5 Amazing Beaches Within Reach Of Auckland

Auckland is lucky enough to be surrounded by three very distinct harbours. There’s a myriad of beautiful beaches just waiting to be discovered in and around New Zealand’s largest city — if you’re up for a longer expedition, here are five amazing locations to set your sights on.

Anawhata Beach

Located just an hour’s drive from downtown Auckland, Anawhata Beach is a hidden treasure that is much quieter than its neighbours on the Waitakere Ranges. The beach is slightly off-grid and can only be accessed by foot. The route leading to Piha will take you to the winding gravel surfaces of Anawhata Road — from there, you just need to follow the tracks down to your sandy sanctuary.

Medlands Beach, Great Barrier Island

Oneroa Beach, Waiheke Island

This great day trip destination is only a ferry ride away. The soft white sands, serene waters and lush forests that shelter Oneroa Beach are incredibly attractive for those visiting Waiheke Island. If you need to get your bearings, Oneroa Beach is just 3 kilometres (1.86 miles) from the ferry terminal. While you’re exploring the coastlines, make sure to take a short stroll to Little Oneroa, a not-so-hidden local secret that’s usually less crowded than its counterpart.

Tawharanui Peninsula

Part of the Matakana Coast, just north of Auckland, the Tawharanui Peninsula is loved for its white-sand beaches, cool surf spots and safe swimming waters. Omaha is the place to head to if you want to catch some waves, Anchor Bay is the ideal spot for those wanting to take a dip in the ocean and the Whangateau Harbour is a great location for a family camping trip.

Maraetai

A scenic drive out east will lead to the shores of Pohutukawa Coast. There, you’ll find a number of regional parks and family friendly beaches, including the north-facing Maraetai. This beach in particular is known for providing spectacular views (stretching from Auckland city right to the Coromandel Ranges), safe swimming conditions and grassed verges that are perfect for a coastal picnic.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.