Auckland has a beach for everything. Whether you prefer to sit on the sand and chow down on chippies, a snorkel in a bay to look for Nemo, or love a good, old-fashioned private bask in a secret escape, we’ve got it all.
For a stunning stroll on some of Auckland’s best beaches, we’ve created a sandsational list for you.
Takapuna To Milford
Already a popular walk for those who live on the North Shore, the Takapuna to Milford route is nothing short of spectacular. Grab an ice-cream from Takapuna Beach Cafe and make your way to the boat ramp to begin your journey. The 30-60-minute walk, will take you over sandy stretches, pathways and—at times—rocky patches, so solid footwear is strongly suggested. Soak in the vast Hauraki Gulf and and become green with envy at the lucky beggars who reside here. Keep an eye out for orcas and dolphins as they tend to splash around these parts too.
Orewa Beach
Orewa provides one of the best beach walks in Auckland. With a completely unspoiled stretch of golden sands, this 3km stretch is perfect for feeling the sand between your toes and the sea-breeze through your hair. Take turns dipping in and out of the sea, running away from waves and a picnic break. All in all, you won’t be disappointed.
Tawharanui Regional Park
Road trip up north to Tawharanui Regional Park where beach walks are aplenty. On the northern side of the peninsula, you'll find four white, sandy beaches totaling 3km long—perfect for swimming, sunbathing and—of course—walking. This park has it all with biking tracks, bird watching, dive sites and two campgrounds. Stay overnight and you might be lucky enough to hear the call of a kiwi.
White’s Beach Day Walk, Anawhata
This West Coast beauty is a little secret. However, our secrets are too good to keep, sorry. The White’s Beach day walk is an hour long and begins down a local resident’s driveway, so just be your lovely selves and respect their generosity. From there, signs will direct you to White’s Beach, where the track meanders down toward the big blue, where sand dunes await. Scramble over the sandy hills, play in the sea and build forts out of driftwood as your afternoon escapes you.
Narrow Neck Beach, Devonport
It could be pretty easy to get distracted with the ice-cream, kayaking and fishing in the golden, sanded paradise of Narrow Neck Beach, but remember what you came for—walking! With a-mazing views of Rangitoto, this low-tide dependable walk, is nothing short of stunning. Embark on your one-hour return walk and reward yourself afterwards with a picnic in the bay. For a leisurely and moderately easy stroll, we can’t recommend a day out at Narrow Neck Beach, enough.
Red Beach
Not too far from Orewa Beach, you’ll find Red Beach. With shallow swimming spots, kayaking opportunities and a frequent visitor, Mr Whippy, it’s a weekend dream. When when the tide is low, follow the cliff rocks and you’ll discover secret rock pools, and, a little further on, a cove. Full of adventure and mystery, this Auckland spot may just be your new beach fave.
Image credit: New Zealand Tourism