Auckland Beaches

There are a number of beaches that have historically been utilised for the purposes of having time in the sun and in the sea without the need for yukky swimming costumes.

Pohutukawa Bay

At the northern end of the popular Long Bay reserve is a marked cliff walk, which goes past this spot. There used to be a sign here, recognising it as a clothes-optional area.
[Read More...]

Little Palm Beach (Waiheke Island)

This is probably the most popular place to go among locals and visitors alike, but there are several places known for skinny-dipping on this island. The general attitude of the locals is best described as 'relaxed.' Outside a couple of the main beaches - no problem!
[Read More...]

Ladies Bay

Next to St Leonards on the North Shore, Ladies Bay used to be probably the most popular of the Auckland urban options.
(Despite a council-built viewing platform over the beach.)
Of great concern to genuine Naturists is the reputation for bad behaviour there, Recently however (from 2011), it's possible that more well-behaved users have regained some control there... We are serious about being absolutely family friendly! If you see bad behviour at the beach, please advise the police directly with any associated car registration number and/or get an identifying photo - or advise us, if you prefer!

Orpheus Bay

This modest, south-facing stretch of sand is not far from the mouth of the Manakau Harbour. Access is via the obscure Con Bryan Track, entered about half way along, on the right of the short road to the look-out, near Huia. Don't sit under the cliff at the far end (at the centre of this picture), because bits of it often fall off there...

Herne Bay

Only about three kilometres from Ponsonby, this is not a big beach but usually there are a few people on it, despite it's proximity to the CBD. Here, the tide is right in - there are more sunny areas than appear here.

Bethells & O'Neills Beaches

These beaches are next to each other on Auckland's West Coast. Bethells has the car park behind it. Skinny-dippers tend to go either to the south, the area shown here, or north over the saddle to O'Neills - (see next).

Karekare Beach

Turn left about 15km along Piha Rd to go to Karekare instead of Piha. There are a number of walking tracks behind the west cost beaches, some of which go by pretty lakes and streams.

Murawai North

On the way to Helensville from Auckland, at the end of Rimmers Road, is a long, west coast beach. It can be a bit bleak at times, but even on a busy day, there's plenty of room.

North Piha

At the bottom of Piha Rd turn right and go to the last car park to the north. The track over the point to Whites Beach starts, is near here. (Note that ex-Mayor Bob Harvey welcomes clothes-optional use of Piha...)

Whites Beach

The usual way to get here is via the track over the point at the northern end of Piha Beach - about a 30 min walk.

Mellons Bay

This one is reasonably easy to find, being not too far from the Howick shopping area. The spot used though, is a good walk to the right from the main beach and parking area. Since the council removed a shielding Pohutukawa log some years ago, there seems to have been a slow decline in usage...

Tawhitokino

On the east coast, apart from Ladies and Mellons Bays, one has to venture about 15 to 20 km further east, past Clevedon to find Waitawa and Tawhitokino. Otherwise, of course, there are always the Islands in the Hauraki Gulf!

Kariotahi Beach

This beach lies to the south of Manakau Harbour entrance. It is 'the home' of local identity Bill Shelly, who, until recently, walked naked for a couple of hours each fine day here. The nearest town, Waiuku, is only 8 km away.

Hamiltons Gap

West of Pollock, well up the Awhitu peninsula toward the entrance of Manukau Harbour; this is another west coast iron-sand beach - and you can drive on it.

Awhitu Reserve

The ARC reserve is almost opposite Hamiltons Gap, on the eastern side of the Awhitu Peninsula. It's normally pretty quiet here; plenty of room, and views across the Manukau Harbour.