Coastal Tracks at Auckland’s Eastern Edge

Beachlands sits right at the eastern end of Auckland, and it’s got that proper seaside village feel. You’re a good 45 minutes from the city centre, which means the beaches are way quieter and the walks have that relaxed, away-from-it-all vibe.

I reckon Beachlands is one of Auckland’s best-kept secrets for coastal walking. The tracks here connect beaches, farmland, and estuaries, and you’ll often have whole sections to yourself even on weekends. Plus, the cafés in the village are decent – always nice to have somewhere for brunch after a morning walk.

Why Walk in Beachlands:

• Quiet beaches – way less crowded than inner Auckland
• Easy coastal paths – mostly flat and well-maintained
• Rock pools and swimming – brilliant at low tide
• Estuary birdwatching – heaps of waders and shorebirds
• Village amenities – cafés, parking, toilets all sorted
• Family-friendly – good for buggies and kids

The walks range from quick 30-minute loops to longer 2-3 hour coastal adventures. Most are suitable for all fitness levels.

The Main Walks

Maraetai and Omana Loop Walk

This is the classic Beachlands walk – connects two beautiful beaches with coastal views the whole way. You’re looking at about 1.5-2 hours depending on how many times you stop for photos.

What you’ll get:

• Coastal clifftop sections with Hauraki Gulf views
• Two beaches perfect for swimming
• Farm gates and paddocks (it’s on private land with access agreements)
• Rock pools at low tide

The track’s well-formed but there are a few climbs. Nothing too strenuous, but you’ll feel it in your legs. I reckon this is the best walk in Beachlands for showing visitors – you get a bit of everything.

Distance: ~5km | Time: 1.5-2hrs | Difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Coastal views, swimming stops, decent workout

---

Maraetai Loop Coastal Walk

Shorter than the Omana loop, this one’s perfect if you’ve only got an hour or you’re walking with kids. Sticks close to Maraetai Beach and the reserve.

What you’ll get:

• Beach access
• Flat, easy paths
• Playground and picnic spots
• Good for buggies

This is your go-to for a casual stroll. Not as dramatic as the Omana loop, but way easier and you can let the kids run around at the beach after. There’s a café right near the start too.

Distance: ~2km | Time: 45min-1hr | Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Families, quick walks, buggy-friendly

---

Whitford Beach to Turanga Creek Walk

This one’s a bit different – more estuary than open coast. You’re walking along Turanga Creek with mudflats, mangroves, and loads of birds.

What you’ll get:

• Estuary and creek views
• Brilliant birdwatching (especially at high tide)
• Quiet farm landscape
• Link to Wades Walkway if you want to go further

The track’s pretty flat and easy. High tide’s better for this one – at low tide it’s just mudflats. Bring binoculars if you’re into birds, you’ll see heaps.

Distance: ~3km | Time: 1-1.5hrs | Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Birdwatching, quiet walks, connecting to longer routes

Other Walks in Beachlands

Shelly Park Beach Walk

Shelly Park’s right next to Maraetai and it’s got a nice flat beach walk that’s perfect for families. The park itself has playground, toilets, and picnic areas, so it’s brilliant if you’ve got kids.

What you’ll get:

• Flat beach walking
• Playground and BBQ facilities
• Boat ramp (busy with boats in summer)
• Safe swimming

The beach walk isn’t massive – maybe 20-30 minutes return – but it’s lovely and calm. The park has heaps of shade which is rare around here, so it’s good on hot days. You can easily combine this with the Maraetai walks if you want a longer day out.

Distance: ~1km | Time: 20-30min return | Difficulty: Easy
Start: Shelly Park Road car park

---

Pine Harbour Marina Walk

Pine Harbour’s where the ferry comes in from Auckland, and there’s a nice walkway around the marina. It’s short but scenic, and there’s cafés right there.

What you’ll get:

• Marina views and boats
• Flat concrete paths (perfect for buggies)
• Cafés and facilities
• Link to coastal walkway heading south

This is more of a stroll than a proper walk – maybe 30 minutes around the whole marina. But if you’re coming off the ferry it’s a nice way to stretch your legs. The coastal path heading south towards Beachlands village is being extended, so you’ll be able to walk the whole way soon.

Distance: ~1.5km loop | Time: 20-30min | Difficulty: Easy
Start: Pine Harbour Marina car park (or ferry terminal)

---

Beachlands Village to Sunkist Bay

There’s a developing coastal walkway that connects Beachlands village to Sunkist Bay. It’s partly formed, partly beach walking at low tide.

What you’ll get:

• Village cafés at start/end
• Mix of formed path and beach
• Views to Waiheke and Coromandel
• Rock pools at low tide

This one’s still being developed so check the tides before you go. At high tide you’ll need to stick to the road in some sections. It’s about 30-40 minutes one way, so most people do it as an out-and-back.

Distance: ~2km one way | Time: 30-40min each way | Difficulty: Easy
Start: Beachlands village (near beach access)
Note: Check tide – some sections beach-only at low tide

---

Pohutukawa Coast Trail (Beachlands Section)

The Pohutukawa Coast Trail is a developing long-distance trail that’ll eventually link Mangatawhiri to Miranda. The Beachlands section is mostly complete and connects several of the walks mentioned above.

What you’ll get:

• Long coastal walking (as far as you want)
• Links Whitford to Maraetai to Beachlands
• Mix of formed track, beach, and quiet roads
• Can make it as long or short as you like

This is brilliant if you want a proper long walk. You can easily spend half a day exploring different sections. The trail’s well-marked with orange triangles. Parts go through farmland so stick to the marked route and shut gates behind you.

Distance: Variable (10km+ available) | Time: 2-4hrs+ | Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Multiple access points from Whitford to Beachlands
Note: Some sections on private land with public access agreements

---

Omana Regional Park Loop

Beyond the beach at Omana, there’s a loop track through the regional park with farm and coastal views. It’s an extension of the Maraetai-Omana walk.

What you’ll get:

• Farm paddocks with grazing sheep
• Coastal clifftop views
• Historic pā site
• Quieter than the beach sections

The track’s well-maintained but there are some decent hills. You’re looking at about 45 minutes for the full loop from the beach car park. Combine it with the Maraetai-Omana walk for a proper half-day adventure.

Distance: ~2.5km loop | Time: 45min-1hr | Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Omana Beach car park

---

Duder Regional Park (nearby)

While technically in Clevedon, Duder Park is only 10 minutes from Beachlands and it’s got some of the best coastal walking in the area. Worth mentioning because if you’re out this way you should definitely check it out.

What you’ll get:

• Spectacular clifftop coastal views
• Farm tracks through working farmland
• Historic pā sites
• Multiple loop options

This is a proper regional park with several tracks. The coastal loop is the pick – about 2 hours with stunning views. No dogs allowed which is worth knowing.

Distance: Various (5-8km loops) | Time: 1.5-3hrs | Difficulty: Moderate
Start: Duder Regional Park entrance (Whakakaiwhara Road)
Note: Full details on the Clevedon walks page

Getting to Beachlands

By Car:

• Take SH1 south, exit at Whitford-Maraetai Road
• About 45 minutes from Auckland CBD
• Plenty of free parking at all walk starting points
• Shelly Park, Maraetai Beach, Omana Beach all have car parks

By Bus:

• Bus 500 from Panmure to Beachlands (limited service, weekdays only)
• Much easier to drive if you can

By Ferry:

• Pine Harbour ferry from Auckland CBD (weekends and public holidays)
• About 30 minutes from downtown
• Ferry terminal to Beachlands village is about 3km (you can walk the coastal path or grab an Uber)
• Check ferry times – they’re not frequent

Parking Spots:

• Maraetai Beach Reserve (big car park, free)
• Omana Beach car park (smaller, can fill up in summer)
• Shelly Park (good-sized car park, free)
• Pine Harbour Marina (paid parking, some free spots)
• Whitford Beach (small car park, free)
• Beachlands village (street parking)

All parking’s free except Pine Harbour. Summer weekends can get busy at Maraetai and Omana – get there early.

When to Go

Best Seasons:

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Perfect for combining walks with swimming, but it gets busy on weekends. Go early morning (7-8am) or late afternoon (4-5pm).
• Autumn (Mar-May): My favourite time. Still warm enough for swimming, way less crowded, beautiful light for photos.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Quiet as anything. Bring a jacket – the coastal wind’s cold. Great for birdwatching, and you’ll have the place to yourself.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Wildflowers on the coastal sections, baby birds everywhere, warming up nicely.

Best Times of Day:

• Early morning (7-9am) if you want it quiet and cool
• Late afternoon (4-6pm) for sunset walks – spectacular
• Avoid midday in summer – zero shade on most coastal sections

Tide Considerations: This is important for Beachlands – the tides make a massive difference:

• Low tide: Brilliant for rock pools at Maraetai and Omana, beach walking to Sunkist Bay
• High tide: Better for Whitford-Turanga Creek walk, swimming, marina views
• Mid-tide: Usually fine for most walks
• Check NIWA tide times before heading out

Facilities & Practicalities

Toilets:

• Maraetai Beach Reserve (near car park)
• Shelly Park (by playground)
• Pine Harbour Marina (at ferry terminal)
• Omana Beach (basic facilities)
• Limited facilities at Whitford and Beachlands village

Food & Drink:

• Maraetai Beach Café (decent coffee and brunch)
• Pine Harbour Marina (couple of cafés)
• Beachlands village (bakery, fish and chips, dairy)
• No water fountains on tracks – bring your own water

What to Bring:

• Water (especially in summer – there’s no shade)
• Sunscreen and hat (you’ll cook without them)
• Swimmers and towel (you’ll regret not bringing them)
• Camera (the coastal views are brilliant)
• Binoculars (heaps of birds on the estuary walks)
• Tide chart (check your phone before you go)

Dogs:

• Allowed on most tracks (on-leash)
• Check signage at each beach – some have restricted areas
• Off-leash areas at some beaches (Shelly Park at certain times)
• Not allowed at Omana Regional Park sections
• Clean up after your dog – there’s bins at most car parks

Mobile Coverage:

• Generally good – you’re not that remote
• Can be patchy on some coastal clifftop sections
• Emergency services coverage is fine

Safety:

• Some coastal sections have cliffs – watch kids
• Tracks can be slippery after rain
• Farmland means gates and stock – close gates behind you
• Sun exposure is real – use sunscreen
• Let someone know where you’re going for longer walks

My Honest Take on Beachlands

I’ve done all these walks multiple times, and I reckon Beachlands is seriously underrated. Yeah, it’s a bit of a drive from town, but that’s exactly why it’s not rammed with people. You can actually have a beach to yourself even in summer if you pick the right time.

The Maraetai-Omana loop is my pick if you’ve only got time for one walk. It’s got everything – views, beaches, a decent workout, and you finish up near a café. Perfect.

For families, Shelly Park’s the winner. Playground, shade, flat walking, safe swimming. You can spend half a day there easy.

If you’re into birdwatching, the Whitford-Turanga Creek walk at high tide is brilliant. Way better than fighting for a spot at Miranda or Pukorokoro.

The only downsides? Limited public transport (though the ferry’s an option on weekends), and bugger all shade on most walks. Don’t attempt the coastal tracks midday in January unless you want to cook.

Who’ll love Beachlands:

• Families wanting quiet beaches and safe swimming
• Anyone sick of crowded Auckland walks
• People who like combining walking with beach time
• Birdwatchers (the estuary’s excellent)
• Photographers (the coastal light’s beautiful)

Who might not:

• If you want dramatic mountain scenery, head to the Waitakeres
• If you hate driving and don’t have a car
• If you need cafés every 20 minutes
• If you’re looking for challenging tramping

Connecting Routes & Longer Adventures

If you’re keen for bigger walks, Beachlands links to:

Wades Walkway – Connects Whitford through farmland to Howick area. You can walk from Beachlands to Howick if you’re really keen (about 3-4 hours).

Pohutukawa Coast Trail – Eventually this will be a massive coastal trail. The Beachlands section’s mostly done. You can walk from Clevedon through to Kawakawa Bay.

Duder Regional Park – 10 minutes drive from Beachlands, spectacular coastal walking.

Check out the East Auckland walks hub for more options nearby, or Clevedon for the Duder Park walks.

Quick Walk Comparison

Walk	Distance	Time	Difficulty	Best For	Dogs?
Maraetai-Omana Loop	~5km	1.5-2hrs	Moderate	Views & swimming	Yes
Maraetai Loop	~2km	45min-1hr	Easy	Families	Yes
Whitford-Turanga Creek	~3km	1-1.5hrs	Easy	Birdwatching	Yes
Shelly Park Beach	~1km	20-30min	Easy	Kids/buggies	Yes
Pine Harbour Marina	~1.5km	20-30min	Easy	Coffee & stroll	Yes
Beachlands-Sunkist Bay	~4km return	1-1.5hrs	Easy	Beach walking	Yes
Omana Park Loop	~2.5km	45min-1hr	Moderate	Farm views	Check signage

Pro Tips from Someone Who Walks Here a Lot

1. Do the Maraetai-Omana loop clockwise – better views that way and you get the climbs out of the way early
2. Check the tide before any coastal walk – makes a massive difference
3. Bring swimmers – even in winter the water’s tempting on a sunny day
4. Go early in summer – these tracks have zero shade and it gets hot
5. Combine walks with the café – Maraetai Beach Café does a good breakfast
6. Park at Shelly Park if Maraetai’s full – it’s only 500m walk between them
7. Low tide is gold for rock pool exploring with kids
8. The ferry’s actually quite nice if you don’t want to drive – weekend walk then ferry home

Perfect Beachlands Day:

• Catch the early ferry from Auckland (9am-ish)
• Walk from Pine Harbour to Beachlands (~40min coastal path)
• Do the Maraetai-Omana loop (allow 2hrs with swimming)
• Lunch at Maraetai café
• Quick stroll at Shelly Park if you’ve got energy
• Ferry home mid-afternoon
• You’re done by 4pm and you’ve had a brilliant day

With Kids:

• Start at Shelly Park – playground, shade, toilets
• Do the short Maraetai Loop (45min)
• Swimming and lunch at the beach
• Ice cream in Beachlands village
• Home before everyone gets grumpy

Back to East Auckland Walks | Back to All Auckland Walks