Auckland is full of many great beaches but if you’re willing to explore a little further, Tāwharanui Beach is a real gem. Very few compare and are this close to the city. Here, you’ll be treated to golden sands and crystal-clear waters.
Also being located within a regional park, you’re offered more variety with native bush and farmland with a protected marine reserve. So whether you’re into hiking, photography, or simply unwinding by the sea, this is a great place for everyone.
If you’re wondering how to get here, the best time to visit, or what activities you can tie in with your beach visit, I’ve got you covered.
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Tāwharanui Beach is part of Tāwharanui Regional Park, a protected area on a remote peninsula in Auckland’s north. Located about 80 km from Auckland city centre, it takes roughly 90 minutes to drive there.
HOW TO GET TO TĀWHARANUI BEACH
Driving is the best way to reach Tāwharanui Beach. From Auckland, take State Highway 1 north to Warkworth, then follow the signs toward Matakana and Tāwharanui Regional Park. The final stretch is a narrow, winding gravel road, so be sure to drive carefully here.
As of 2025 there is no public transport to the park, but you can book a shuttle or a taxi from the closest town to the beach, Matakana. It also has the best farmers market regularly on a Saturday from 8am–1pm. In order to get here from the city, you can catch two buses. The first from the city to Warkworth, and then the second from Warkworth to Matakana.
To get a little more info and to plan your journey in more detail, you can visit the Auckland Transport Journey Planner here.
Parking tips
To protect the area, Tāwharanui does operate a gated access system. Gates open from 6am to 9pm in summer and 6am to 7pm in winter. There is parking near this entrance, but it’s best to continue for about 2km. This is where you’ll reach the main car park which is just a short walk from the beach and has public toilets on-site.
The main car park accommodates around 140 vehicles, which is quite a lot but on busy days, make sure to arrive early. We arrived just before 9am on a Saturday and found a park easily but by the time we left at 2pm, the parking had extended through to Tāwharanui Marine Reserve. From here you’ll be required to do a bit more of a walk but parking is free at both spots. Weekends and holidays do tend to be much busier so just keep this in mind when planning your trip.
BEST TIME TO VISIT TĀWHARANUI BEACH
The best months to visit Tāwharanui Beach is between November and April. This encompasses late spring, summer and early autumn. These months generally offer warm temperatures and clear skies, perfect for beach activities and hiking. Visiting during winter is also possible but the experience will be quite different. The temperatures will be chilly and strong winds are common, especially being located on a peninsular.
In terms of what time of day, early mornings are definitely the least crowded times to visit. It also means you get the best pick of a beach spot. Alternatively, try visit on a weekday. You’re much more likely to have a quieter experience with everyone else at work.
HOW CROWDED IS IT AT TĀWHARANUI BEACH
Tāwharanui Beach can definitely get busy, especially on weekends and public holidays. In the summer months, in particular. But the great thing is, due to its size there is plenty of space to spread out. It might require a small walk but is definitely worth it for the quiet.
If you’re someone who prefers a bit of solitude, I’d highly recommend visiting early in the morning or on a weekday.
IS IT SAFE TO VISIT TĀWHARANUI BEACH SOLO
Tāwharanui is definitely safe to visit if travelling solo. The park is frequently visited by day hikers and nature lovers, making it a low-risk destination. However, I always suggest to take precautions. Mobile coverage can be patchy in some areas, so make sure to let someone know of your plans before heading out.
It’s also worth noting that there are no lifeguards here, so be sure to prioritise water safety too.
PHOTOGRAPHING TĀWHARANUI BEACH
I can definitely say from experience that this beach is beautiful in the morning light. Unfortunately, I was too late for sunrise and didn’t stay long enough for sunset but when I arrived the lighting was soft and the beach was quiet, so I managed to get some pretty photos of the golden sands, all the way out to Te Hauturu-o-Toi, or in English, Little Barrier Island.
The farmlands that surround the beach is a great contrast, really highlighting the vibrant blue of the waters and greenery of the rolling hills.
As it’s a marine reserve, wildlife is also protected here, so if you enjoy this kind of photography, keep an eye out. There are plenty of native birds around, too.
OTHER ACTIVITIES NEARBY
Beyond the beach, Tāwharanui Regional Park offers a range of activities. Hiking trails through farmland that provide stunning coastal views which I can say from experience, was the perfect activity before taking a refreshing dip. The park is also a pest-free wildlife sanctuary, making it a great place for birdwatching. Additionally, nearby is Matakana village where you’ll find boutique wineries, art galleries, and a popular farmers market. And a short drive away, Goat Island Marine Reserve offers excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities.
There is so much to see and do here, you really can’t go wrong.
SUMMARY
In this post, we explored Tāwharanui Beach, a stunning coastal escape near Auckland. From how to get there and the best times to visit to other activities and how to avoid the crowds, I hope this guide covers has helped you with everything you need to know.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach day, an adventurous hike, or a scenic photography spot, Tāwharanui offers something for everyone.
For further inspiration, check out our comprehensive travel guides packed with advice for travel across all of New Zealand’s ultimate destinations.
FAQs
What does Tāwharanui mean?
Tāwharanui is a Māori word meaning “the abundant edible bracts of the kiekie vine”.
Can you swim at Tāwharanui Beach?
Absolutely! Swimming is popular and encouraged at Tāwharanui Beach, but be aware that there are no lifeguards on duty.
How long is the Tāwharanui walk?
There are several walking tracks, ranging from short 30-minute strolls to longer hikes. We opted to walk to Tāwharanui Point via North Coast and then South Coast Track on our return. This takes roughly three hours.
What is there to do in Tāwharanui?
Activities like swimming, surfing, hiking, birdwatching, snorkelling, and enjoying a picnic are all worthy of your time in Tāwharanui. The park’s predator-free sanctuary makes it a haven for native wildlife.
What time do the gates close at Tāwharanui?
The park gates are open from 6am to 9pm in summer and from 6am to 7pm in winter.
Is Tāwharanui a surf beach?
Yes, Tāwharanui Beach has consistent surf breaks. It’s more of a swimming beach than a surf beach but you’ll definitely find surfers out enjoying the waves.