Growing up in Tāmaki Makaurau means long summer days by the sea. From gentle harbourside bays to shady pōhutukawa-lined shores, Auckland has no shortage of sheltered, beaches for paddling, picnicking and exploring rock pools. Here are five great spots for little legs and big adventures.
1. Rongohau / Kendall Bay, Chatswood
Begin on Onetaunga Road, opposite Chelsea View Drive, and follow the signposted Brian Norton Track through Kauri Point Centennial Park to Kendall Bay.
If your child and your dog come as a package deal, this is the spot for you. A short but steep (on-leash) walk through the Kauri Point Centennial Park bush leads you to this beach. There’s just enough room to throw a frisbee, and rock pools to search for marine life.
Conveniently, Kendall Bay beach is an off-leash area during winter, and between 5pm and 10am in the summertime (1 Dec – 1 Mar), so your two-legged and four-legged loved ones can enjoy the sea together. On your way back, the steeper marshlands walk rewards you with great views over the city and harbour.
2. Ōkahu Bay, Ōrākei
Toilets, changing rooms, barbecues, picnic tables and seating make this an ideal spot for little ones. Cross at the traffic lights to reach the playground at Ōrākei Domain.
Just minutes from the city centre, Ōkahu Bay is a sheltered, inner-harbour beach perfect for a quick family swim. The calm shallows make it a great place to stop for a paddle, and the nearby playground at Ōrākei Domain and grassy reserve offer plenty of space to run around.
It’s also a great spot for picnics and bike rides - the Tāmaki Drive shared path runs right past the beach. Grab fish and chips or an ice cream from Mission Bay and enjoy the view across to Rangitoto.
3. Cornwallis, Titirangi
A popular family spot for picnics and swimming, featuring the restored 200m Cornwallis Wharf.
Bordering the Waitākere Ranges, Cornwallis Beach is one of the most popular swimming spots on the Manukau Harbour. With calm water, picnic tables and wide sandy areas, it’s ideal for families who want space to spread out. Remember to watch out for the strong tidal currents further out from shore.
There’s a boat ramp, toilets and shaded grassy areas, plus the 200m-long Cornwallis Wharf, the last remaining of 16 that once served Manukau ferries. If you have a certified self-contained campervan, you can even book an overnight stay.
4. Āwhitu Regional Park, Āwhitu
There are great views of Kauritūtahi Island from Kauritūtahi Beach.
Pack a picnic and make a day of it at this peaceful harbourside park, reached via a scenic drive through Waiuku. The tranquil waters of Kauritūtahi Beach are perfect for swimming or beach cricket, and there’s plenty of open space for family gatherings.
Facilities include toilets, parking, a wood-burning barbecue and drinking fountains. You can even book a picnic site for parties, or stay overnight at Āwhitu House, a charming 1930s cottage just five minutes’ walk from the beach.
5. Wenderholm Regional Park, Waiwera
Wenderholm’s gentle waves and big shady trees make it a favourite for families with little ones.
Nestled between the Puhoi River and the Hauraki Gulf, Wenderholm Regional Park offers one of Auckland’s most peaceful and sheltered swimming spots. The estuary is perfect for beginner swimmers, while the wide grassy reserve provides plenty of space for picnics and games.
Shady pōhutukawa trees line the beach, and there are barbecues, picnic tables, toilets and walking tracks through native bush. Little explorers can look for shells and crabs at low tide or wander the short Maungatauhoro Te Hīikoi track for sweeping views of the coast.
With lifeguards on duty during the summer months, Wenderholm is a peaceful and scenic day trip for families wanting a touch of nature just 45 minutes north of the city.
Check before you swimBefore heading out, check Safeswim.co.nz and download the app for up-to-date water quality, tide and weather information. There are safe swim pins for many popular beaches across the region which explain local hazards and provide up to date information. Safeswim is a great way to keep your whānau safer and make the most of Auckland’s beautiful beaches this summer. Always provide active supervision, within sight, without distraction and within arm’s reach of children near water, even in calm conditions, and make sure everyone knows how to Float First before entering the water this summer. Check out Surf Life Saving’s beach safety messages and Drowning Prevention Auckland’s’ Float First before you head out. With warm days on the horizon, grab your togs, snacks and sunscreen and discover one of these calmer, family-friendly beaches near you. |
