A quick auckland beach guide

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

This Auckland New Zealand beach guide includes Karekare beach, Piha beach, Te Henga beach, Muriawai beach, Takapuna beach, Long Bay, Whangaparaoa Peninsula, Waiwera Hot Springs, Goat Island Marine Reserve and Manukau as well as the rules to be followed when visiting these locations.

Karekare beach, named for its boisterous waters, was featured in the movie The Piano. This beach is located approximately an hours drive from central Auckland through Titirangi.

Piha beach, named for the way the waves break around Lion Rock, is a traditional retreat for city people. This beach is also located approximately an hour away from central Auckland through Titirangi.

Te Henga beach or Bethells, named for the way the sand dunes formed in the shape of an upturned canoe, is the beach where Xena and Hercules were filmed. This beach is a preserve of the classic kiwi batch, which is a modest cottage, passed down generation after generation. A trail leads from this beach to the reserve of Lake Wainamu, where swimming and walking tracks can be found. Te Henga is approximately a 50-minute drive from central Auckland by way of Henderson.

Muriawai beach, located 50-minutes from central Auckland on the west coast, is the home to gannets, fur seals and terns. Muriawai beach is the nesting spot for gannets from September to March. This beach is also perfect for rock fanciers, especially the cliffs that have volcanic formations radiating from them. The northern portion of this beach is long, broad, and lined with pine trees that halt the dunes from blowing inland. Golf and horseback riding are also available here as well as plantation forests.

Closer to Auckland is Takapuna beach, lined with exquisite beach homes, is a 10-minute drive over Harbour Bridge. This beach is a popular choice among beach goers due to its proximity to the cafes and shops located here.

Long Bay, north of Takapuna beach, is a park that has safe swimming and picnic areas as well as volleyball, cricket and bar-be-ques. Also located here are a coastal walk and a restaurant.

Whangaparaoa Peninsula, with its own beaches, is located further up the coast from Long Bay. This area has become a commuter and retirement suburb because of its beaches, premier golf course and marina, which has easy access to the Hauraki Gulf.

Waiwera Hot Springs, also located in the north, is the first spa and tourist facility in New Zealand. Waiwera became a popular spot with the first regular steamer service for the Auckland area in the1870s. Today, this area offers public pools and accommodations as well as a small beach area.

Goat Island Marine Reserve, the oldest marine reserve in New Zealand, is the location of Pakiri and Omaha beaches with their white sand. This location is perfect for a day trip from Auckland.

Manukau, with coastlines on the Waitemata and Manukau Harbours, is located south of Auckland, and is the location of historic sites along sheltered beaches. The beaches here offer peaceful suburbs and recreation.

Auckland beaches have rules and regulations to ensure the safety of its tourists as well as the beach areas. Adhering to these rules will help make the trip safe, pleasant and legal.

Take care when in the water off any of these beaches. There are powerful rips and swells, especially on the western beaches. Swimmers must stay between the flags. Patches of calm water in the surf should be avoided, as they are rips, which are traveling out to sea. Between late October and Easter, lifeguards are on duty every weekend. Between late December to late January, lifeguards are on duty every day. Children should be supervised at all times. Great care should be taken when fishing or rock climbing, remember, the large waves can carry a person out to sea. Boogie boards should have a leash attached to the rider and the rider should wear fins or flippers and a wetsuit.

The sun is another element that should be carefully dealt with when on the beach. The burn time in New Zealand is much shorter than that in most other parts of the world. High-risk hours are 11-4pm. If the sun cannot be avoided during these hours, wear a hat, sunscreen and glasses.

Driving on the beaches can also be challenging. Remember to keep left on the narrow roads, honk when going around blind corners, keep in mind that steeper grades are hard on brakes and always take a map. Country roads can get confusing for a visitor.

Walking on the beach even has its own challenges. Before heading out on a coastal walk, a stop at the Visitor Centre for advice and maps is always a good idea. Knowing about the tides and what to expect is important in keeping you from becoming stranded. Permits are required for camping and for activities involving groups of over 30.

Other things to remember when visiting the beach is that there are no open fires, but barbecues are permitted, check signs on the beach pertaining to dogs and the most important, bring out what you take in. Also, remember to stay off the dunes, paths are available so should be used. Recreational fishing is allowed most places, but only on a take what you can eat basis. Catching shellfish is prohibited most places.

Auckland beaches offer patrolled swimming, surfing, fishing, walks, picnic, toilets and even parking. Piha and Muriwai are the more developed beaches. Each of these beaches has its own rules and regulations, so visitors should be aware of them and follow them completely.