Top 5 Beaches in Auckland, New Zealand
- The Aged Eyes Studio
- Apr 29, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: May 17, 2019
Just another city, Auckland. What's there to see? You will be surprised to find the world's most beautiful beaches around the coast. Check out my stories with these beaches below.
“Many travelers will think that there's nothing in Auckland. Just another city. Most visitors will only plan to spend a couple of days in transit and wander off to other cities. Major mistake I've once made too...”
1) Hamilton's Gap
Best kept secret beach in Auckland. This beach is also facing the West similar to the more popular beaches like Piha and Muriwai, with sparkle black sand. You can even drive on the beach with your 4WD just like how we do it at the Ninety-Miles Beach.
Good thing is it's empty, you get all the view to yourself and an hour away from Central Auckland. Take all your time for photography, you are not gonna block anyone.
Story of me with Hamilton's Gap: I've recently won a photo competition from Castaways Resort. My capture at Hamilton's Gap on a overcast day, going low tide. Was supposed to shoot sunset but due to heavy overcast, I turned to some moody shots with long exposure. I submitted a photo upon knowing about the competition via a mate. To my surprised, I've got into top 3 finalists where the final result would be determined by public voting in social media platforms. I would still like to take this opportunity to thank Castaways Resort and those who have voted in order for my photo to be featured in their restaurant. Stoked! Be sure to check their website if you are interested for a resort getaway/glam camping, a fancy meal or searching for an event venue. (#Hamiltonsgapbeach #Aucklandbeach #CastawaysResort #Waiuku)
2) Karekare
Situated at the Waitakere Ranges, Karekare Beach has been named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. A 50 minutes drive from the city, through the winding roads in the ranges, brings you an awesome sunset right in front of your eyes. Famous for the black sand and surfers' paradise, it's the quieter version of Piha Beach. Horse riding can be seen on certain days or if you are lucky, you might catch some movie makers filming scenes at this location. One of the Oscar winning movies, Piano, made this beach known to the world. (#KarekareBeach #Aucklandbeach #blackSandBeach)
Story of me with Karekare Beach: It's probably one of the last few beaches at the Waitakere Ranges I explored. My mum & sister visited me in Auckland that March. I missed out accompanying them half of the Saturday due to the IELTS examinations I've got to sit for immigration requirement. Weather hadn't been great past few days and we've got to make use of the good weather that evening to catch some sunset. I've decided on Karekare as I haven't visited too. Upon arriving, there was a small stream we had to cross in order to get the full view of the sunset. Being a typical Asian mum, she didn't want to get her feet dirty. She would rather stay dry and not watch the sunset. I was caught in between photography vs staying close by to her. We've asked my sis to go barefoot across the water and have a good look at the beach. Having seen her getting so excited over the sunset from a distance, I knew I have to convince my mum to come along. A spot where she might not even visit again for many years, might as well make this time worth while. YOLO! Mum knows me well that I really wanted a sunset shot, so she took off her shoes and we waddled across the stream together. She was glad that we made it for the sunset and sis was mesmerized by the beauty of this beach. Cleaned our feet up before heading home. (#MigrationLife #Storyofmylife)
3) Piha
Another beach that is located at the Waitakere Ranges. I would say the most crowded and popular beach along the West Coast of Auckland. There's a few lookout points around this black iron-sand beach, Lion Rock & Tasman Lookout point...etc The most interesting one is the hole at the rock during low tide where surfers/swimmers can go through it. Top surfer's paradise with safe guards on the lookout. If you have spare time after the beach activities, head down in a 5 mins car ride to Kitekite Waterfalls. 40 mins walk through the well-paved bushes to reach to the bottom of the fall. Don't stop there. Walk up for another 20 mins via the Connect track, you will reach the highest point of the waterfall. There's a few rock pools and in Summer, you can dip yourself in the nature pool for a scenic Instagramable shot. Just 40km away from the City Centre, a must stop over point in Auckland.
Story of me with Piha beach: This is the only beach that I've been to for night photography. It was just another weekend night that I wanted to head out for astro photography shoot after a stressful work week. I've called up 2 other mates and we headed down. Unfortunately, the sky was overcast and we could barely see some stars through the holes of the dark, fluffy clouds. We had to call off for the night after taking a few night shots of the Lion Rock. Epic Milky way mission fails. I'll be back again one night.
4) Maori Bay/Muriwai Beach
Similar to Piha, which is situated along the West Coast of Auckland, this beach is located at the most North of all the black sand beaches. Famous spot for kite surfing, water surfing and fishing. The interesting fact of this beach is the Gannet's Colony right at the left side of the beach. Make sure you make your way to the stairs and a short walk that leads you to the nest of the local birds. You can enjoy beautiful sunset with Gannets at your foreground. There's another small bay at the end of Muriwai which is called the Maori Bay. Quiet little extension of the beach where surfers can enjoy more space of the sea here. (#MuriwaiBeach #Aucklandbeach #GannetColony)
Story of me with Muriwai beach: Muriwai is the 1st beach I visited upon arriving in New Zealand. It was on my 2nd month and a friend recommended me this spot. Not a place that I frequent but I've done a few visits for photoshoot. I would spend lots of time watching the Gannets. Always different themes with each visit, Sunset at the colony, Gannets at Muriwai and Surfers' paradise. I will be posting some of the Muriwai shots in time to come, so remember to check out my IG @myagedeyes Link in my website too.
5) Maraetai Beach
The only beach from the East in my Top 5 list. Around 45 minutes drive from the City.
This is a totally opposite from the rest of the Black sand beaches above. It's situated in the East Coast where the white sand forms. It's a more family oriented type of beach due to the gentle waves. The highlight of this beach is the Wharf. During Summer, everyone likes to do some jetty jumps into the seawater. Not forgetting the yummy pies & ice creams at the café. At night, you can catch some glimpse of Milky Way above your head. Paddle Boarding is possible at the Maraetai Beach. There's a few small walks around this area, like Duder Regional Park.
Story of me with Maraetai beach: I used to stay in the East on my 1st two years. My hangout place almost every weekend. Love the vibes of this beach especially the pastel colours during the sunset. One fine evening, as I was searching for a new spot for photography, saw another photographer getting ready for some shots too. Being new in the country, no harm knowing more like-minded people. Introduced myself and we waited to shoot the Milky Way together at the same spot. We got each other contacts and keep in touch till today. A place where photographers meet. :) (#MaraetaiBeach #EastAuckland #Auckland)
Share with me your experiences and your choice of Auckland beach. Hear from you soon!
Cheers,
The Aged Eyes Studio
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