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.

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.

Kauwau Island is such a special spot for me. There's just something different about it. And Ladies…read moreBay epitomises this for me. It's really secluded but you can also get off the boat and walk 500 metres to the café in Mansion House Bay. You get all the perks of having a secluded bay, but with the benefits of being able to pop over for a coffee when your blood needs a hit of caffeine. We love going snorkeling here as the water is so clear. You hardly need a snorkel and mask. There's always loads of kina and the odd fish if you're lucky. This bay is way quieter than its neighbours Mansion House Bay and Copper Mine Bay so I suggest you go here on long weekends and during the peak season to avoid feeling like you're still in Auckland. There's also a track that goes from the Bay and will take you all over the island. It's a great way to spend the day and get some exercise.

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

We booked a bach on Kawau Island for a summer holiday and I can honestly say it was one of the best…read moreI've ever had. The island is absolutely magnificent. The water is so, so, so clear and we spent most of our holiday in it. We stayed in School House Bay and there was an awesome wharf where we'd bomb into the water. You'll need to watch out for stingrays though, but it's a good thing the water is so clear so you can see if there are any below you. There are loads tracks all over the island so you can walk to all the different bays and enjoy the scenery as you go. However, you'll need to make sure you take all the food you need as there's only a small dairy there. But the fact that there's nothing from normal life is what makes it the perfect place for a holiday.

"Cruise the Kawau Cat, to paradise and baaaack"…read more That 's the old radio jingle for the Kawau water taxi, and is what pops into my head every time I think of the place. Other things that come to mind... Mansion House - a beautiful old (haunted) mansion, built by Governor Grey that you can amble through Wallabies - the only 'exotic' animal left over after Governor Grey tried to start his own zoo. Island legend has it there were once giraffes and zebras too Beautiful beaches - it's a great place to moor the boat and explore. There are plenty of secluded little sandy bays fro sun bathing Shipwreck - on the western side of the island, good for diving or snorkelling over Walks - there are walking tracks galore to keep you busy on the island. They are well maintained and mostly flat so good for the whole family. The copper mine walk is one of my favs; a decent walk from Lady's bay to the ruins of an old copper mine Phosphorescence - If you're staying the night I recommend a midnight dip. If you're lucky enough you may encounter this amazing light show in the water. Just incredible!

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.

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.

A little slice of heaven in the bays. My friends and I used to come here when we were younger. We'd…read moretake walks along the cliff tops and end up at Churchill Reserve where we'd have a picnic and take a dip. The little beach here is a bit rocky and shelly so it's not the best place for kids. I like it because it's really sheltered and often quite deserted. Recently there's been some issues with rocks falling off the cliff faces and landing on the beach. There are warning signs all over the bays saying, "beware of falling rocks". Don't walk past these without thinking because it can actually be really dangerous. If you're going to park up on the beach at Churchill reserve make sure you aren't nestled right under the cliff where rocks can fall and bonk you on the head! Don't let this put you off though because as long as you're careful this is a wonderful spot to enjoy. Up on the grassy reserve there are benches, which look out onto a spectacular view of the ocean. I usually stop here to enjoy the scenery when I'm out on a run. (That's what I tell myself but really I'm just tired and need a rest).