerous beaches to choose from, ranging from quiet beaches with wildlife and shallow waters to remote beaches surrounded by nature reserves to urban beaches with nearby amenities. With so many options, you can enjoy sunbathing, family beach games, swimming, beach picnics, water skiing, paddle boarding and much more at Auckland’s beaches. Whether you’re looking for a family beach trip, an adventure escape or anything in between, take a look at the best beaches near Auckland to plan your trip.
Long Bay Beach for coastal hikes
Located in the Long Bay Regional Park, the Long Bay Beach is a kilometre-long sandy beach with gently sloping sands that flow into coastal marine reserve waters. The beach is exceptionally safe for swimming, especially for families with young children, and you’ll have numerous facilities at your disposal. There’s a lot more to do in the park, such as kite flying, sunbathing, walking the sandstone cliff path, hiking in the forest and picnicking in the shady areas.
Eastern Beach for families with children
Eastern Beach is a suburb of the city with a white-sand beach fringed with palm trees. The beach has soft, clean sand and shallow, turquoise waters, perfect for families with children to swim and wade. The southern end of the beach has a boat launch area with a high tide that’s a designated water skiing area. Nearby, you’ll find shops, parks and amenities in town.
Torbay Beach for beach activities
Located on the North Shore, Torbay is a lovely suburb of Auckland with an array of beaches. Torbay Beach is one of the most popular, due to its soft, white sand and shallow waters, but you could also enjoy Waiake, Winstone’s Cove, Ladder Bay and the beach at Long Bay Regional Park in the same area. Nearby, you’ll have opportunities to hike, picnic and enjoy beach activities like kite flying and volleyball.
Browns Bay Beach for family fun
Browns Bay is a quintessential seaside town with a quiet beach and gentle surf. The beach is popular for families with children to wade and swim, collect shells and sunbathe. There’s also an ocean-themed playground on the beach for kids and a skatepark. Throughout the season, the beach hosts different activities like exercise boot camps and aerobic sessions. In town, you’ll have shops, ice cream stands, cafes and eateries for refreshments.
Rothesay Bay for sunbathing
Rothesay Bay is a charming suburb on the Hauraki Gulf with parkland and a sandy beach area. The beach is known for a gentle sea breeze and quiet waters. Along with sunbathing and swimming, you could also stroll along the Rothesay Bay Creek to take in the views and check out local wildlife with the kids.
Takapuna for watersports
Located on the North Shore, Takapuna is a quiet suburb on the north side of the Waitemata Harbour. The suburb is home to Takapuna Beach, a picturesque sandy beach with views of Rangitoto Island and other islands in the Hauraki Gulf. With so many town amenities nearby, the beach is popular for families and adventurers looking for sailing, paddle boarding and kayaking. After spending time by the water, you can visit the town centre for shopping, dining, markets and nightlife.
Castor Bay for family amenities
Castor Bay is a suburb between Milford and Campbells Bay with a sandy beach. The beach area is ideal for swimming due to the artificial breakwater that runs from the northern edge of the bay. Families with children can enjoy picnics and other activities in the small park and grassy area with pohutukawa trees. From the sand, you can see stunning views of the Rangitoto and Motutapu islands.
Grahams Beach for relaxation in nature
Grahams Beach is a beautiful, sandy beach on the Awhitu Peninsula across from the Manukau Harbour. Close to a nature reserve, Grahams Beach is an unspoilt beach with grassy areas, parking and an abundance of wildlife for the kids to see. If you want a quiet day at the beach away from the crowds with the family, Grahams Beach is the perfect place to go.