6 Best Sights in Greater Auckland, Auckland

The Babich family has been making wine in New Zealand since 1916, beginning first in the far north, where Josip Babich joined his brothers from Croatia and planted grapes near the gum fields. Years ago, the 72-acre Henderson cellar site was amid farmland, but it's now almost surrounded by houses as the population in west Auckland has grown. There are no tastings, but you can visit the cellar door and buy wine. 

The road to this black-sand beach was damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023; at the time of this writing, access is restricted to residents, so check ahead ( at.govt.nz) as repairs are in the works. Karekare's size means you will never feel hemmed in, even in the peak summer months when it attracts big visitor numbers despite the steep road access. You'll need to pack a lunch as there are no shops. The pounding waves make for great swimming and surfing, but again, go in only when the surf patrol is operating as there are strong rips and undertows. Fit walkers should explore the southern end of the beach. You can venture past the point but only go at low tide because getting back is difficult when the tide comes in. The sunsets are spectacular anytime of year. Film buffs will recognize Karekare and its black sand from the dramatic opening scenes of The Piano. Amenities: lifeguards in summer; parking (free); toilets. Best for: sunset; surfing; swimming; walking.

A popular seaside park and picnickers' haven, Long Bay protects the most northern East Coast bays and is adjacent to the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve. Families flock here on weekends and public holidays to swim, laze, and play games, and there's a playground. Many people like to walk along the coast to nearby Okura. Swimming is safe, and no matter how busy the beach is, you will always find a place. Amenities: lifeguards; food and drink; parking; showers; toilets; picnic areas. Best for: swimming, walking.

About a 10-minute drive from the central city when traffic is flowing, Mission Bay off Tamaki Drive draws the crowds year-round, and summertime can see families and community groups from all of Auckland picnicking side by side. Dining options include fast food and formal-ish restaurants. Three extremely good ice-cream parlors and an abundance of good coffee round out the culinary options, and people often eat their treats sitting on the seawall. Finding a place to park in summer can be a nightmare, but there is bus service from the CBD. Amenities: food and drink; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunrise; swimming.

The black sand of Muriwai Beach is a must for those exploring the West Coast. Combine a trip here with a visit to any of the many wineries in the area. The beach is great for surfing, kitesurfing, walking, and swimming, but don't venture into the water if the surf patrol is not operating, and always swim between the red and yellow flags. It is a great spot for a long walk northward, and in summer it draws huge crowds. In winter you may be accompanied by wild winds, but it's still enjoyable if you're warmly dressed. At the time of this writing, access to the local gannet colony has been restricted until the paths can be stabilized following a 2023 cyclone, but you can still see them from the parking lot. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards in summer; parking; showers; toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking.

Some of New Zealand's most expensive houses line Takapuna Beach on Auckland's North Shore, but even if architecture (or being nosey) isn't your thing, this is a safe swimming beach in summer. There are many picnic areas, but be sure to check the water quality signs at the entrances first; after heavy rains, the water can be polluted with rain run-off. It's good for walking, and in the morning and evening the well-sneakered walk their pooches here. Sailors, kayakers, and triathletes all use this beach for training. Stand-up paddleboarding is also very popular. The many cafés in Takapuna township are two minutes away from the sand. Amenities: food and drink; parking; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunrise; swimming; walking.