We went here on recommendation of a friend and what a discovery. This is one of those reviews I…read morewasn't sure I should write because once the secret is out, some of the magic of this place will be lost in the crowds. There's a few in the know already because we certainly weren't alone but it's absolultely one of the quietest beaches I've been to in a long time. It's calm and safe, albeit a little sharp underfoot and the tide never seems to go out very far. There's a grassy area under the trees if you prefer or a reasonable amount of shade under the rockfaces. It's really beautiful and we spent an afternoon here quietly relaxing with everyone doing their own thing (read boys throwing things around and digging holes, the girl making a beautiful sand sculpture and the parents snoozing and reading). Bliss.

Good beach for swimming when a nor'easterly blows (it's calm then). Also not very tidal, unlike (to…read moremy knowledge) all other Manukau harbour beaches. Been going there for years.

Summer is my favourite season and I have a dream that one day it every day will be summer. I love…read moresummer because of the beach, I like to think of myself as a beach babe even though I don't necessarily swim. I tend to do the Baywatch thing and walk in water and casually stroll along the beach. After a recommendation from my father, I went to Cornawallis with my boyfriend for a picnic and a waddle in the water. The view was breathtaking and the beach itself was beautiful, the flowers and the trees had blossomed. We sat under one of the trees, opened a cider and munched on our food while the soft breeze tickled our skin. I loved it! You could enjoy the sun under the trees but still have some shade. We actually had a nap under the tree which was refreshing.

We went here during the summer in order to relive my husband's golden memories of his youth but…read morefound it somewhat lacking. Only in New Zealand could you say that about a beach that looks this good but hey, we can't help it, we're spoilt for choice. It's roomy but busy and the shade provided by the overhanging pohutakawas is in hot (literally) demand. Like most of the beaches in this west coast chain, there's a large grassed area as well if you don't want to get down on the sand. We squished in under a spot of shade, a little too close to another family but that was the only protected spot that was left. The kids climbed the tree a bit but the swimming was muddy, slimy and sludgy which was ok but didn't engender repeated dips. I'd say try one of the more quiet ones further down the road.

Such a great little beach!! I came here when I had a Thursday off and spent almost three hours…read morelaying in the sun and cooling off in the water. The beach is small but not overly crowded, and there is even a dock in the water for kids (or adults haha). There is a grassy area right by the beach if you want to chill out in the shade for a while. That would be a great spot for a picnic! There is street parking available but no car park. This probably helps keep it not so crowded There are public bathrooms with showers to wash the sand off, but make sure to bring your own soap or hand sanitizer as the bathroom doesn't stock soap. Overall this is a great beach if you're looking to catch some sun - there isn't much shade on the beach but if you want some, head on to the grass. Make sure to bring your own water and snacks! It's based in a residential area so you won't have lots of food and drink options.

Since Pt Chev beach was re-sanded it's really become a gem of a city beach. It is great for a…read morepicnic date, a family adventure, or a good beach adventure for your pooch. Parking can be a bit difficult during the summer but there is also plenty of street parking before the Coyle Park car park. It's off-leash for dogs all the time during the winter and before 9am and after 7pm during the summer. The only real important thing to be mindful of is the tide. Pt Chev beach is incredibly tidal so if you rock up during low tide expecting to go for a swim it ain't gonna happen. Likewise, if you arrive expecting to go for a beach walk at high tide, it will prove nearly impossible. Otherwise, Pt Chev beach is one of those places that makes Auckland such a great city to live in.

I came here for a wedding and I was really stoked on the venue. It is modest but yet so amazing as…read moreit looks right over the water. There are balconies around the entire building so the guests can take in the fresh sea air and the beautiful view. I'd recommend checking the tides though so that your wedding lines up with high tide as it goes out quite a way. While we waited for the couple to arrive we went for a walk around the water on the beach. It's the perfect way to have a chilled out Kiwi wedding. We watched the sunset across the harbour while eating dinner by caterers the couple got in. It was a really beautiful setting; as good as you'll get really and for a fraction of the price. It's not a huge venue but would be perfect for a smaller wedding. At the end of the night they just cleared the tables and made way for a dance floor.

A couple of my friends have got married here, and while the view is absolutely fantastic, the venue…read moreitself isn't that great. Hold that thought, it's a great venue for a small wedding; a terrible venue for a not so small wedding. My friend's wedding wasn't the smallest so we were packed in, not comfortably either. Our table was right next to the bar so people seemed to be around us constantly, and my head kept smacking against the side of the bar where our table was. The best thing about the venue however are the balconies. They wrap right around one side over the beach. The sea smell is gorgeous and the views are stunning, especially when the sun starts to set. The whole place is surrounded by huge windows making it appear bigger than it is, and giving great light and views from everywhere. Fantastic photo ops, especially for selfies.

Wicked little reserve and beach just off the North Western motorway…read more This place is a popular spot for kite surfers as the prevailing wind heads offshore most of the time, and when the tide's in on a sunny day you can spot heaps of these madmen speeding along the beach. It's also a really nice place to stop for a nice picnic and watch the sun go down. It even has a playground to keep the kids busy, and toilets onsite too, just in case.

As a recent new pet owner I still find myself constantly on the prowl for dog friendly beaches in…read morethe Auckland area. So far a good rule of thumb is that the Regional Parks are a good bet on being dog friendly, Dept of Conservation tracks/parks are usually a no-go zone, and Council land are 50/50. The Kakamatua inlet is basically a dog's dream and it's actually fun for owners too. There's about a 5-minute bush walk to get to the beach and opens up to an ample off-lead beach with no time-of-day restrictions throughout the year. The beach is super tidal so if you go at low tide the beach about triples in size, but don't worry about high tide as there is still ample beach for your pooch. The waves are gentle and swim-friendly for dogs of all sizes and it's a really good place for dogs to brush up on their social skills. The car park can be quite full as it is a real local favorite (especially on the weekend). There are several rubbish bins at various points of the walk to dispose of your pooch's dirty business and there is even a loo for humans too! If you're looking for an off-lead dog friendly beach especially during summer venturing out West to the Kakamatua Inlet won't disappoint!

I love kakamatua because my dog has an amazing time at this beach! She loves too run around and…read moreplay on the huge massive space! I recommend taking your dog/s to play because there is often many other dogs there too! But just be careful because there are crabs in the water so take your water shoes just incase but besides by that the beach is very fun!

This park seems to be a dogs idea of heaven . Water to swim in , birds to chase and other dogs to…read moreplay with . I can see the other reviewers misgivings and for sure this place is far from perfect . But there is a large car park and a new playground so in time when its finished it will/might be a bit better . The public toilets are always clean and have toilet paper which believe me is hard to come by in some public facilities . You can walk a circuit around the Bay Area and if I had a dog I would bring them here . Side note : some people are far from pro active in picking up their dog waste so watch where you step .

I am confused about Onehunga. There's long been a campaign to "restore the foreshore", particularly…read moresince the State Highway 20 extension going through the bottom of the suburb was completed. It's an admirable idea but let's face it, it's a bit late - there's giant cement tanks at the wharf, power pylons galore and yes, a motorway. My confusion arises from the fact that a lot of time and resources have been poured into the campaign for restoration of the beach but economically the suburb has been slowly falling in to a wasteland with more and more businesses going under or up and leaving. Surely supporting these businesses to create a thriving local economy would be of more benefit and bring more life to this special piece of Auckland? Anyway, the Onehunga Bay Reserve is located right next to the motorway and used to look fairly attractive and green with a lagoon, a playground and a fitness trail. Currently it is undergoing a massive renovation and looks crappy but in two years time there will apparently be a reclaimed beach here. It's hard to believe but I hope it's true. Like I said, I'm just not that sure that this is where the money needed to be spent.