Long Bay
Long Bay Regional Park is a popular destination and offers a sweeping expanse of sand surrounded by the Hauraki Gulf and adjoining marine reserve. As well as the beach there are bush and coastal walks, sea kayaking, the historic Vaughan homestead, a restaurant and kiosk, barbecue and picnic sites and children's play area - complete with miniature train and flying fox. The beach has safe swimming and toilets and changing rooms are nearby. Bookings are advised for the barbecue and picnic sites and can be made by calling Auckland Regional Council’s Parksline on (09) 303 1530.
Waiake Bay
Waiake Beach in Torbay has a boat ramp and is popular with locals who often moor their boats in the bay. It has a small playground, toilets and changing rooms.
Browns Bay
Close to the large shopping centre, Browns Bay Beach is safe for family swimming and barbecues. There is parking behind the shopping centre adjacent to the beach and a large playground for the children. Boats can be launched from the beach and there is a ski lane off the shore. For keen skateboarders there is a ramp on the reserve area. Facilities include a large toilet and changing block, as well as cafés overlooking the beachfront.
Rothesay Bay
This small beach is rock-free and provides safe swimming for keen beachgoers and families. There is a large grass area with a playground for children and a small toilet block close by.
Murrays Bay
This beach is home to the Murrays Bay Sailing Club and is a safe swimming beach for the family. It has its own wharf and a walkway leading along the cliff top with spectacular views of the coastline. There is an adjacent grass reserve and toilet block.
Mairangi Bay
North Shore City's only beach with its own professional lifeguard, is home to the Mairangi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club. People are able to launch small dinghies and jet skis from the beach but should be aware of swimmers. There is a playground for the children, a small grass reserve area and a toilet block. The Mairangi Bay shopping centre is close by and there is additional parking behind the shops and along the beachfront.
Campbells Bay
A smaller neighbourhood beach which offers safe swimming for the family. There is a playground for children, small toilet block, and small boats can be launched off the beach. The shopping centre is close by and there is adequate parking.
Castor Bay
Offers safe, sheltered swimming just down from Campbells Bay. It has a boat ramp and plenty of shade, a jungle gym and a small toilet block. It is a quiet beach and ideal for children.
Milford Beach
Milford Beach is a popular family beach with a large grassed area and areas for beach volleyball. It has a children's playground and a toilet block. It is also home to a marina, sea scouts and the Milford Cruising Club. There is a boat ramp and parking off Milford Road.
Thorne Bay
Thorne Bay, between Milford and Takapuna beaches, is accessible only by foot.
Takapuna Beach
Takapuna is a very popular beach close to the business area with good parking and a large boat ramp. There are toilets and a changing block, as well as a picnic area. On a clear day enjoy great views of the volcanic island of Rangitoto and other Hauraki Gulf islands.
St Leonards Beach
St Leonards is a private, sheltered beach with a small sand area, high cliffs and rock shelving. The beach is good for swimming and is accessible from Takapuna beach at low tide. Steep steps also lead down to the beach from behind Takapuna Grammar.
Narrow Neck Beach
Close to Devonport, Narrow Neck is a large beach within easy access. It is a popular, safe swimming beach with a children's playground and a shop on the reserve. Picnic and barbecue facilities are provided. A sailing club is based here so enjoy the yacht racing off the beach.
Cheltenham Beach
Cheltenham is a safe tidal beach, also in Devonport, and is popular with families. It has a long stretch of beach and grassed areas for picnics away from the sand. There is also a toilet block and easy access to North Head. The restaurant here is a popular reception venue.
Torpedo Bay
Torpedo Bay on the harbourside of the city has a boat ramp and wharf. The access area features a grass bank, a stone retaining wall and reasonably steep access to a rocky/shelly area.
Devonport
This is a good swimming beach with Devonport Yacht Club moorings and a pontoon. Close to the shopping centre, there is fishing off the wharf and plenty of parking. A children's playground is on the adjacent reserve as well as a petanque pitch.
Stanley Bay
Stanley Bay is on the harbourside of the city and has a very high tide. The area is exposed to westerlies and has toilets, a stone retaining wall and steep access.
Bayswater
Bayswater has a stunning marina at the western tip of the peninsula. The area is good for wind and kite surfing. On the northern side of the peninsula there are a number of streets that provide access to small beach reserves.
Little Shoal Bay
Little Shoal Bay has safe tidal swimming and boating, with a launching ramp and haul out area, as well as a barbecue and adjacent reserve.
Chelsea Bay, Kendall Bay, Soldier Bay
Chelsea Bay, Kendall Bay and Soldiers Bay in Birkenhead have no facilities and can only be accessed by foot, with tidal swimming only.
Island Bay, Beach Haven
Island Bay and Hilders Park (Beach Haven Point) are used by locals for swimming and launching boats. Toilets are provided. Beach Haven wharf offers good fishing. There is a play area for children, toilets and a park at the top of the hill.