The Whangaparāoa Peninsula extends into the Hauraki Gulf about 35–45 minutes north of Auckland, forming the southern end of the Hibiscus Coast. It’s a popular day trip for Aucklanders looking for open space, coastal walks and beaches without the ferry crossing. The peninsula’s main draw is Shakespear Regional Park at its tip, where farmland, native bush, pohutukawa forest and several swimming beaches come together in an Auckland Council reserve. The rest of the peninsula is suburban, but pockets of coastline and a handful of local spots make it worth the drive.
Practical Information
| Distance from Auckland CBD | 35–45 minutes by car |
| Main attraction | Shakespear Regional Park — coastal walks, beaches, native wildlife |
| Main beaches | Te Haruhi Bay, Okoromai Bay, Army Bay (all in Shakespear Park) |
| Park cost | Free to enter; camping available |
| Stanmore Bay | Heated saltwater pool complex — open to the public |
| Gulf Harbour | Marina village on the eastern peninsula |
| Managed by | Auckland Council (Shakespear Park) |
Shakespear Regional Park
Shakespear Regional Park sits at the tip of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula and is one of Auckland’s most scenically varied regional parks. The park is fully fenced as a predator-free sanctuary, making it a stronghold for native birds including pūkeko, tūī, kērēru and pātēkē (spotless crake). Open farmland rolls down to the coast on the western side, where pohutukawa-lined headlands frame several beaches.
The park has a network of walking tracks ranging from easy coastal loops to longer circuits through mixed bush and farmland. Te Haruhi Bay is the main swimming beach — sheltered, with good sand and calm conditions in settled weather. Okoromai Bay is a smaller, quieter option on the eastern side with rockpools at low tide. Army Bay on the northern tip is more exposed but has good views across the gulf to Tiritiri Matangi.
Stanmore Bay and the Pool
Stanmore Bay is a beach suburb partway along the peninsula with a community beach and a heated saltwater pool complex — Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre — that is open to the public year-round. It’s a popular add-on for families, especially in cooler months when the gulf water is cold.
Gulf Harbour and Paraoa Brewing
Gulf Harbour is a marina village on the eastern side of the peninsula with cafés, a small shopping precinct and boat access to the inner gulf. Paraoa Brewing Company operates here, with a tap room and restaurant open for lunch and dinner — a good spot to stop before heading back to Auckland.
What Visitors Say
“Te Haruhi Bay is one of the nicest beaches in the Auckland region and it’s free. The walk around the headland to Okoromai is great too — you can see tui and kereru in the trees close up because they’re not scared of people.”
— TripAdvisor review, Shakespear Regional Park
“Spent the day at Shakespear Park with the family — the kids loved the sheep and peacocks in the farmland area, we swam at Te Haruhi and walked around the headland. One of our favourite day trips close to the city.”
— Google review
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Shakespear Regional Park
Official park information, track maps, facilities and camping bookings.
Auckland NZ — Shakespear Regional Park
Overview of the park from the official Auckland tourism site.
New Zealand — Shakespear Regional Park
Visitor guide with practical information and highlights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Whangaparāoa from Auckland?
35–45 minutes by car from the Auckland CBD, depending on traffic. SH1 north to the Silverdale interchange, then State Highway 17 down the peninsula.
Is Shakespear Regional Park free to enter?
Yes — entry to the park is free. Camping is available and requires booking through Auckland Council.
What beaches are in Shakespear Park?
Te Haruhi Bay (main swimming beach), Okoromai Bay (quieter, rockpools) and Army Bay (northern tip, more exposed).
Can I see wildlife in Shakespear Park?
Yes — the park is fully predator-fenced and native birds are plentiful and unusually unafraid of people. Tūī, kērēru, pūkeko, and spotless crake are commonly seen.
Is there food at Shakespear Park?
There’s a small kiosk near the main carpark in summer. Bring food and water for most visits. Gulf Harbour has cafés and restaurants about 10 minutes back down the peninsula.
What else is on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula?
Stanmore Bay has a heated saltwater pool complex. Gulf Harbour has a marina with cafés and Paraoa Brewing Company’s tap room.
Whangaparāoa is one of Auckland’s most accessible Day Trips. Also north of Auckland: Matakana Village and Wineries and Goat Island Marine Reserve.