Long Bay Regional Park is on Auckland’s North Shore, about 30 minutes from the city. There’s a kilometre of sandy beach, two smaller beaches further north, clifftop walks, a nature trail through wetlands, and a restored 1860s homestead. It’s a working farm so you may encounter cattle on the tracks.
Quick Facts
| Location | Beach Road, Long Bay, North Shore |
| Parking | Free, plenty along the beachfront |
| Toilets | Yes, at the beach and along the park |
| BBQs | Yes, bookable sites available |
| Playground | Yes, Variety Children’s Charity Playground |
| Cost | Free |
Walk Map and how to find Long Bay Regional Park
Can I Bring My Dog to Long Bay?
This is the question everyone asks. The short answer is: it depends where you’re going.
Dogs are not permitted north of Vaughan Stream at any time. That includes the Coastal Walk, all tracks, car parks and roads in the northern section of the park. The Coastal Walk is off limits for dogs.
Dogs are permitted on the southern beach, south of Vaughan Stream, with restrictions. Check the Auckland Council website for current access times before you go, as the rules were updated in August 2025.
Is Long Bay Beach Safe for Swimming?
Yes, Long Bay is one of Auckland’s safer beaches for swimming. The beach slopes gently, the water is generally calm, and lifeguards patrol during summer. Check Safeswim for live water quality information before you go.
The Walks
- Coastal Walk to Okura River — the main walk at Long Bay. 5.8 km one way along the clifftops past Granny’s Bay and Pohutukawa Bay to the Okura River. Medium difficulty, 2.5 hours one way. At low tide you can return along the beach.
- Long Bay Nature Trail — a short 800 m loop through wetland, native trees and farmland near the Vaughan Homestead. Takes about 30 minutes. Easy, good for all ages.
- Vaughan Homestead — 5 minutes from the car park. Walk to the end of the road, through the gate and onto the homestead. The 1863 homestead is open to the public.
Getting There
Take State Highway 1 north, take exit 410 at Oteha Valley Road. Turn right and drive underneath the motorway. Follow Oteha Valley Drive for 1.8 km to the next set of lights, turn left onto East Coast Bay Road, drive 0.9 km, look for a large water tank on the hill, turn right into Glenvar Road. This road runs downhill for 3.6 km. At 1.9 km there is a sharp right hand turn, don’t miss it. Left into Watea and left into Beach Road. The park is 100 m on your left.
Buses run from the city, check Auckland Transport for current timetables.
Facilities
Toilets and changing rooms at the beach. Drinking water in the park. Bookable BBQ and picnic sites. Fishing is not permitted anywhere in the park as it falls within the Long Bay Okura Marine Reserve. Cafés, a supermarket and shops at Long Bay Village, a short walk from the beach.
Other Walks Nearby
- North Shore Coastal Walk — follows the coastline south toward Devonport
- Scandrett Regional Park Walk — quiet coastal walk a short drive north
- All North Shore walks
