Takapuna Beach (Auckland) New Zealand - Activities, Restaurants

Takapuna Beach, Auckland Overview

Takapuna beach is one of the most beloved relaxing spots in Takapuna for locals and tourists owing to its proximity to the central Auckland City and the airport. The beach offers not only spectacular views of the region, especially the Rangitoto Island in the Hauraki Gulf but also has various water sports available, shopping sites, eateries, bars and much more. In addition, the dog-friendly beach attracts the locals to come out for walking or jogging along the beach path every morning and evening.

The beach is located on The Strand, one of the popular localities in Takapuna. It remains open to the public at all hours. Still, visiting the beach during daylight hours is usually advised to fully enjoy the magnificent scenic beauty surrounding the beach. The magnificent native Pohutukawa trees of the myrtle family bloom with their crimson red flowers during December and January, lining the foreshore with floral beauty.

Activities

There are various enjoyable activities in Takapuna beach fit for both children and adults alike. Apart from the walking paths built along the beachside, outdoor activities like windsurfing, boating, yachting, stand up paddle boarding, etc. can be done too. The famous ‘lava trail’, which goes from Takapuna North to Milford, offers a beautiful view of the Rangitoto Island in its wake and is included in the parent trail called the Te Araroa Trail which goes all the way from the North Island to the South Island over about 3000 kilometers. Parts of the rare kauri forest can also be seen from the beach, wherein the fossils were created by the lava flowing in from the Lake Pupuke, which is a known freshwater volcanic crater lake.

A lot of indoor activities for fitness, swimming, etc. are found on the Killarney Street which also attracts visitors from the beach. The beach also offers personal care services like spas and salons, along with tattoo parlours. Beautiful houses are seen around the locality, and a playground and water play area for children is also found at The Strand. Public toilet facilities are available at both ends of the beach.

Restaurants

Many eateries are available for the visitors to dine out at, be it simply a café or a bar or a proper restaurant, all is available for catering to the needs of everyone who comes to the beach. Cuisines from around the world can be enjoyed at the beach, owing to the famous Malaysian and Chinese street food menu provided at Madam Woo. Fortieth & Hurstmere, Bird on a Wire, Dante’s Pizzeria are few of the other eating spots that are popular with the visiting folk. Right from El Humero that offers Colombian barbeque to Poké Poké with their poke bowls, the venue attracts foodies who usually come to satisfy their taste buds. Burger Burger, Fish Fish, and the Bluebells Cakery are outlets that are most loved by the children who come to the beach.

Parking

Parking at the beach is available at the Anzac street, Shore City, Wilson Car Parking and via parking mobile apps. Parking at the Anzac street ranges from pay and display parking to the monthly leases, the rates being subject to change. Generally, $1.50 is charged per hour for the first two hours which increases to $3 per hour for the hours after the first two. Parking is free from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. from Mondays to Saturdays and also on Sundays and other public holidays. Motorcycles can be parked free of cost. Shore City has free parking for only three hours for the visitors at the shopping centre. Wilson Car Parks are available at various spots in Takapuna like the Killarney Street, Northcroft Street, Takapuna Strand and the Takapuna Tower.

How To Reach Takapuna Beach

The Takapuna beach is very easy to reach via both public and private transport. By car, it takes around 10-15 minutes to reach the venue if the route chosen lies over the Auckland Harbour Bridge and almost half an hour from the airport, depending on the traffic conditions. Locals or visitors can reach the location in 5-10 minutes if coming from central Takapuna. Bus services are also very convenient to use since most lines come from the main city or pass through Takapuna. Bus lines that stop near the Takapuna Beach are Bus No. 839, Bus No. 879 and Bus No. 922.

There are various stations lying close to the beach, like the Smales Farm Busway Station that is at a short walking distance from the beach. Other stations like Hurstmere Rd. And Anzac and the Takapuna Transport Centre are also close to the beach, each lying at a distance of around 5-6 minutes on foot. Visitors can also take the ferry and then switch to bus lines to reach the venue. The ferry from the main city to Devonport takes around half an hour and then one can take Bus – 813 from the Devonport Wharf to Takapuna, or take the Bayswater ferry instead and board Bus – 803 or Bus – 804 to reach Takapuna from Bayswater Marina.

Visitors can also opt to go to the beach via cycling, the most scenic route that people usually opt for is the green route that runs through Devonport to reach Takapuna. Cabs or Uber rides from the Auckland CBD usually cost $30 and fare goes up to $75 if traveling from the airport to the beach. Airport shuttle services also take visitors from the airport to the beach.