Auckland's Top Beaches for Families, Surfers, and Strollers

Auckland boasts a variety of stunning beaches, from the surf-swept shores of the west coast to the vibrant café scene and family-friendly spots along the scenic Tāmaki Drive.

Explore further north and south for fantastic swimming options, or combine sandy getaways with delicious food, craft beer, and fine wine on Waiheke Island. Alternatively, take a ferry to the lush Great Barrier Island for a blend of surfing and stargazing experiences.

Mission Bay: The Urban Escape

As the highlight of Auckland's Tāmaki Drive, Mission Bay is a favored destination for families. Participate in a spontaneous game of touch rugby or volleyball, relax on the grass with a platter of fish and chips, or admire the art deco fountain as it lights up at dusk. After sunset, lively spots like the Good George Tap Room and Azabu remain bustling with patrons.

Takapuna: The Go-To Place for Paddleboarding and Ice Cream

Just across the Auckland Harbour Bridge on the North Shore, Takapuna offers stunning views of Rangitoto, the 700-year-old volcanic island dominating the Hauraki Gulf's eastern skyline. It's a favorite spot for swimming and paddleboarding, and you'll often see dog walkers enjoying the beach. Whether you have a furry friend or not, grabbing an ice cream from the Takapuna Beach Cafe is a must.

Piha: The Most Favored Surf Beach on the West Coast

Dominated by the towering presence of Lion Rock, the eroded core of an ancient volcano, Piha is Auckland's most sought-after surf beach along the rugged west coast. During low tide, trails along Piha's black sands lead to striking rock formations known as the Camel and the Gap. For stunning views of the waves crashing in from the Tasman Sea, hike the clifftop Mercer Bay Loop Track. Don't miss a visit to Murray, a laid-back surf shack and café offering coffee and tacos.

Muriwai: Ideal for Surfing, Paragliding, and Blokarting

At Muriwai, the combination of surf and gusty Tasman winds attracts enthusiasts. Surfers tackle the waves at nearby Maukatia Bay, while paragliders soar high on thermals above Muriwai’s black sands. When conditions are perfect, blokart fans race their land yachts along the beach’s sandy track, and tākapu (Australasian gannets) dive from the rocky islands at the beach's southern end.

Te Henga (Bethells Beach) is perfect for a mini adventure

Known by its Māori name Te Henga, Bethells Beach is one of Auckland’s more secluded coastal gems. Reaching this windswept black sand beach, flanked by rugged headlands, often requires a mini-adventure of wading through the shallow waters of the Waitakere River. If you visit on a summer weekend, be sure to grab burgers, pizza, and coffee from the modest food truck at Bethells Cafe.

Onetangi: Ideal for Bodyboarding – and Enjoying Sunset Beers

Welcome to the bodyboarding paradise of Waiheke, Auckland’s wine island. Onetangi is the island’s longest beach, providing ample space for visitors to glide on brightly colored foam boards through the gentle waves of the Hauraki Gulf. After some fun in the water, head across the road to Ki Māha, where craft beers from Waiheke’s Alibi Brewing pair perfectly with fresh oysters from the Te Matuku Marine Reserve.

Man O’War Bay is the perfect spot for jumping off a pier

Reaching Waiheke’s Man O’War Bay involves a bumpy ride on unsealed roads, or you can opt for a floatplane from downtown Auckland—either way, the trip is well worth it. Enjoy a game of beach cricket on the small shoreline, see who can make the biggest splash off the historic wharf, or indulge in adult pleasures by sampling the Valhalla chardonnay from Man O’War Vineyards.

Medlands Beach: Ideal for wildlife encounters and stargazing

Dolphins and occasional orca pods can often be spotted near Medlands, making it the premier beach on Auckland’s remote Hauraki Gulf island, popular for surfing and bodyboarding. Great Barrier Island, known to Māori as Aotea (‘white cloud’), was declared an International Dark Sky Sanctuary in 2017. After sunset, Good Heavens’ Dark Sky Ambassadors set up powerful telescopes in the sand dunes of Medlands, offering views of the southern hemisphere’s night sky, including seasonal appearances of Jupiter and Saturn. During summer, the simple Medlands tasting room by Island Gin serves island-crafted gin infused with local forest botanicals.

Matheson Bay is Auckland's top swimming destination

Brightened by the red blossoms of pōhutukawa trees—often called 'New Zealand’s Christmas tree'—Matheson Bay’s intimate cove ranks among the finest swimming spots in the Auckland area. Even at low tide, the beach drops off steeply enough to make swimming enjoyable. Located about an hour north of Auckland, it pairs perfectly with a visit to the nearby Matakana farmers’ market on Saturday mornings.

Tāpapakanga: Perfect for coastal hiking trails

A must-visit for a one-day Kiwi road trip, Tāpapakanga is situated in an Auckland regional park about an hour southeast of the city. If you go in late February, you can experience the Splore festival, celebrating music, dance, and culture, or enjoy the beach’s walking trails and shaded coves all to yourself during a quiet weekday visit any time of the year.