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Auckland Beach Guide.
Auckland beach guide is separated into 3 levels, to help you find what you're looking for.
Each link will open a new window, to allow time for the images to download, then you can compare options.
Auckland beach guide.
(A ) Level. A quick guide to the best overall beach in the region. Depending on your intentions. (This page ).
(B) Level. Best beaches in an area. Divided into -
East. Usually more sheltered from prevailing wind unless easterly wind is blowing.Suits most families.Click here it opens a new window.
West. Usually larger waves, stronger currents, more exposed, dangerous and rugged.
Click here it opens a new window.
North Shore.Usually more sheltered from prevailing westerly wind, unless easterly wind is blowing. Suits most families. Can be crowded on sunny summer weekend afternoons.
Click here it opens a new window.
North of North Shore - Hibiscus coast.Usually more sheltered from the prevailing westerly wind, unless of course an easterly wind is blowing. Suits most families.
Click here it opens a new window.
Manukau Harbour. Often shallow with silty foreshore at low tide in the inner reaches of the harbour. Click here it opens a new window.
(C) Level. A comprehensive list of beaches, ordered as the coast is followed. This includes many beaches that I would call local beaches. You would be glad to have them at the close to home, but if you are more than 15 minutes drive from them you would consider going to a better beach in (A), or (B) level. There's links to C level from B level.
Below is a quck guide to the best beaches,
but there's a lot of good beaches on the other pages.
Okahu Bay is the closest beach to Auckland central business district ( CBD ) and is suitable for swimming, sunbathing, small boats, and has:
About 2 acres of flat grassed recreation area with children's playground across the road suitable for playing ball games etc.
It has about 400 metres of sand foreshore with a gentle slope under water.
Public toilets.
Is close to: Kelly Tarltons Underwater World, Fergskayaks and Bastion Point.
Best overall family beach.
Tawharanui Regional Park
Has - native coastal forest and regenerating wetlands offering walking an ecology trail and fishermans track( part of the coast is a marine reserve so check location signage before fishing).
Diving and snorkelling in the marine reserve.
White sand beaches,with surf when there's a north east swell.
An open sanctuary with a pest proof fence to protect native wildlife.
A working farm of sheep and cows.
Ocean Beach Campground with basic facilities of water, toilets, shelter trees and grass over sandy undulating ground.
Campervans can park at Lagoon carpark for up to 2 nights. No dogs.
90 minutes drive from central Ak.
For more info click here.
Closest North Shore beach.
Takapuna.
Suitable for swimming walking, sunbathing.Has good sloping concrete boat ramp at the northhern end, with adjacent trailer parking, although parking can be a problem at peak usage times. For non trailer parking go to the southern end of the beach.( Hauraki- Clifton Roads).
Second best family beach.
Long Bay Regional Park
Has - A gently sloping beach with water as warm as you'll get it inaround Auckland, roughly 18 to 22 degrees celceus, with little current.
A childrens play area, with large grassed areas, free of cars for recreational activities.
Picnic tables.
Long Bay - Okura Marine Reserve ( No fishing ). You can dive and snorkel, but the visability is poor ( 4 to 6 metres).
Vaughan Homestead is open every second Sunday afternoon from 2.30 to 5pm, with a basic historical items and information.
Both electric and wood fire barbecues, some are bookable some are for casual use.Is 25 minutes drive from central Ak.
Surfing.
For the most reliable beach breaks go to South Piha ( Can be crowded on sunny weekends).Strong swimmers only, should go above waist deep due to holes and strong rip currents.
or Maori Bay ( Just south of Muriwai beach ).
You need to beware of submerged rocks here.
Best shore scuba diving site -
Goat Island Marine Reserve about 90 km north of central Auckland, or just over one hour to drive there.
You can snorkel or scuba dive here, to see a range of marine life.There's a dive shop on the road between Leigh and Goat Island where you can get air fills, or hire equipment.
There's a camp ground near Goat Island, if you want a longer stay.
Directions - Take State Highway One north until Warkworth and then turn right and go through Matakana to Leigh. At Leigh turn left towards Pakiri , travel about 1.5km then turn right into Goat Island Road. Before the little bridge at the beach you'll find parking spaces.
Go to attractions from Auckland beaches.
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