Auckland Beaches

The good beaches rimming the Auckland coast in all directions are a popular weekend destination for many. But other attractions beckon visitors, as well. On day trips from Auckland, you can explore the scattered islands of Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, visit colonial Howick and rural Clevedon, ride a vintage train near Glenbrook, go wine tasting in the Henderson Valley, or tour the Hibiscus Coast north of Auckland.

Guided motorcoach excursions take visitors through the Auckland countryside; southeast to Coromandel, Waitomo, and Rotorua; and north to the Bay of Islands. Day cruises visit some of the Hauraki Gulf islands.

Flightseeing trips departing from Mechanics Bay on the Waitemata waterfront offer aerial views of the city, harbors, and gulf islands. Flights also serve Pakatoa, Waiheke, and Great Barrier islands. Beach scene fair weather weekends, Aucklanders head for the nearby beaches and bays that provide much of the city's ambience. Most can be reached by public transportation. Fine beaches abound on the North Shore, bordering Hauraki Gulf. West of Auckland is the more untamed, hilly expanse along the Tasman coast. Closer in beaches dude Okahu Bay, Mission Bay, and St. Heliers, and others southeast of Auckland on Tamaki Strait.

North Shore. From the Ferry Terminal on Quay Street, Devonport is just a short ferry ride across Waitemata Harbour. The town's sheltered shore is backed by a grassy picnic reserve.

Devonport's North Head, a recreation reserve within Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, offers glorious views of the gulf. Entrance to the reserve is from Takaraunga Road.

Adults enjoy strolling along a water level trail, while children explore abandoned tunnels and gun emplacements of a former military fort.

Takapuna is one of the district's most popular strands. Many homes border beaches along the East Coast Bays, a series of coastal resorts stretching from Milford north to Long Bay, More fine beaches rim the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and Hibiscus Coast near Orewa.

West coast beaches. Along the rugged Tasman coast, great sandy beaches sprawl at the foot of steep forested hills. From roads above the beaches, many trails wind through trees down to the sand. Surfcasters fish from the rocks, and picnickers and hikers roam the beach and bluffs. Ocean surfers ride the waves at Piha and Muriwai Beach; Karekare and Bethells Beach are also popular.