Activities

Anawhata

Swimming

Take care swimming at Anawhata, there are no surf lifesavers at this beach.

Awhitu

Swimming

Safe swimming at both beaches. Watch out for the sharp oyster shells on the beach and in the water.

Cascades

Swimming

You can swim at Cascade Falls.

Cornwallis

Swimming

Duder

Swimming

Duder has several good beaches which are suitable at all tides.

Huia

Swimming

Huia is a safer spot for swimming compared to other beaches in the Waitakere Ranges.

Hunua Ranges

Swimming

Swimming is possible in the Wairoa river below the Falls. It is not recommended that you swim in the pool of the falls, as the bottom drops away suddenly and there have been drownings. There is no diving from the top of the falls.

Karekare

Swimming

Take extra care when swimming at Karekare. Swim between the flags.

Long Bay

Swimming

Long Bay is a family beach, children should be watched at all times. Pohutukawa and Granny's Bay are also popular and not as crowded, though you may come across nude bathers.

Mahurangi

Swimming

Mahurangi has several excellent beaches. Sullivan's Bay has vehicle access but Te Muri and Mita are accessible only by boat or foot.

Muriwai

Swimming

Muriwai Beach and Maori Bay have dangerous surf. Swim only between the flags. If there are no lifeguards on duty stay out of the water.

Omana

Swimming

Omana beach is suitable for swimming and is more attractive at high tide. Oysters grow on the rocks so wear shoes to protect your feet.

Piha

Swimming

Only swim between the flags at Piha.

Scandrett

Swimming

The beach is shallow at low tide therefore suitable for children but is more attractive at high tide.

Shakespear

Swimming

All beaches are suitable for swimming, Okoromai Bay is better at high tide.

Tapapakanga

Swimming

Tapapakanga has a family swimming beach.

Tawharanui

Swimming

The bays at Tawharanui are great for swimming, Anchor Bay is the most popular.

Tawhitokino

Swimming

Tawhitokino is a relatively safe family beach with lovely clear water.

Te Henga - Bethells

Swimming

Waharau

Swimming

The beach at Waharau is stony and the water is shallow but pleasant at high tide.

Waitakere Ranges

Swimming

Many of the West Coast beaches offer swimming opportunities - but please only swim between the flags and while lifeguards are on duty. Cornwallis and Huia offer calmer swimming conditions.

Wenderholm

Swimming

The beach is relatively safe for swimming. Watch for tidal currents at the mouth of the Puhoi River.

Whakanewha

Swimming

Enjoy the safe, shallow swimming at Whakanewha Bay.