Top 10 Auckland Beaches

Our Local Expert Guide To The Top 10 Beaches In Auckland

Auckland is blessed with a huge choice of beaches to enjoy.  From the golden, sandy beaches of the North, to the wild and black sandy beaches of the west coast. To help you out, we've picked out our personal favourites.  

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1. Anchor Bay Beach

Anchor Bay is a glorious Auckland beach that's situated in Tawharanui Regional Park, 80 minutes drive north of the city.  The white sandy beach is popular with surfers and enjoys a beautiful setting within the 588 hectare park. 

2. Orewa Beach

Not just one of the best beaches in Auckland but one of the best in New Zealand.  Orewa Beach is a large flat beach with gentle surf and an impressive three kilometres long.  The beach is a favourite with joggers and families and the heart of the bustling seaside resort of Orewa, a 30 minute drive north of downtown Auckland.

3. Piha Beach

No list could be complete without Auckland's most famous beach. Piha is located on Auckland's west coast, laying on the edge of the Waitakere Ranges.  Lion rock is a dominent feature splitting the beach into two.  The black sand beach offers the best spot for surfing. Piha Cafe is also worth visiting for a coffee or lunch.

4. Cheltenham Beach

Cheltenham Beach is a small and perfectly formed beach which enjoys the backdrop of Rangitoto Island.  The beach offers access to North Head Historic Reserve and panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf.  The pretty seaside town of Devonport is close by, making this beach an ideal day out in the sun.

5. Oneroa Beach

Catch a 35 minute ferry over to Waiheke Island to find the island's best beach.  Oneroa is a quaint and pretty town that overlooks this wonderful beach which a number of cafes and restaurants positioned to take full advantage of the view.  Waiheke Island is known as the 'Island of Wine' with around 25 vineyards.  Touring the vineyards and enjoying the beach is reason enough to head to Oneroa.

6. Karekare Beach

A few kilometres south of Piha, Karekare is a more isolated beach and the water is a little choppier.  There's a great walk inland to the Karekare Falls, and movie buffs might like to know that this is where the beach scenes from The Piano were shot.
7. Wenderholm Regional Park Beach

This beach is just past Orewa beach on the North Shore and situated in one of Auckland's prettiest regional parks.  Wenderholm Regional Park is postitioned between the Puhoi and Waiwera Rivers.  The beach is a quiet sandy beach which has unspoilt views of the Hauraki Gulf.  There are plenty of picnic areas overlooking the beach with pohutukawa trees providing shade during the summer months.

8. Mission Bay Beach

Home to one of Auckland's most popular beaches, Mission Bay is a seaside suburb packed full of cafes, restaurants and bars all lined in parallel with the beach to take advantage of the view.  Just behind the beach is Selwyn Domain, a small park area that features a much photographed water fountain.  Grab some fish and chips, sit on the beach and enjoy the hustle and bustle of Mission Bay.

9. Long Bay Regional Park Beach

The beach makes our top 10 because of its setting.  The sandy beach is situated in Long Bay Regional Park and adjacent to the 970 hectare Okura Marine Reserve.  Close to Torbay, the beach is the perfect spot for barbecues and picnics, with cooking stations and plenty of seating areas.  Walk off lunch along one of the scenic walking trails.

10. Takapuna Beach

The main beach at Takapuna is a hive of activity, with joggers, paddle boarders, kayakers and sail boats, drawn to the postcard views. Takapuna itself is a compact town with some of the best shopping in Auckland.  The town has lots of cafes, restaurants and bars and hosts a popular weekly market every Sunday. 

More Info:

For more information on the best beaches, you can also view full details of many of the beaches in our Auckland Beaches Guide.