Algies Bay is a lot quieter than the more popular and touristy Tawharanui; it is mostly populated…read moreby locals and people with holiday homes in the surrounding area. It is a sand and shell beach, and it is much less tidal than other local beaches, such as Snells Beach, so there is more flexibility in when you can swim. There is a boat ramp, playground, toilets, a BBQ and a few picnic tables available, so if you are wanting to have a relaxing beach day trip without having to compete for space, where you can read your book and relax in the sun in peace, then this is the place to go.

This golden sand beach is wonderful as it's just behind the strip of many great little cafes and…read moreshops as well as one of the beaches along East Coast bays with the concrete walkway. It's connected to Murrays one way and Campbell's the other way and makes for a nice treat, especially with a buddy or a 4-legged companion. It's best at low tide but it was also a shrieking-good surprise with the waves coming in at high tide as well. The grass is elevated behind a stone wall from the beach with swings above the sand. The Mairangi Bay Surf Life saving Club sits just to one corner with patrols during the weekends. We came and saw littles running one weekend morning doing their water safety training. There were also heaps of people in the water and as well as boat taken out. Definitely a great one for summer

I have very fond memories of going here with my grandparents. Good place to take children. I don't…read morethink old bypass my local beach to drive there but like to pop in when I'm going past.

Schoolhouse Bay in Kauwau is pure bliss. It's like what I'd imagine New Zealand used to be like…read more There are little baches, sure some have spa pools and hot water, but they still look like baches should look - a little run down and super cute. The best thing about this bay is the huge wharf! Which is a plus for two reasons. Firstly, it means you don't have to lug a week's worth of luggage and food in the dingy to shore. Secondly, it's perfect for jumping, bombing and diving off. But watch out for stingrays, there sure are plenty of them. Eep. Up behind the bay there is a road that you can walk up that will lead you to all the trails that will take you all over Kawau Island. One day we walked all the way to Mansion House Bay and got a well deserved ice block!

Long Bay beach is a favourite of both North Shore locals and Aucklander's coming from further…read moreafield. In the summer theres always a heap of people here sunbaking, swimming and barbequing, but its one of those places that never seems to be overly packed regardless of this, carparking is an issue though as evidenced this summer when people were waiting over 2 hours for parks, so make sure to get in early! There seems to be enough room for everyone, unlike beaches like Takapuna and Mission Bay where it looks like people are almost lying on top of one another. Theres nothing better than going for a walk down the kilometre long beach, but if thats not your thing there is a kids playground, and a grassy reserve complete with BBQ and picnic areas, nice changing rooms and toilet facilities. Its also a safe beach for swimming, so a refreshing dip in the sunshine is a definate must. If your into the whole communing with nature thing, further north from Long Bay are two secluded Bays accessible only on foot. Pohutukawa Bay the furthest of these is one of Aucklands most popular nude beaches

New Zealand's hidden gem! A quiet and picturesque place with convenient access to restaurants and…read moregrocery stores!

Snells Beach is perfect for the family - picnic tables, two playgrounds, plenty of parking and old…read morePohutukawa trees which provide shelter on hot days. The beach is very safe for swimming as the water is quite shallow; however it is good to note that you should always check the tide, as it does go out quite far. There is a water ski area available, and also boat launch ramp capabilities. Unfortunately there are no dogs allowed in summer on the beach, however I'm not sure how strictly they enforce this law as yesterday I saw a few dogs in the water with their owners. Toilet facilities and a public BBQ are also available, making this a great summer picnic spot if you want a weekend escape not too far from the bustle of Auckland.

Nice walking beach that's got a lot of fun events going regularly. The estuary arts centre is…read morealways a nice place to visit.

Orewa is a very long stretch of sand just past the Orewa bridge over the Orewa river. It's really…read moregreat at high tide though you have to walk very far into water before it gets deep- which is neither here nor there. The surf club has a prominent spot along the beach with it's large lifeguard swim between the flags markers and a lifeguard chair to guard. Thought the elevated wooden square flat stage in front of the surf building was great for a sit down/ picnic and view. It's definitely a family beach- with lots of kids during the school holidays with their buckets and sandcastles as well as a playground to entertain. Not only- it's great for both swimmers and surfers alike with good waves but also can be rather still to make it easier to swim in. Lots of sand for you to lay down a towel to get some sun tan or above grassy areas with some shade from trees. It's bookmarked with cliffs on either end and in one direction you can look out towards Hatfields and in the other- Stanmore Bay, Manly, Tindalls, Army Bay all the way to the large Shakespear park. SUP in an unmissably large tent and noticed a group of kayaks going out. Public toilets available behind the surf club and a huge car park to fill. A good beach- sure to find something to please every type of beach-go-er.

Mansion House is a must see touristy spot if you visit Kawau Isalnd. It was built wayyyyy back in…read morethe day to be the Copper Mine Manager's house. It is truly an amazing site to see when coming into the beautiful Mansion House Bay on the ferry. I love walking around the gardens. They're manicured to perfection and provide great shade on a hot summer's day. The peacocks are also really fun to watch! We usually take a picnic lunch and then get an ice cream from the little store in the bay. You can take a tour inside the house and there's also lots of information around the gardens about the island, the history and also all the walking tracks.

Beautiful beach used to go here all the time really good views cool place to go with family and…read morefriends

If you feel like taking a drive out of Auckland central to hunt down some magnificent beaches, you…read moredon't have to go far. Whangaparoa Peninsula is less than a 20 minute drive from Auckland and boasts some truly beautiful coastlines. Big Manly Beach is probably my pick of the bunch , not to be confused with Little Manly! Little Manly is not as sheltered as Big Manly so the swells can be significantly bigger/rougher on this isle in comparison. Big Manly is a supreme swimming beach and in the summer the water always seems to be warm for some reason (and no, no one peed in there), it also has a little jetty that floats out with the tide as well which is great fun to swim out too and hold bomb competitions off. It takes a while to get deep as well, so its pretty safe for the little ones, and theres a playground to entertain them as well once they get cold/bored. I personally like nothing more than parking the car up on the grassy knoll fronting the beach itself and settle under a well placed tree and have a few drinks with friends while having some beaut scenery to look at. Bliss