Beaches and the Hauraki Gulf.
Cruising on the Hauraki Gulf
Take
a short ferry ride from Bayswater Marina, Devonport or Downtwon
Auckland, or charter a skippered yacht to explore the many islands
scattered across the Hauraki Gulf. Cruise to the volcanic wildlife
reserve of Rangitoto Island. 
Bayswater Marina
A
professionally managed facility the 420 berth Marina is a fabulous
place to visit as the Marina Breakwater is open to the public during
daylight hours. The 900m long breakwater is a fantasic way for visitors
to view Auckland City and also connects with busses and ferry services.
Beautiful Beaches
Relax,
have a picnic, play sport, swim and enjoy a host of other water
activities at one of North Shores's twenty beaches with great views of
volcanic Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf.
| Browns Bay Close to the large shopping centre, Browns Bay Beach is great for family swimming and barbecues. There is parking behind the shopping centre adjacent to the beach and a large playground for the children. Boats can be launched from the beach and there is a ski lane off the shore. For keen skateboarders there is a ramp on the reserve area. Facilities include a large toilet and changing block, as well as cafes overlooking the beachfront. | ||
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| Campbells Bay A small neighbourhood beach which offers safe swimming for the family. There is a playground for children, toilet block and small boats can be launched off the beach. The shopping centre is close by and there is adequate parking. | ||
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| Castor Bay Offers safe, sheltered swimming just down from Campbells Bay. It has a boat ramp and plenty of shade, a jungle gym and a small toilet block. It is a quiet beach and ideal for children.  | ||
| Cheltenham Beach Cheltenham Beach is a safe tidal beach in Devonport and is popular with families. It has a long stretch of beach and grassed areas for picnics away from the sand. There is also a toilet block and easy access to North Head. The restaurant here is a popular reception venue. | ||
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| Devonport Beach Devonport has a good swimming beach with Devonport Yacht Club moorings and a pontoon. Close to the shopping centre, there is fishing off the wharf and plenty of parking. A children's playground is on the adjacent reserve as well as a petanque pitch.  | ||
| Little Shoal Bay Little Shoal Bay has safe tidal swimming and boating, with a launching ramp and haul out area, as well as a BBQ and adjacent reserve.  | ||
| Long Bay, North Shore | ||
| Set
in the Long Bay Regional Park, this beach is one of the most popular in
North Shore City, attracting thousands of visitors from throughout
Auckland each year. It offers safe swimming for the family and toilets,
changing rooms, picnic and barbecue areas, and a restaurant and kiosk.
Children will enjoy everything from a small playground to a miniature
train and flying fox, as well as the beach. Bookings are advised for
the BBQ and picnic sites and can be made by contacting Parksline 303
1530. A coastal track from Long Bay leads to Granny's Bay and
Pohutukawa Bay and offers great coastal views. Ph 303 1530  | ||
| Mairangi Bay Mairangi Bay is home to the Mairangi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club. People can launch small dinghies and jet skis from the beach but should be aware of swimmers. There is a playground for children, a small grass reserve area and a toilet block. The Mairangi Bay shopping centre is close by and there is additional parking behind the shops and along the beachfront.  | ||
| Milford Beach Milford Beach is a popular family beach with a large grassed area and spaces for beach volleyball. It has a playground for the children and there is a toilet block. It is also home to a marina, sea scouts and the Milford Cruising Club. There is a boat ramp and parking off Milford Road. | ||
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| Murrays Bay This beach is home to the Murrays Bay Sailing Club and is a safe swimming beach for the family. It has its own wharf and a walkway leading along the clifftop with spectacular views of the coastline. There is an adjacent grass reserve and toilet block.  | ||
| Narrow Neck Beach Close to Devonport, Narrow Neck Beach is a large beach with easy access. It is a popular, safe swimming beach with a children's playground and a shop on the reserve. Picnic and BBQ facilities are provided. A sailing club is based here so enjoy the yacht racing off the beach. | ||
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| Other North Shore Beachs Chelsea Bay, Kendall Bay and Soldiers Bay in Birkenhead are accessible by foot but have no facilities. Winstone's Cove, between Long Bay and Waiake, is accessible only by foot. Island Bay and Hilders Park (Beach Haven Point) are used by locals for swimming and launching boats, toilets are nearby. | ||
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     Rothesay Bay This small beach is rock-free and provides safe swimming for keen beach goers and families. There is a large grass area with a playground for children and a small toilet block close by.  | ||
| Takapuna Beach Takapuna Beach is a very popular beach close to the business area with good parking and a large boat ramp. There are toilets and a changing block, as well as a picnic area. On a clear day enjoy great views of the volcanic island of Rangitoto and other Hauraki Gulf islands.  | ||
| Waiake Beach Waiake Beach in Torbay has a boat ramp and is popular with locals who often moor their boats in the bay. It has a small playground, toilets and changing rooms.  |
