Long Bay Beach

Long Bay beach is a favourite of both North Shore locals and Aucklander’s coming from further afield. 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

Visits to Long Bay were/​still are the one thing that define summer with my family. I’m sure countless other North Shore families have a similar relationship with the place. It’s simply perfect for those long summer days with lots of whanau around, frying up some meat on the BBQ, playing touch or beach cricket, swimming, playing on the flying fox or just exploring the place. It’s incredibly expansive — a good couple of kays of golden sandy beach and a massive beachside reserve which comfortably absorbs the crowds during summer while never feeling overcrowded. Furthermore, your inner walker can take on the coastal track to the north and walk up over the cliffs down to the nudie beaches or ultimately the Okura Estuary. A wonderful gift for Aucklanders that never stops giving — just hope the subdivision that’s happening up above it doesn’t ruin the place!

When you spend time at Long Bay beach it’s hard to believe you’re technically still in Auckland. So close to the CBD yet so far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Long Bay is one of the best beaches on the north shore.
In the weekend’s and on public holidays it can be very popular, especially with large groups (think extended families, church groups etc) but because the beach itself and the reserve behind the beach is so large, it’s not hard to find your own little piece to chill out for the afternoon.
Walk down to the very far end of the beach and take the track that leads up and over the cliffs, and explore some of the further bays. The views are exquisite.

Every afternoon after work I go down to Long Bay for a slow walk on the beach, just taking in the sand, the sun and the surf. With dog walkers going about their business, and seagulls swooping in for an early supper, you can be forgiven if you’re able to disappear in your thoughts.
It is the ideal picnic beach, you con congregate the whole family in the park, where a cold drink and a steak on the barbie won’t go amiss. Then after a relaxing nap, you can round up the boys and girls for a quick game of touch, and then a long swim in the ocean. This beach is great for all ages, and the sea is non threatening, making it an ideal spot to introduce the young ones to the water.