The North Shore's Best Little Beaches

25th January 2018

… Well we think so!

Tucked between Takapuna and Milford, Thorne Bay (also know as Minnehaha Beach) is down right one of the best beaches on the North Shore. Getting there is a short hop across the rocks, and once you’ve arrived you’ll find this private little cove has beautiful clear water and a lovely soft sand. And because it’s not as well known as the larger beaches, it’s less crowded, with enough room to sunbathe in peace.

Note: The views of Rangitoto and the Hauraki Gulf are incredible – so don’t forget your camera.

A great little beach to take the children as the bay is small enough so you can keep and eye out easily. This little charmer is best at low tide and perfect for an afternoon picnic (if you can get a bench seat!). At low tide you can even walk around to Waiake Beach (Main image: Waiake Beach)

Getting there: Drive down Gray Crescent and see if there is any road parking available. It isn’t too hard to find the entrance – a sign on the gate marks the entrance.

Charcoal Bay beach is one of the most beautiful in the Waitemata Harbour. The water at this beach is so clear considering it’s such a long way from large open waters. Underfoot is a mixture of soft sand and shells (Perfect for the children to collect). Combined, this makes a great beach to bring children, because the water is reasonably shallow and the bay protected by headlands. With the beach west-facing, it is worth while staying for the sunset.

Getting there: Park opposite number 31 Rosecamp Rd, Beach Haven. A track drops down to Charcoal Bay from Rosecamp Road through a stand of native bush and mature pines.

Last year the council completed the purchase of a 175 square metres at 60a Stanley Point Road in Stanley Bay, Devonport. The land purchase has enabled public access to a beautiful and previously hard-to-reach bay named Secret Cove. The absolutely perfect cove for a romantic picnic and swim.

Pohutukawa Bay is popular with the nudies, you have been warned! Park up at the far north end of Long Bay and take a 15 minute stroll along the cliff walk. Alternatively, at low tide you can get there by going to the end of Long Bay Beach and around the rocks. As the name suggests there are some rather nice Pohutukawas overhanging the beach providing the perfect mix of shelter and sun. It makes for a lovely spot to waste away a summer’s day, and also a good place to get your kit off and lose those tan lines if you dare…