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Are these the best beaches in Auckland? 3 Beaches Worth the Drive from Auckland

  • Mrs. Nomadic
  • Jan 22
  • 3 min read

Updated: Feb 1

Auckland, New Zealand, is not just the largest city in the country; it’s a coastal paradise packed with beautiful beaches. From the energetic surf scene to tranquil shorelines, there’s something for everyone. Whether you are visiting with kids or solo traveling, Auckland’s beaches offer both excitement and relaxation. In this post, we’ll explore our top 3 beaches near Auckland, highlighting Piha Beach, Ngarunui Beach, and Hahei Beach. Get ready to grab your sunscreen and soak up the sun!


1. Piha Beach


About 40 minutes from downtown Auckland, Piha Beach is a surfer's dream wrapped in stunning scenery. With its famous black sand and striking cliffs, it showcases a beauty different from many other beaches in New Zealand.


Eye-level view of Piha Beach showcasing its black sand and dramatic cliffs
Breathtaking view of Piha Beach with its iconic Lion Rock

At Piha, the powerful waves draw surfing enthusiasts from near and far. While others are drawn to Piha for the stunning scenery. However, as you can tell we went on an overcast yet very warm day and practically had the beach to ourselves.


Child walks on a reflective sandy beach toward Lion Rock on Piha Beach. Cloudy sky creates a calm, serene atmosphere.
Lion Rock on Piha Beach

Besides surfing and scenery, nature lovers will enjoy exploring the nearby tracks. A hike to the top of Lion Rock offers panoramic views of the coast—perfect for those Instagram photos!  Piha Beach offered so much variety that our kids never got bored. In fact, none of us wanted to leave.


Two children walk along a grassy path in a lush green landscape with hills in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Hiking one of the trails from Piha Beach


2. Ngarunui Beach


Continuing along the coast, Ngarunui Beach in Raglan offers a relaxed setting and breathtaking views.


Wide angle view of Ngarunui Beach showcasing the coastline and surf
Expansive view of Ngarunui Beach with striking waves crashing on the shore

This beach is perfect for families, with gentle waves that create safe swimming conditions. The spacious sandy beach allows for picnics or just relaxing while reading a good book. Although, statistics show that Ngarunui Beach welcomes around 15,000 visitors each summer month, we did not feel it was crowded at all while we were there during the week. Look how empty that beach is...


Child in dinosaur towel and sun hat stands on a coastal path, overlooking Ngarunui beach and turquoise sea under a clear blue sky.
Admiring the view on the walk up from Ngarunui Beach

For surfers, Ngarunui is known for consistent waves suitable for all experience levels. Locals are friendly and often share the water with visitors. Don't miss catching the sunset, as breathtaking colors light up the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks—an unforgettable experience.


Child in blue shirt and beige hat playing with black sand on Ngarunui beach. The scene is bright and sunny, with no visible text.
Playing in the sparky black sand of Ngarunui Beach in New Zealand

Important to note, the sand while beautiful to look at, can be very hot, so watch your little ones's feet.


Sandy beach with rocks and calm waves under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds. Green hills in the background. Peaceful mood.
Rocky beach with sparkling black volcanic sand

We found our time at Ngarunui beach more of a typical beach day compared to Piha, playing in the water, sand, and relaxing. Bonus, explore the cute town of Raglan before and/or after for some food, drinks, or shopping!


3. Hahei Beach


Situated in the stunning Coromandel Peninsula, almost two and a half hours from Auckland, Hahei Beach is a true gem. Its turquoise waters and soft white sand make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the area.


High angle view of the serene Hahei Beach with calm waters and lush green hills
Serene view of Hahei Beach surrounded by green hills and tranquil waters

Hahei Beach serves as the gateway to Cathedral Cove, a stunning natural formation well worth the visit. Visitors can expect to see impressive rock arches and hidden coves—all perfect for memorable photos. The beach is family-friendly, with amenities like picnic spots and safe swimming areas.


Cathedral Cove with lush greenery, turquoise water in foreground. People stand inside the cave, creating a sense of exploration and adventure.
View of Cathedral Cove from our speedboat


We booked a speedboat excursion to see Cathedral Cove and it was a family highlight for sure. Unfortunately, the trail that used to lead to Cathedral Cove was wiped out during Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 and as of our visit and this post the walk is still closed. Therefore, the only way to see Cathedral Cove is by boat.



Three people in yellow life jackets on a boat observe a small, green-tree-covered island. The water is clear with a serene blue hue.
Looking for fish while on our speedboat tour of Cathedral Cove

The drive to the Coromandel Peninsula was stunning and the journey alone would be worth it; however, you can't beat the desitnation of Cathedral Cove.



Scenic landscape of a lush green meadow, wire fence, and yellow flowers. A lake and mountains under a vibrant blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Photo taken on the drive from Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula


Final Thoughts


Auckland's beaches are treasures filled with stunning landscapes, fun activities, and peaceful escapes. Whether you’re looking to hike at Piha, unwind at Ngarunui, or admire the scenery at Hahei, each beach offers something special.


Although some of these are a longer drive than others, if you have the time in your trip, I think you'll find they are well worth the drive.  While there are certianly more beaches than these three we thought these checked off a lot of the boxes and are defintely some of the top beaches near Auckland.


What are some of your favorite beaches near Auckland or elsewhere in New Zealand?

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