16 Best Beaches Near Auckland I’d Actually Recommend
Auckland gets written off as just another big city, but head out an hour in almost any direction and you’ll hit a beach worth the trip.
As a Kiwi with family who used to live near Mission Bay, I’ve got my favourites, from calm city bays to the wild black sand of the west coast.
The tricky part is that they’re all so different, so the best one really depends on the kind of beach day you’re after.
So whether you want a quick swim close to the city or a full day trip somewhere wilder, these are the 16 beaches near Auckland I’d actually recommend, including three from guest writer Bailey of Destinationless Travel.
Quick Answer: The Best Beaches Near Auckland
⭐⭐⭐ Want wild, black-sand west coast beaches? Piha, Karekare and Bethells are all within about an hour of the city, and the Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour takes you there without the winding drive. Check tour prices & availability →
⭐⭐ Want white sand and wine? Hop on the 40-minute ferry to Waiheke Island for a swim and a winery lunch. Check ferry prices & availability →
1. Piha Beach
I’ll start with the most obvious and most well-known: Piha Beach.
Piha Beach is usually on everyone’s list of things to do when they visit Auckland because it is simply that beautiful!
In the summer, Piha Beach is the perfect place to lay on the sand and get your tan on.
But in the winter it is equally as beautiful. It’s worth the drive for that reason alone!
Visitors can also climb Lion’s Rock, which is a short hike to the top but offers even better views – it’s one of the best things to do at Piha Beach!
You will see Lion’s Rock as soon as you arrive at Piha Beach, it is a large rock with a hiking trail right from the beach. The hike is very common.
Piha Beach is about an hour’s drive from Auckland.
The road there does get very narrow with sharp turns so take your time and drive carefully.
Once you’re at Piha beach there are lots of places to park, cafes and restaurants around.
If you loved Piha beach as much as I did, maybe consider renting an Airbnb in the area and spending a night or two hanging out at the beach!
2. Bethells Beach
Of all the best beaches near Auckland, Bethells Beach is my favourite!
It is actually relatively close to Piha Beach but much quicker to get to via a better road. From Auckland city centre, Bethells Beach is about a 45 minute drive.
What makes Bethells Beach special though isn’t how easy it is to get there, but the variety of things to do and see once you’re there.
Once you’re at the Bethells Beach car-park you must walk about 5 minutes to the beach.
From there if you turn left and walk along the coast for about 20 minutes you will reach an awesome big cave, known as Bethells Cave.
This can only be done at low tide, but makes for the perfect place to hang out for a bit.
You won’t find amazing caves like this at Auckland city beaches!
If you turn right instead of left toward the cave and walk along the coast and across a small river-crossing then you will get to an entirely different bay!
The bay here is more beautiful than Bethells with how secluded it is and because of the rock formations. It’s more picturesque than a lot of the city beaches!
Climb over the hill at the back of the beach and then you will get to another beach: O’Neil’s Bay!
This beach is famous for surfing and you are guaranteed to be entertained watching all of the surfers.
Again, this walk is best done at low tide.
If exploring Bethells Beach and area wasn’t enough though, on the drive back you can stop and check out the Bethells Beach Sand Dunes.
From the road you must walk about 30 minutes but then you will be greeted with crazy sand dunes and a huge lake.
The walk is 2 km one way and is fairly easy as it is mostly flat ground and signposted.
Where I’d Stay in Auckland for Beach Days
(⭐⭐⭐ = my top pick)
⭐⭐⭐ The Hotel Britomart: Pick this one if you want to splurge a little. It’s right in the city, a short walk from the ferries to Waiheke and Rangitoto. Check prices & availability →
⭐⭐ Kohimarama Beach Bed & Breakfast: This place is number one for beach lovers. It’s a seven-minute walk to Kohimarama Beach, right next door to Mission Bay. Check prices & availability →
⭐ Bethells Beach Cottages: Pick this one if you want something a little unique. These sea-view cottages sit metres from Bethells Beach, with a hot tub and a fireplace for cooler nights. Check prices & availability →
Prefer a fancier city base? Here are my favourite luxury hotels in Auckland.
3. Muriwai Beach
There may be beautiful beaches in Auckland itself, but Muriwai Beach is the perfect place to head to for sunset.
When we were there, the grassy area was perfect for relaxing with a beer in hand while watching the sun go down with several paragliders hanging overhead.
From the months of August to March it is possible to see the colony of Gannets which are big birds. They nest on the cliffs next to Muriwai Beach.
This is actually a really popular spot for tourists to visit, especially those who love watching birds. There is a short walk to get to the best viewing point of the birds.
On the way back to Auckland, you can stop in the town of Parakai at the Parakai Hot Springs if you want to go for a dip.
They aren’t the most amazing hot pools New Zealand has to offer but are a great option for warming up (especially in the winter!).
Muriwai Beach is about 45 minutes from Auckland city centre.
It is easy to drive to and there are actually even guided tours that go there.
👋 Anita Hendrieka here! This first section of the post was written by our fabulous guest writer Destinationless Travel, but I wanted to add in some extra beaches near Auckland that you can visit because there are some I just couldn’t leave out! So let’s continue with some beaches that I (Anita) recommend personally…
4. Mission Bay Beach
Mission Bay Beach is my go-to spot for a quick escape from the city.
Just a short drive from central Auckland, it’s the ideal place to relax with calm waters and stunning views of Rangitoto Island.
I have family who used to live in this part of Auckland and it was so calm and beautiful!
The golden sands and nearby eateries make it a perfect spot for an easy beach day. Grab some ice cream, stroll along the promenade, and soak up the sun.
During high tide, the beach buzzes with swimmers and paddleboarders, making it an exciting yet laid-back escape.
Mission Bay is the kind of Auckland beach that’s close to everything, but feels worlds away. A true local favourite.
3 Auckland Beach Experiences I’d Book Right Away
🏝️ Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour: Pick this one if you want the wild west coast without the winding drive. You’ll see Piha’s black sand and the Waitākere Ranges rainforest in one trip. Check availability →
🌅 Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach Small-Group Tour: Pick this one if you want to see the Coromandel, my favourite place near Auckland, in a day. It covers Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach without you having to drive. Check availability →
🛶 Sunset & Night Sea Kayak to Rangitoto Island: Pick this one if you want something a little different. You paddle out at sunset to the island you can see from Mission Bay and Takapuna, then paddle back after dark. Check availability →
5. Waiheke Island
If you’re after a beach day with a twist, hop on a ferry to Waiheke Island, just across the Hauraki Gulf.
This island has some of the best white-sand beaches around Auckland, along with world-famous vineyards that make it an ideal spot for wine lovers.
Some of the best wine in New Zealand is located on this island!
I recommend going for a morning swim, then heading to one of the wineries for an afternoon tasting.
The mix of beach vibes and scenic vineyards makes Waiheke a must-do, especially for a day trip.
It’s a beautiful getaway on Auckland’s east coast, where you’ll feel worlds away while being so close to the city.
6. Takapuna Beach
Just a short drive from Auckland, Takapuna Beach is the perfect mix of chill vibes and great views.
With its white sand and stunning views of Rangitoto, it’s a favourite for locals looking to relax by the water.
I love exploring the rock pools here during low tide. It’s especially fun for families with kids.
Takapuna also has plenty of nearby cafes, bars, and boutique shops, making it a great spot for a beach day with a bit of everything.
It’s an easy, laid-back beach with all the conveniences you need for a relaxing day out.
7. Orewa Beach
Orewa Beach is a local favourite, with golden sands stretching for miles and plenty of space to spread out.
Just a 30 minute short drive north of Auckland, it’s the perfect spot for a beach walk or swim, especially during high tide when the water is calm and inviting.
I love this beach for its relaxed vibe and the great cafes nearby, where you can grab a coffee or a bite after some time in the sun.
Make sure you bring an umbrella or some sort of sunshade as there’s not a lot of shade here at all.
Orewa is ideal for those looking to escape the city crowds without going too far, offering a peaceful beach day in a beautiful setting.
8. Tawharanui Regional Park
Anchor Bay in Tawharanui Regional Park is a slice of paradise with white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water, it’s HIGH on my list of the best beaches in New Zealand.
Just an easy drive from Auckland, this spot is a hidden gem on the east coast, perfect for a peaceful day surrounded by nature.
The walking tracks through native bush add to the experience, and if you’re there at low tide, the rock pools are ideal for a bit of exploring.
It’s a beach lover’s dream. Scenic, quiet, and full of natural beauty that makes the trip totally worth it.
9. Cheltenham Beach
For a quieter beach day, head to Cheltenham Beach in Devonport, with its calm waters and stunning views of Rangitoto.
It’s a relaxing alternative to the busier city beaches, and the perfect spot for a swim or sunbathing during high tide.
The beach is in close proximity to Devonport village, making it easy to pop over for a coffee or explore the quaint shops.
Cheltenham has that laid-back vibe, ideal for those looking to unwind with a bit of scenery and some old-school charm.
10. Bucklands Beach and Eastern Bays
Bucklands Beach and the surrounding eastern bays are perfect for a classic Kiwi beach day.
These sandy beaches have a bit of everything, from spots with strong currents for experienced swimmers to areas with calm waters for a more relaxed vibe.
I love the walking tracks along the coastline here, which offer beautiful views and easy access to each beach in the area.
It’s a great way to explore multiple beaches in one trip, all within close proximity to each other and perfect for soaking up that east coast charm.
11. Karekare Beach
Karekare Beach is one of Auckland’s most rugged and beautiful beaches, known for its strong currents and dramatic scenery.
This west coast gem is famous for Lion Rock, standing proudly on the sandy beach and offering a stunning photo backdrop.
It’s a favourite for photographers and adventurers alike, with a walking track leading to a nearby waterfall that’s well worth the quick detour.
Karekare has a wild, untouched vibe that makes it feel miles away from the city. Well worth the trip if you’re looking for a taste of Auckland’s wilder side.
This beach is very near Piha beach so you could hit both beaches in one day easily.
12. Coromandel Peninsula
For a true escape, head to the Coromandel Peninsula. It’s famous for its white-sand beaches and lush landscapes.
The Coromandel is perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway, offering some of the best views along the east coast.
It’s one of those places where the natural beauty speaks for itself, making it a must-visit if you’re in Auckland and have a bit more time to explore.
This is my FAVOURITE place near Auckland ever!
The drive itself is beautiful, and once you’re there, you’ll find stunning spots like Cathedral Cove, a hidden gem accessible by a scenic walk, and Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hot pools at low tide.
13. Te Arai Beach
Te Arai Beach is a stunning, lesser-known beach on the east coast of the North Island, about an hour and a half from Auckland.
Known for its white sand and crystal-clear water, it’s a great escape if you’re looking to avoid the usual beach crowds.
The area around Te Arai is popular with surfers due to its reliable waves, but you’ll also find calm spots perfect for swimming.
You can book a 2-hour surf lesson here if you want to try it for yourself!
The beach is surrounded by dunes and native bush, making it feel wonderfully remote.
It’s a peaceful spot to relax, and you might even spot some unique wildlife along the shoreline, Te Arai is a nesting ground for the endangered New Zealand fairy tern.
14. Mangawhai Heads Beach
Another gem along the east coast, Mangawhai Heads Beach is known for its sandy beach, rolling dunes, and vibrant marine life.
This beach is about 1.5 hours from Auckland and offers everything from gentle swimming areas to strong surf breaks.
A standout feature is the rock pools along the coast, which are fun to explore, especially with kids.
Mangawhai Heads also has a scenic walking track that leads up to clifftop views overlooking the ocean. A perfect hike for those who want a bit of adventure with their beach day.
With its mix of laid-back beach vibes and stunning views, Mangawhai Heads is definitely worth the trip from Auckland.
My Number One Tip: Hire a Car for Full Flexibility
If you want to see more than one beach, Auckland is much easier if you have your own wheels. You can pick up a car at Auckland Airport or in the city.
Check here for the best car rental companies and prices for your Auckland trip →
15. Omaha Beach
Just an hour’s drive north of Auckland, Omaha Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand beach that’s perfect for a relaxed day in the sun.
With calm, clear water, it’s a great swimming spot for families and is often less crowded than some of Auckland’s more popular beaches.
Omaha’s golden sands make it ideal for long beach walks, and the nearby estuary is a prime spot for birdwatching.
There are also excellent facilities nearby, including picnic areas and a playground, so it’s an ideal spot for a full day out. It’s also only a short drive from Goat Island Marine Reserve if you want to go snorkelling.
Plus, it’s close to the wineries of Matakana, so you can easily combine a beach day with a bit of wine tasting.
16. Point Chevalier Beach
For a beach that’s right in the city, Point Chevalier Beach has calm waters perfect for swimming, especially during high tide.
This beach is known for its relaxed vibe and is a favourite for locals looking to enjoy a sunny afternoon without leaving Auckland.
It’s a sandy beach with grassy areas ideal for picnics, and there’s plenty of shade if you’re keen to escape the sun for a bit.
Point Chevalier is also a dog-friendly beach, so it’s a great choice if you’re travelling with pets.
It’s a low-key spot that’s perfect for unwinding, catching some sun, or just taking a dip with Rangitoto in the distance.
These beaches are all super easy to get to from Auckland and all look so different from each other.
If you love the outdoors and find yourself in Auckland you can explore the surrounding area very easily. The beaches are just beautiful on the North Island.
Guest Author: Bailey is a budget traveler always searching for her next adventure. After spending more than a year travelling in Latin America, Bailey is now exploring New Zealand.
You will likely find her hiking, going on road trips, or drinking wine while staring at an amazing view.
You can follow Bailey on her journey on her blog, Destinationless Travel.
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