We decided to do a day trip over to Waiheke Island and rented a car so we could do a bit of…read moreexploring. This is one of two beaches that we spent some time on. Like other beaches we have visited in New Zealand, it is astounding how few people were there. Of course it was nearing the end of the summer school holiday, and a weekday, but even at 2 pm on a warm and mostly sunny day, there were only a handful of people and just a few splashing about in the waves. While not huge, at low tide there is a broad flat golden sandy beach perfect for just hanging out. There is some parking in a small lot or on the street too. We had no trouble finding a space. There also is a toilet and a small convenience store nearby. We hung out and enjoyed the sun for about an hour.

Great play ground and pristine beach. The playground is perfect for toddlers and slightly older…read morekids, with swings slides and climbing gyms. It also has picnic tables, but often times in nice weather, everyone takes their picnic down to the beach. Nice beach for swimming with very calm waves, and pretty seashells for beachcombing.

This has to be one of the busiest beaches during the summer months! And it's pretty obvious why…read more The beach itself is absolutely beautiful. The water is clear and crisp and the sand is squeaky clean... it actually squeaks sometimes when you rub your feet in it! This is a great beach for the family as more often that not there are little waves, which make for some fun boogie boarding or body surfing. As Jacob said it's not often that there's real surf-able waves here but when the east coast swell gets up and hits at the right angle you might be in for a treat. There are some awesome rock pools to explore and a hill to climb which gives you a great look out over the bay. But be careful! I once saw a group of young kids get washed along the rocks as a set wave rolled in. Make sure you accompany your kids and only go exploring if there aren't big waves and the tide's not too high!

Beautiful Anchor Bay is a day trip spent perfectly in one of our regions golden treasures…read more I spent Easter Sunday here with my son and partner, we arrived not too long after lunch, and the car park close by was already packed to maximum capacity. A short walk down to the beach via the beach path and we found a lovely patch of sand with our name on it. I spent my time here swimming in the beautiful clean cool ocean, body surfing waves, and sun tanning. I recommend if you're not too relaxed to take a walk down the beach towards the rock pools which fill up and explore a deep human sized rock pool that you can dive bomb into! Sublime. The little kids will enjoy running about the rock pools and soaking in them, or searching for the little and big crabs that call it their home. The oceans out beyond the bay are protected as a marine reserve so the fish/sea creatures are happy and you won't see a fisherman in this regional park area. I love the peace I feel at Anchor Bay and always cherish my time here.

Little Oneroa is to the east of the popular, touristy beach, Oneroa. I've driven past it a tonne of…read moretimes en route to Onetangi and Palm Beach and never really thought it had much to offer but as it turns out, I was wrong. We came here for a day at the beach last weekend and I was pretty damn impressed with all this petite, rather secluded beach had to offer. Plenty of shade, picnic tables, a bbq, playground, toilets, somewhat scummy showers, a dairy for refreshments, a fish 'n chip shop and food stand, Dragonfired, which is open 7 days a week during summer, just churning out woodfired pizzas and other such delectables. Although being a steamy AKL day, the beach wasn't at all crowded and we were able to nab a possie on the grass with a bit of a shade and a picnic table. It was absolute bliss! Definitely worth a look as an alternative to the hustle & bustle of the other Waiheke beaches.

I absolutely had to see a black sand beach on my trip to New Zealand and on our way to Hamilton we…read moredrove along the coast to Manu Bay. There are several small seaside towns to visit on the drive and though we didn't stay long to look around, it appeared there were some places for tourist shopping and some dining options. This beach was beautiful and I really wish I had more time to spend here. The black sand is striking yet soft on the footsies. There was a great menagerie of shells and rocks washed up along the beach that were fun to pick through. There are a lot of hills around, and there was a short little hike to a lookout point with a great view. Apparently one of the best surf sites on the North Islands west coast, it did have some surfers out there despite the weather being a bit nasty. There were places to rent gear if you're interested in some water activities. We also passed by several nice looking camping and recreation areas. Great stop and very glad I didn't miss it!!

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.

The drive that takes you around the coast of Maraetai is one of my favourites in all of Auckland…read more The road itself is a little bit dicey in places so do be careful, but it's so beautiful looking out onto the ocean as you drive dangerously close to the cliff. There are many places that you can stop at on the way and admire the view, or get out of the car and go for a swim in the clear water. There are usually a few people jumping off the end of the main wharf in the Summer time, and even some fishermen. I went fishing here once at night time and something huge surfaced just below the wharf and then disappeared. Possibly a whale or a dolphin, but it scared the shit out of us in the pitch darkness. It is known that the Maraetai area can be a bit dangerous at times, with thieves etc. so be aware of your stuff and your car.

The first white sand and blue water beach I have ever been to in New Zealand. I was used to the…read moreblack sand and stony beaches, they are all beautiful but I was wanting something different. The first time we went to Maraetai was when I was 13 and it was Christmas. Man I had the time of my life swimming with my family and friends and enjoyed a beautiful picnic. Now many years later I still love going to this beach and lounging around. Last time I was there my boyfriend and I sat by the rocks and enjoyed the sun. The fresh air at the beach plus the sound of the sea creates a romatic and relaxing setting.

Commonly know as the 'Secret Beach' this reserve is so awesome. Probably one of my top five spots…read morein Auckland, which is saying a lot. You walk down a set of steps to find the cutest little beach in what seems like the middle of the city. And the best thing is that there is usually no one there! This is unheard of for most Auckland beaches and I love that it's like that. The beach looks out over the harbour and also at the harbour bridge, which makes it the perfect date spot. I've also got friends who've had wedding photos there. But you do need to be aware of when it is low and high tide as it goes out a little way. We like to go get a coffee from Jervois Road and take it down with us. Nature truly provides the best setting to enjoy a good coffee.

Super beach reserve which looks out towards the Chelsea Sugar Factory. There is a toilet and…read moreshower in the reserve which is handy. On the beach there are lovely low hanging Pohutukawa which provide some shade if you want. The best time to come here is a couple of hours either side of high tide.

do NOT go to this beach. my whole family got bit by something and gave them red itchy bites just by…read moregoing in the water. Also we saw plenty of poisonous jellyfish which could've sent my babies to the hospital

Narrow Neck Beach is simply the most beautiful beach in Auckland !…read moreNear Devo, this beach is very large and quiet. Here, you will find clear water, fine sand not forgetting a wonderful view. But the photographs will talk better about it than a long explanation. Just the perfect place to go and relax after a working day.