A Local’s Guide to the 19 Best Beaches in Auckland

ByAllan Updated

I grew up in Auckland and loved spending my summers exploring all the beaches surrounding the city.

Most people look down on Auckland because it does not have the dramatic natural beauty of New Zealand’s South Island. But one area we do shine in is the diversity of our beaches.

On the West Coast, there are wild, remote black sand beaches with huge waves. The East Coast of Auckland has clear blue waters and white sandy beaches.

Then, in the city, there are many quiet little coves that are perfect if you do not want a long drive.

There are so many choices from it that it can be a bit overwhelming if you are new to the region! But don’t worry, I will help you choose 🙂

I have always loved the wild black sands of Piha, the crystal clear waters of Tawharanui or quiet city coves like Karaka Bay – Auckland has a beach for every day.

This list covers the best beaches in Auckland, whether you’re after adventure, family-friendly swimming, or a relaxed beach close to the city.

Wide view of a white sand beach in Tawharanui Regional Park near Auckland with turquoise water, rocky outcrops, and a surfer walking along the shoreline. This coastal scene shows why Tawharanui is often included among the best beaches in Auckland for its clear water and natural setting.
Auckland is full of amazing beaches! This is at Tawharanui Regional Park – one of my favorites
Table of Contents show

Map of Auckland’s Best Beaches

Auckland covers a huge area, so some beaches are a 1 hour drive away from the city center. That’s why I have grouped my favorite beaches into regions, starting with those closest to the CDB and moving further out.

If you need a rental car, I recommend DiscoverCars.com. They are my preferred car rental search engine and will show you the best deals in Auckland.

Local Tips Before You Go

🌊 Check the tides! For many beaches around Auckland Central, the tide being in totally transforms them. If the tide is out, it may look like a muddy mess. But when the tide is in, the water is beautiful and blue. Check tides here.

🏖️ Choose the sand: The black sand beaches are on the West Coast, while the white sand beaches are on the East Coast of Auckland.

🏊‍♀️ Check if it’s safe to swim: Conditions at Auckland beaches can vary dramatically depending on weather conditions. Some beaches, particularly on the West Coast, have very strong currents. Check out SafeSwim for beach conditions around the Auckland region.

🥪 Pack some snacks: Many beaches here have no cafes or beach sellers. Auckland’s beaches are usually relatively free of business, which is how I like it! But that means you need to come prepared.

🚗 Organize transport: Many beaches are easiest to reach by car and have no public transportation going to them. If you are a visitor, renting a car will give you the most flexibility. Some beaches can also be reached on guided tours, which I will link throughout this post.

Central Auckland Beaches

If you are a visitor to Auckland, then the central beaches will be the easiest to reach without a car.

In my opinion, they are not the best beaches in Auckland. But considering they are so close to the city center they are still pretty nice!

The beaches around Central Auckland are best to visit if you do not want to travel far and are staying in the CBD area.

1. Mission Bay Beach

  • Auckland’s most iconic city beach
  • Best to visit at high tide
  • A local and family favourite with lots of cafes and restaurants
  • Perfect for swimming, kayaking, and relaxing
  • See on this scenic city sightseeing tour
  • Location: 72 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland 1071 (Google Maps)
Katharina sitting on a purple towel on the sandy Mission Bay beach in Auckland, looking out over the blue ocean toward the volcanic peak of Rangitoto Island under a clear sky.
Taking in the views of Rangitoto at Mission Bay

Mission Bay is arguably the most famous beach in Auckland City. For generations, it has been a favourite spot for Aucklanders to swim, relax and take in the views of the dormant volcano Rangitoto (which you can visit!) across the harbour.

In summer, the beach is full of activity. Kids will be playing in the fountains, people line up for ice cream, the grass is full of picnics, and the restaurants and cafes are packed.

This is one reason many Aucklanders avoid it on a weekend in summer because it will be packed!

But even so, nothing feels more like summer in Auckland to me than Mission Bay on a sunny day.

I love grabbing something to eat and just chilling on the grass, enjoying the views.

Sunny day at Mission Bay with its iconic fountain in the foreground, grassy park space, and views across the sparkling water to Rangitoto Island — a well-loved beach and picnic spot on Auckland’s coastline.
In summer, this fountain will be packed with kids playing in it!

Arriving at Mission Bay is also one of my favourite parts of visiting. The drive, walk or bike along Tamaki Drive is beautiful on a sunny day.

I think it is one of the best views in the city when conditions are perfect. So if the weather is nice, you are sure to enjoy your journey to Mission Bay.

2. St Heliers Beach

St Heliers Beach in Auckland with golden sand, calm water, a clear blue sky, and people relaxing along the shoreline on a sunny day.
St Heliers is one of my favorite city beaches in Auckland

If you want a beach on Tamaki Drive without the crowds of Mission Bay, St Heliers is the place to go.

The beach has the same calm water and beautiful views, but with a much more relaxed atmosphere. It is awesome for reading a book on the sand, swimming at high tide, or going for a walk.

One of the things I love about St Heliers is how easy it is to settle in for a day at the beach. The nearby town center has a small-town feel with plenty of cafes and a Four Square supermarket.

We love to head in there and grab some snacks for a picnic on the beach.

If I am heading into Central Auckland for a beach day, I often choose St Heliers because it is quiet and less hectic. But still gives you everything you need for a perfect day by the water.

Local Tip: If it’s low tide or you want an even quieter local beach, Karaka Bay Beach is just around the corner and feels like a true hidden gem.

3. Karaka Bay Beach

  • A hidden gem beach near Central Auckland
  • Quiet, artistic bay with a local vibe and historic roots
  • Location: 46 Peacock Street, Glendowie, Auckland 1071 (Google Maps)
A yellow kayak sitting on a grassy field under palm trees at Karaka Bay, Auckland, with a strip of white sand and a blue ocean in the background.
We nicknamed Karaka Bay the “Hippie-beach”

If you are looking for a beach that is truly a local secret, then head to Karaka Bay.

I only discovered Karaka Bay last year while on a kayaking trip to Browns Island. But it quickly became one of my favorite beaches in Auckland.

Tucked below steep cliffs, the bay has a very artistic/hippy vibe. With quirky homes lining the beach, and a laid-back atmosphere that is very different from nearby city beaches.

I recently learned Karaka Bay is also a historically significant spot. It was one of four places in New Zealand where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. You would never guess such an important event in our nation’s history happened at such a chill spot!

We loved visiting Karaka Bay because, despite being very close to the city center, you feel completely disconnected from it. It is a true local beach where you will not find any tourists.

What we loved most about Karaka Bay is how disconnected it feels from the rest of the city. You won’t find shops or crowds here, just locals enjoying the water.

It is such a secret that my mum, who has lived in Auckland for over 70 years, has never been! 😱

Local Tip: The narrow road down to the beach gets crowded on weekends. If parking is tight park on the main road and walk down.

4. Waiheke Island Beaches

Little Oneroa Beach on Waiheke Island, Auckland, featuring a sandy shore framed by lush greenery and purple agapanthus flowers, with people near the water and sailboats anchored in the calm, clear bay.
Little Oneroa Beach is my favorite beach next to town in Waiheke

Just a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, Waiheke Island is best known for its vineyards. But I think it has some of the most underrated beaches in the Auckland Region.

Waiheke is the perfect beach destination for visitors to Auckland because it is easy to reach without a car. Once you arrive, you can explore by public bus, hop-on-hop-off bus or on foot, passing beautiful bays and vineyards along the way.

Last summer, we walked part of the Te Ara Hura Trail, which loops around the island, and passed one stunning bay after the next. The beaches on Waiheke are mostly white sand with calm, clear water. So perfect for swimming and relaxing.

We loved visiting the beaches so much that we missed the vineyards! 😅

Because you will most likely only visit Waiheke once as a tourist, it is best to do some beach hopping rather than choosing one spot.

These are my favorite beaches on Waiheke Island:

  • Oneroa Beach – is the main beach near town and the ferry terminal. It is wide open and great for swimming and picnics.
  • Little Oneroa Beach – just around the corner from Oneroa, this cove is one of my favourite spots on the island. It is much more secluded and prettier than the main beach.
  • Palm Beach – is another big, popular beach. But its little brother may be the best beach on Waiheke.
  • Little Palm Beach – if you take the walking trail above Little Palm Beach you will get one of the most beautiful views on the island. On a sunny day it feels like a tropical paradise. Just be prepared that this a nude beach! If that is not you, then the walking trail from above is well worth it.
  • Onetangi Beach – this long sandy beach has a more developed feel. It is a good place to go for a walk or find a restaurant or hotel to stay the night.

Local Tip: We bought our return ferry tickets to Waiheke Island for the same price on Get Your Guide to avoid queuing at the counters both ways. Waiheke Island gets very busy in summer! ⛴️

Little Palm Beach on Waiheke Island with a small crescent of white sand, clear turquoise water, and boats anchored offshore. The sheltered bay and surrounding green headland show why this beach is known for calm swimming and a secluded feel.
Little Palm Beach is an amazing beach, but also a nude beach! So be prepared 😛

North Shore Beaches

The North Shore, located just north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, has some of the best beaches in Auckland City.

In summer, you can walk for miles along the coastline, hopping between sheltered bays that each feel slightly different.

I love heading to the shore in summer. It has a real laid-back beach town feel in some areas that makes you forget you are still in the city.

There are far too many beaches on the North Shore to list them all, and every local will have their own favourites.

But below are some of my personal favourites, a mix of hidden gems, classic beaches, and easy spots for visitors.

5. Thorne Bay

  • Secluded local bay with no direct road access
  • Great for swimming at low and high tide
  • We nicknamed it “Minnehaha Beach” because its access is from Minnehaha Avenue
  • Visit on this secret spot afternoon tour
  • Location: 29-1 Minnehaha Avenue, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 (Google Maps)
Sunny day at Thorne Bay in Auckland, New Zealand, with people swimming in the clear blue ocean, relaxing on sandy shores, and the volcanic island Rangitoto visible in the distance under a cloudy blue sky.
Thorne Bay is a truly local hidden gem

Thorne Bay is definitely one of the best hidden gem beaches in Auckland. Even though I hate using that phrase! It really is a hidden gem.

Even though I have lived in Auckland most of my life, I only discovered Thorne Bay last summer, and I was blown away.

It is a small, peaceful bay framed by black volcanic rock with Pohutukawa trees giving you shade from the sun. I think it has to be one of the prettiest bays in Auckland.

There are no shops and no traffic noise, which is just how I like my beaches.

One reason Thorne Bay is so quiet is that there is no direct road access. You will first have to try to find a park on Minnehaha Avenue.

Which will be almost impossible on the weekend! Then walk down a narrow path and walk along the coast for about 5 minutes.

Unlike many Auckland beaches, Thorne Bay is great for swimming at low or high tide. Which makes it a reliable choice on hot summer days.

Local Tip: If you come here during the week, you should have the beach almost all to yourself 😌

6. Takapuna Beach

Takapuna Beach, Auckland, at low tide with white sand, a green kayaker in the light blue ocean, and a backdrop of trees and houses lining the bay.
Takapuna Beach on a not-busy beach day

Takapuna Beach is the most visited beach on the North Shore. It is a wide open beach with grassy areas for picnics and plenty of space even on busy summer days.

The beach is located quite close to Takapuna town. So it is great if you want to combine your beach time with grabbing a coffee or a meal. Everything is within walking distance.

One of my favorite New Zealand burger chains called BurgerFuel is also there, so every time I visit Takapuna beach, I grab a burger there and eat it on the beach!

While the beach is not the most spectacular, it is a great all-rounder. Good for watersports, swimming, walking or having a picnic.

On a busy day, I like to come here and just watch everyone enjoying their time out on the water. There are always people out on foils, paddleboards, kayaks, and more.

Allan holding up a carton box with his hand with a burger inside in front of Takapuna Beach.
Grabbing a NZ burger from BurgerFuel is a must-do activity at Takapuna Beach for me

7. Mairangi Bay Beach

  • Great swimming beach with scenic coastal path
  • Perfect for beach hopping on the North Shore
  • Location: Montrose Terrace, Mairangi Bay, Auckland 0630 (Google Maps)
Wide view of Mairangi Bay Beach with golden sand, calm ocean waves, and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. People walk along the shoreline and swim while colorful kayaks rest on the sand in the foreground.
Overlooking the ocean at Mairangi Bay Beach walkway

Mairangi Bay is further north and one of the few beaches on the North Shore with a surf lifesaving club. While the waves are usually small, it is a great place for swimming or walking along the coast.

My favourite part of Mairangi Bay is the coastal path that goes north to Murrays Bay or south to Campbells Bay. At low tide, you can walk along the bottom of the cliffs or at high tide, you can walk along the top – either route is beautiful.

Both Murrays Bay and Campbells Bay are also beautiful beaches, so Mairangi Bay is perfect if you want to explore multiple beaches in one go.

8. The Cove

  • Tiny, hidden beach with crystal clear water
  • Best visited at mid to high tide
  • Location: 18 Takarunga Road, Devonport, Auckland 0624 (Google Maps)
A wide strip of white sand with dark brown rocks, green plants, and a white sailing boat on the blue ocean, with Rangitoto Volcano in the background at The Cove, a hidden beach on North Head, Auckland.
The Cove is a super secluded spot on Auckland’s North Head!

The Cove is another tiny hidden beach tucked around the side of North Head.

We discovered it while walking the North Head loop and were gutted that we didn’t have our swimwear with us. The water was crystal clear, and there was almost no one around.

When the tide is right, the water is super clear, and because it is hidden away, there can be almost no one else around. Also, because there are no buildings around, it feels like a very natural beach.

What I liked about The Cove is that you can visit it at the same time as walking around North Head, which is one of Auckland’s best historic sites.

Katharina in denim shorts and a white top stands on a grassy slope at North Head (Maungauika), looking across the Waitematā Harbour toward the Auckland CBD skyline and Sky Tower under a bright, partly cloudy sky.
A close-up, top-down shot of a small, vibrant purple and pink sea star resting on the golden wet sand of a beach cove in Auckland.

9. Cheltenham Beach

  • Large sandy beach ideal for swimming
  • Best to visit at high tide
  • Great picnic spot near North Head
  • Location: Bath Street, Devonport, Auckland 0624 (Google Maps)
Aerial view of Cheltenham Beach, Auckland, showing a long white sandy shoreline, calm light blue ocean, and green trees with surrounding houses and a skyscraper in the distance.
You can overlook Cheltenham Beach from North Head, a picture-perfect picnic spot

Cheltenham Beach is a large, open sandy beach just around the corner from North Head. When the tide is in, the water is a beautiful turquoise blue and perfect for swimming.

When the tide is out, you will have to walk a looong way to get into the water. We watched a guy walk about 200 meters just to find water deep enough to swim!

Despite it being a large, beautiful beach, you will not see large crowds at Cheltenham.

Cheltenham is once again an awesome beach and another great one to visit after exploring the historic tunnels of North Head.

Bring a blanket and some food and enjoy the awesome views while having a picnic – which I did already twice with friends.

West Auckland Beaches

The beaches on the west coast of the Auckland region feel like a different planet compared to the east coast.

Here you will not find calm water, blue bays or fine white sand. Instead, you will find volcanic black sand, big waves, strong currents, and huge rocky cliffs.

I love exploring the West Coast. It is such a wild, unique landscape that you cannot really find anywhere else on earth. So head out West if you want an adventure.

Most of the beaches out west are a 45-60-minute drive from downtown Auckland.

Safety Tip: West Coast beaches are known for being dangerous to swim at. There are always strong currents. So check with lifeguards where it is safe to swim. If in doubt, stay out! 🛟

10. Piha Beach

Aerial shot of Piha Beach, one of West Auckland's most famous black sand beaches, ideal for surfing, with a prominent rock in the center and green hills and houses nearby.
Piha Beach is perfect for surfing but dangerous for swimming!

Piha is one of Auckland’s most famous beaches, and for good reason. The towering cliffs, black sand and huge waves are a unique sight you do not see in other parts of the world.

It’s a place I can visit again and again and always do when visiting my family in Auckland.

I love the drive to Piha almost as much as the beach itself. The road takes you through the Waitākere Ranges, a stunning stretch of mountains on the outskirts of West Auckland, covered in dense native bush.

You really feel like you’re miles away from the city, despite being only 45 minutes from downtown.

The beach at Piha is well known for large waves and strong currents. But I think it is well worth visiting the beach even if you do not swim.

Just take in the beautiful scenery, go for a walk on the beach and grab a bite to eat at the Piha Local Store. That is what we love to do at Piha.

View from the Mercer Bay Loop Walk near Piha Beach, Auckland, showing a dramatic cliffside trail overlooking the Tasman Sea, surrounded by coastal vegetation.
The Mercer Bay Loop is a beautiful hike near Piha Beach

There are also plenty of cool things to do around Piha apart from the beach.

One of the best things to do near Piha is the Mercer Bay Loop. This is one of my favorite walks in Auckland. It takes you along the top of towering cliffs plunging into the ocean.

The track is surprisingly easy and has spectacular views the whole way. It is another amazing thing to do around Auckland that I only discovered a couple of years ago!

Because Piha is a 45-minute drive from downtown Auckland, you will have to either rent a car or go on a tour.

Katharina's black shoes standing on the black sand at Piha Beach, West Auckland, with naturally formed wave patterns, one of the region's most fantastic beaches.
A sheltered cove with rocks, calm blue waters and black sand at Piha Beach, West Auckland.

11. Te Henga (Bethells Beach)

  • Beautiful black sand beach with huge sand dunes nearby!
  • Home to some of Auckland’s most surreal landscapes
  • Location: 2 Karekare Road, Huia, Karekare 0772 (Google Maps)
Katharina walks barefoot over the sand dunes at Bethells Beach in Auckland, with a lush forest and a cloudy sky in the background.
Make sure to check out the nearby sand dunes! They are good fun to slide down

Bethells Beach is another ruggedly beautiful black sand beach, but what sets it apart are the sand dunes.

Before reaching the beach, you will see the Lake Wainamu carpark. On the walk to this lake, you are surrounded by huge black sand dunes. It is a surreal landscape and is one of my favourite places to explore near Auckland!

At the northern end of Bethells Beach, I also recommend checking out a hidden bay by Kauwahaia Island. It is a stunning, untouched bay with almost no one else around.

As with all West Coast Beaches, swimming conditions can be dangerous. But I loved Bethells Beach for exploring and scenery, it is hard to beat Bethells.

Katharina, wearing a white cap, a denim jacket, and black leggings, overlooking Te Henga, Bethells Beach surrounded by lush green hills, an underrated local beach in West Auckland.
An overgrown green rock on a brown rock next to calm blue waters at Te Henga (Bethells Beach), a black sand beach in West Auckland.

12. Muriwai Beach

Wide view of Muriwai Beach on Auckland’s west coast showing a long stretch of dark sand, rolling waves, and people walking along the shoreline under a cloudy sky. Grassy dunes in the foreground highlight the open and rugged feel of this popular surf beach.

Muriwai Beach is a long, open, black sandy beach that is great for going on long walks.

It is popular for surfing, although, because of conditions, it is best left for experienced surfers or those taking lessons.

My favourite part of Muriwai is the gannet colony. From August to March each year, gannets gather on the cliffs near Muriwai.

The cliffs are spectacular, and it is super interesting to see how they create their nests so close together in such an extreme environment.

On our last visit to Muriwai, there were unfortunately no gannets. But it was still interesting reading the information boards and learning about the birds.

After visiting the gannet colony, I recommend heading down to Maukatia Bay. This small bay is tucked below steep cliffs and is surrounded by volcanic rock formations.

It is about an hour’s drive from Auckland to Muriwai, so having a car is essential. But if you do not feel like driving, you can also take a tour to Muriwai.

Scenic coastal cliffs at Muriwai Beach with a view of the gannet colony's nesting area in the foreground, and dramatic rock stacks surrounded by foamy waves offshore. Surfers can be seen catching waves in the turquoise water below.
We missed the Gannet Colony. But usually all the bumps would have a bird on them

13. Karekare Beach

Karekare Black Sand Beach, West Auckland, with a foamy wild ocean and green rocks, perfect for surfing but dangerous for swimming.
What looks like calm water here isn’t! Karekare beach is perfect for surfing but dangerous for swimming

Karekare Beach is Piha’s relatively unknown neighbour. It is a stunning place, but it only receives a fraction of the visitors that Piha does.

The drive down to Karekare Beach is also a bit of an adventure. The road is super steep, windy and narrow. I enjoyed driving down it, but if you are not a confident driver, it may be a bit scary.

A prominent rock surrounded by black sand and green hills at Karekare Beach, one of West Auckland's lesser-known best black sand beaches.
I love Karekare’s beautiful backdrop and scenery. This cliff reminded me of a shark fin

Once you arrive, you will find the usual sweeping black sand beach with dramatic volcanic cliffs. There is also a cliff that reminded me of a shark fin – it’s unlike anything else I have seen along the west coast.

Even in summer, Karekare will almost be empty, so if you are looking for somewhere quiet and wild, this is the place.

After visiting the beach, I also recommend visiting Karekare Falls. They are only a 10-minute walk from the beach and a beautiful place to go for a freshwater swim.

Some people in my friend group found the water at the falls too chilly. But I loved it! The waterfalls are stunning and an awesome place to cool down on a hot day.

People relaxing and swimming at the base of Karekare Falls, a tall waterfall surrounded by lush native bush, just a short walk from Karekare Beach in Auckland, New Zealand.
Karekare Falls is a beautiful spot to visit while at Karekare Beach

North Auckland Beaches

The following beaches are just over an hour from Central Auckland. Many people would consider this area part of Northland. But they are still technically in the Auckland Region and they are some of my favorite beaches – so they make the list!

If you are willing to drive a little bit further, the beaches in this region are worth it. The sand is whiter, the water clearer, and the crowds are smaller.

🚗 For more places to visit in Northland, read about my Northland road trip.

14. Tawharanui Regional Park

A lone surfer walks across the soft sand at Anchor Bay in Tāwharanui Regional Park, with rocky outcrops and clear turquoise water stretching out to a distant island under a cloud-streaked blue sky.
Amazing blue water at Tawharanui on a perfect day

On a good day, Tawharanui is my favourite beach in the whole Auckland region.

I first discovered this beach when I was in my early twenties and couldn’t believe I had never heard of it before. Shows how we never appreciate what is in our own backyard.

When the sky is clear and the sun is in the right spot, the water turns the most unreal shade of blue. It is perfect for swimming or surfing. The waves are usually not huge, but enough to have some fun.

An aerial view of a woman with a white surfboard walking on a wide strip of beautiful white sand next to crystal clear blue calm waters, with a green hill in the distance at Anchor Bay, one of the best beaches in Tawharanui Regional Park.
Just wow! 🤩

Tawharanui is also a protected regional park and bird sanctuary, so it is not just a beach destination. Native birds roam around the park and you may be able to spot a Takahe, one of New Zealand’s rarest birds.

If you feel like some exercise hike to the Takatu Point Lookout. There are beautiful views and plenty of native birds along the way. It is amazing how many more birds you can hear in the sanctuary.

Whether you want to swim, hike or spot wildlife, Tawharanui Regional Park has it all.

15. Omaha Beach

  • Long white-sand beach, popular with families and dog-friendly
  • Free showers and lifeguards on site, great for swimming
  • Location: Broadlands Drive, Omaha 0986 (Google Maps)
A white sand trail next to a wooden staircase and a grassy field with yellow flowers leading to a calm blue ocean with gentle waves, surrounded by green hills on the right at Omaha Beach, a family- and dog-friendly beach in North Auckland loved by locals.
Entrance to Omaha Beach, very family and dog-friendly

Omaha Beach is another beautiful white sand beach with clear blue water located not far from Tawharanui Regional Park.

The beach is very similar to Tawharanui except for one main difference – there is a town next to it.

The advantage of this is that there are shops and cafes to grab something to eat. Omaha is also a popular spot for wealthy Aucklanders to have a holiday house.

Omaha is one of the best beaches in Auckland for families because the waters are calm, it is easy to access and there are shops nearby.

But if you are choosing between Tawharanui and Omaha and want something a little more untouched, head to Tawharanui – I think it is better.

16. Pakiri Beach

  • Auckland’s most untouched white-sand beach with crystal clear water
  • Perfect for escaping crowds and civilisation
  • Location: 261 Pakiri River Road Pakiri, Wellsford 0972 (Google Maps)
Allan walking towards the dark blue ocean on the white sand of Pakiri Beach, a hidden local gem in Auckland's North.
Two oyster shells in the white sand at Pakiri Beach, North Auckland, one with a dark green and orange shell.
Katharina walking in the shallow clear blue waters of Pakiri Beach just north of Auckland.
Beautiful clear water at Pakriri

Pakiri Beach is my recommendation if you want to get away from it all.

I love Pakiri because on a sunny day, it has some of the clearest water you will find anywhere near Auckland.

The beach is long and wide, and there is no development nearby except one campsite with bungalows of Pakiri Beach Holiday Park, which looks like an awesome place to stay.

So it is just unspoiled natural beauty, which is what I look for in a beach.

During the drive to Pakiriri, the last 20 minutes are on a dirt road that is very bumpy and dusty.

I personally love the dirt road because it keeps the crowds away! But if you don’t want to get your car dirty, then you may want to avoid coming here.

Optional Stop: Pakiri is only about 20 minutes north of Goat Island Marine Reserve. This is a great place to go snorkelling and the best place in the Auckland region to see marine life 🤿 🐠

An aerial view of Goat Island Marine Reserve with a small green rocky island surrounded by crystal clear blue waters, perfect for snorkeling, with a black sand beach nearby.
Goat Island Marine Reserve is just before Pakiri and great for snorkelling

East Auckland Beaches

I grew up in East Auckland, so these are the beaches I know best.

That said, growing up, I was a bit of a snob about the beaches out East. I would complain that there are too many shells and too much mud at low tide.

But after travelling around the world, I have come to appreciate them for what they are.

When the tide is in, and the sun is out, East Auckland’s beaches are calm, local and relaxing. They are not the most stunning, but they are a great place to relax and go for a walk away from tourist hotspots.

This section is for people who have more time in Auckland and want to see where locals go on a nice day.

Important Note: Tides matter a lot on this side of the city. At low tide, the water goes out a very long way, completely changing how the beaches look. So try to aim for as close to high tide as possible. Check tides here.

17. Eastern Beach

  • Long and local beach in East Auckland
  • Great for swimming at high tide
  • Location: The Esplanade, Eastern Beach, Auckland 2012 (Google Maps)
Allan swimming at Eastern Beach, East Auckland, at high tide, with a row of trees framing the white sand beach, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Eastern Beach at high tide

Eastern Beach is the most popular beach for locals to visit. It is a long beach with easy access and lots of parking.

In summer, especially on the weekends, the beach is packed with people having picnics with their families. I enjoy visiting even when it’s busy because it’s nice to see everyone enjoying the beach.

One thing to keep in mind is that Eastern Beach totally transforms at high and low tide.

At high tide, you can have beautiful blue water to swim in. While at low tide, you may have to walk 100 meters through sand and mud just to reach the water 😅

Time it right and it is a great local beach!

Allan walking on Easter Beach at low tide, uncovering lots of white sand, a truly local city beach in East Auckland.
Eastern Beach at low tide

18. Bucklands Beach

  • My home beach – my mum lives here!
  • Great for a beach walk, swimming at high tide and watching sunset
  • Location: 81/84 The Parade, Bucklands Beach, Auckland 2012 (Google Maps)
Calm shallow water at Bucklands Beach with gentle waves lapping onto a sandy shoreline under a clear blue sky. Several sailboats are anchored offshore with a coastal suburb visible in the distance, showing the relaxed bayside setting.
Bucklands Beach on a perfect day!

We have spent a lot of time at Bucklands Beach recently – mainly because my mum lives about 50 meters away from it.

Bucklands Beach is a frustrating beach because, in perfect conditions, it is a beautiful beach.

The water can be a beautiful blue, and it is deep enough for swimming, just a couple of meters from shore.

But so often it is windy and looks quite muddy when the tide is out, and you wonder why anyone would want to come here.

If you happen to catch Bucklands Beach on a calm, high tide day, it is absolutely worth visiting. So look for a perfect day, then check it out!

That’s me with my mum’s standup paddle board.👇 If you love shells then this beach is right for you! 🐚

Allan standing in the shallow blue waters at Buckland's Beach, East Auckland, with a yellow SUP, one of the area's best local beaches.
Close-up of pink and white shells on the sand at Buckland's Beach, East Auckland, perfect for swimming and relaxing, with the ocean in the background.
A beautiful sunset at Buckland's Beach, East Auckland, coloring the sky in purple with sailboats on the ocean.

19. Maraetai Beach

  • Awesome coastal drive
  • Great for swimming and watching locals jumping into the water from the pier
  • Location: 188 Maraetai Drive, Maraetai 2018 (Google Maps)
Maraetai, an underrated local beach in South Auckland loved by locals, with a strip of white sand, baby blue waters, and a row of green hills in the distance.
In summer the wharf at Maraetai is full of kids doing bombs or “manus” into the water

Maraetai is a beach way out east that most Aucklanders will not have visited.

I love heading out to Maraetai because as soon as you leave the outer suburbs, you are surrounded by rolling countryside and farms.

At the beach, the area around the wharf is usually packed in summer with kids jumping off the wharf and families picnicking on the beach. If it is too packed, you can drive further down the coast for a quieter bay.

I highly recommend the drive down the coast just for the scenery. The road snakes along the coast under Pohutukawa trees and has stunning views the whole way.

As with all beaches out east, try and go at high tide! I know I sound like a broken record, but the beaches are so much nicer at high tide.

Allan standing ankle deep in the baby blue water of Maraetai Beach holding his hand up to protect it from the sun and watch a paddle boarder further out on the ocean.

FAQs About Auckland’s Beaches

What are the best beaches in Auckland for first-time visitors?

For first-time visitors, the best beach in Auckland City is Mission Bay. Waiheke is the easiest day trip to visit multiple beautiful beaches, and Piha is the best beach to experience Auckland’s ruggedly beautiful West Coast.

Which Auckland beaches are easiest to reach without a car?

Mission Bay and St Heliers are easily accessible by bus. Cheltenham Beach, North Head and Waiheke Island can be reached by ferry from downtown Auckland.

Are Auckland beaches safe for swimming?

Swimming safety varies dramatically by location. East Coast and North Shore beaches are generally safe to swim at, while West Coast beaches like Piha and Muriwai have strong currents and should only be swum at between the flags. In Auckland City, check for warnings about water quality, it can be bad after heavy rain.

Which side of Auckland has better beaches – East or West?

East Coast beaches are calmer and better for swimming, while West Coast beaches are more ruggedly beautiful with strong waves. If you want adventure, head to the West Coast; if you want to relax, head to the East Coast. Which is best depends on what you like.

AUCKLAND TRAVEL CHECKLIST

These are the sites I use and recommend as an Auckland local when planning and booking your trip. For more, check out our Travel Resources.

✔ SafetyWing – Our top pick for travel health insurance. We’ve been insured with them for 4+ years and love how simple and affordable (2$/day) it is to get covered.

✔ TrustedHousesitters – Many Aucklanders have pets and need someone to look after them when they are away. So care for a cute pup and get a free place to stay in exchange!

✔ Booking.com – Where we book all our New Zealand accommodation because it’s easy to compare hostels, hotels, apartments, and beachside stays across the country.

✔ DiscoverCars – If you plan to explore beaches or day trips outside the city, renting a car gives you much more flexibility.

✔ Alltrails – Is our go-to site when looking for hikes and trails. You can easily pair coastal walks with a beach visit.

✔ Airlo – The eSIM we used for mobile data in New Zealand. It’s set up in minutes, cheap and the reception was great.

✔ Wise – Is our favorite travel debit card. It uses real exchange rates so you can withdraw cash or pay by card in NZD with super low fees.

Which Auckland Beach Will You Choose?

I hope this guide helps you find the perfect beach in Auckland for your trip – whether you are looking for wild surf, clear blue bays, or something off the beaten path.

After living overseas for so long, I appreciate the beaches in my own backyard more and more. So I hope you enjoy exploring them as well!

If you are still looking to stay active during your trip, then check out the best walks in Auckland for scenic walks, waterfalls trails, and coastal city views.

Some of them you can combine with a beach visit, which is my favorite way of exploring them – jumping into the refreshing water after a sweaty hike. Enjoy!

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Allan is a digital nomad and full-time traveler from New Zealand. After living in 4 countries and visiting 45+ countries, he became an expert in budget travel and slow travel. As a co-founder of Nomads Beyond, he shares practical tips for offbeat destinations, active adventures and enjoying local cuisine without breaking the bank.

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