Fifty minutes drive from central Auckland is Karekare beach. Like most west coast beaches, it's a black-sand beach and can have very rough surf so make sure you supervise the children at all times. It's a stunning beach to visit, great for a big picnic even if you aren’t going for a swim and there's fabulous sanddunes for the kids to run around in as well as a great little walk you can do to the Karekare Falls. This beach is a must, is very beautiful but really do watch the kids if you are close to the water. On a hot day, take an umbrella as there's little shade and take plenty to drink and eat while you are there as nothing is closeby!
Karekare beach drew early New Zealand painters and photographers all seeking to capture the dramatic essence of this special place. This pursuit continues today with Karekare drawing film makers and a variety of artists whose work in all mediums greatly enriches our community.
Fifty minutes drive from central Auckland is Te Henga or Bethells beach. This is a beautiful location for a picnic and a great drive for a day out. Kids love the surf –
Piha is famous for its surf, black sand and beautiful surroundings. Like other west coast beaches the surf and undertow can be dangerous, so if the kids are going for a
This very popular beach close to Devonport has lovely sand and is safe for children to swim. The Pohutukawa trees provide shade and there are some great picnic and
Forty five minutes drive from central Auckland is Maraetai beach. This white-sand beach is an excellent place to take the kids for a swim and there are some great rocks
Takapuna is a very popular beach close to the main shopping area with good parking and a large boat ramp. There are toilets and a changing block, as well as a picnic
If you like a bit of surf this is the one and also a chance to check out the Gannet colony. From September to March each year you can see the birds nesting on the rocks
Cheltenham beach is a very popular beach – and for good reason. It's a lovely white-sand beach that is great for swimming and has fantastic views of Rangitoto. This is a
