The best beaches out and around Auckland
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Summer is officially here and sun, surf and sand are all we can daydream about while we count down the days to our summer time vacation. This season we are all about keeping healthy and enjoying some physical activity in nature and what better way than to hit the beautiful beaches we are lucky to have on our doorstep.
This week on the on the journal, we share with you three of Auckland’s best beach spots – from the calm, golden picnic spot to the fierce waves on the rugged west coast – there is a place for everyone on Auckland’s diverse shores.
CHELTENHAM BEACH – NORTH SHORE
For all the shore dwellers, Takapuna is usually the easy choice – it is located near some of our favourite restaurants and is always packed so if you are in the mood for being seen or people watching – this is your first choice. A little further up Takapuna’s shoreline heading towards Devonport, is a quiet and more untouched beach called Cheltenham. Home to beautiful villas, quaint ice-cream stores and softer sand – this gem is an ideal spot If you want a little more time-out and would rather escape the crowds. Pack an afternoon picnic and take the family down at sunset for a memorable evening or head there after brunch on Saturday and walk the coast up to Devonport for an easy scenic beach walk.
MURIWAI – WEST AUCKLAND
Spanning miles of silty black sand, Muriwai is one of the west coast's finest beaches just further north of Bethells and Piha.
Home to large Gannet colonies, it is a popular spot for tourists and with its large waves, is a local for surfers. This is a beautiful destination for a day trip – the drive takes you through Kumeu – where you can get fresh organic fruit icecream and there are many vineyards off the highway to stop for some of the North Islands best wines and produce. Our favourite is Hallertau Brewery (the craft beer brewery) which sits comfortably on the route to Muriwai! Once you are at Muriwai, although this wonderful spot can be crowded – there are many sections of the beach to explore which means you can choose whether or not to stick with the crowds or veer off for more privacy. This is definitely one of our favourite sunbathing spots – the sun is perfectly placed for a late afternoon dip and the high sand dunes help to calm the winds. Our tip is to stick around until sunset - the west coast does it best!
ESPLANADE RESERVE BEACH PT CHEVALIER
This park is heavily populated during the summer – and with good reason! Pt Chev is a classic Auckland City spot for catching some sun and taking a dip. There are family-owned fish and chip spots for the kids and plenty of grass for running around and flying kites. However, this is not why it made our top 3 list. If you head to the northern end of the park, you will see a little pathway that dives into the bush. If you continue for 10 minutes up the Eric Armishaw Esplanade Reserve eventually the path will end at a staircase and a gorgeous strip of sandy beach forms a perfect little cove. Native pohutukawa create a magnificent shade (so you won’t get burnt) and it is an oasis compared to the crowded Pt. Chevalier beach. This spot is yet to be named – that is how secret it is! Enjoy!
This week on the on the journal, we share with you three of Auckland’s best beach spots – from the calm, golden picnic spot to the fierce waves on the rugged west coast – there is a place for everyone on Auckland’s diverse shores.
CHELTENHAM BEACH – NORTH SHORE
For all the shore dwellers, Takapuna is usually the easy choice – it is located near some of our favourite restaurants and is always packed so if you are in the mood for being seen or people watching – this is your first choice. A little further up Takapuna’s shoreline heading towards Devonport, is a quiet and more untouched beach called Cheltenham. Home to beautiful villas, quaint ice-cream stores and softer sand – this gem is an ideal spot If you want a little more time-out and would rather escape the crowds. Pack an afternoon picnic and take the family down at sunset for a memorable evening or head there after brunch on Saturday and walk the coast up to Devonport for an easy scenic beach walk.
MURIWAI – WEST AUCKLAND
Spanning miles of silty black sand, Muriwai is one of the west coast's finest beaches just further north of Bethells and Piha.
Home to large Gannet colonies, it is a popular spot for tourists and with its large waves, is a local for surfers. This is a beautiful destination for a day trip – the drive takes you through Kumeu – where you can get fresh organic fruit icecream and there are many vineyards off the highway to stop for some of the North Islands best wines and produce. Our favourite is Hallertau Brewery (the craft beer brewery) which sits comfortably on the route to Muriwai! Once you are at Muriwai, although this wonderful spot can be crowded – there are many sections of the beach to explore which means you can choose whether or not to stick with the crowds or veer off for more privacy. This is definitely one of our favourite sunbathing spots – the sun is perfectly placed for a late afternoon dip and the high sand dunes help to calm the winds. Our tip is to stick around until sunset - the west coast does it best!
ESPLANADE RESERVE BEACH PT CHEVALIER
This park is heavily populated during the summer – and with good reason! Pt Chev is a classic Auckland City spot for catching some sun and taking a dip. There are family-owned fish and chip spots for the kids and plenty of grass for running around and flying kites. However, this is not why it made our top 3 list. If you head to the northern end of the park, you will see a little pathway that dives into the bush. If you continue for 10 minutes up the Eric Armishaw Esplanade Reserve eventually the path will end at a staircase and a gorgeous strip of sandy beach forms a perfect little cove. Native pohutukawa create a magnificent shade (so you won’t get burnt) and it is an oasis compared to the crowded Pt. Chevalier beach. This spot is yet to be named – that is how secret it is! Enjoy!
