Last updated May 2026
Long Bay Beach is a sheltered, sandy beach inside Long Bay Regional Park on Auckland’s North Shore, about 30 kilometres north of the CBD via the motorway. It’s one of the most popular family beaches in the region — calm, safe harbour water, a long flat beach, good facilities and accessible coastal walking tracks that extend through the park’s farmland and cliff tops. Unlike the more urban beaches at Takapuna or Mission Bay, Long Bay has a more open, park-like setting with space to spread out even on busy summer weekends.
Practical Information
| Location | Long Bay Regional Park, Long Bay — 30km north of Auckland CBD via the Northern Motorway |
| Beach type | Sheltered gulf beach — sandy, calm water, safe for families |
| Lifeguards | Patrolled by Surf Life Saving NZ in summer — swim between flags |
| Parking | Large carpark at the beach — fills on summer weekends; arrive early |
| Facilities | Public toilets, changing rooms, picnic tables, BBQs, playground, kiosk (seasonal) |
| Entry fee | Free (parking is also free) |
| Managed by | Auckland Council (Regional Parks) |
Swimming Conditions
Long Bay Beach faces east into the outer Waitemata Harbour and inner Hauraki Gulf. The water is generally calm and sheltered from significant ocean swell, though there can be some surface movement on north-east wind days. The beach slopes gently into the water and is suitable for children and non-swimmers. Water temperature peaks at around 21–22°C in summer. Surf Life Saving NZ patrols the main beach in summer — always swim between the flags when lifeguards are present. Auckland Council monitors water quality at Long Bay regularly; check results online before visiting.
The Regional Park
Long Bay Regional Park surrounds the beach and extends over 340 hectares of farmland, coastal forest and cliff tops. The park has a network of walking tracks — the most popular is the Vaughans Stream and Coastal Cliff Walk, a 2–3 hour loop that climbs through bush to clifftop views over the gulf and back along the beach. The marine reserve immediately north of the beach is a good snorkelling spot — the protected area supports reef fish, stingrays and sometimes crayfish. A children’s playground and BBQ areas make Long Bay well-suited to full-day family visits.
Getting There and Practicalities
Long Bay is accessible by car via the Northern Motorway — take the Albany exit and follow signs to Long Bay. The beach carpark is large but fills quickly on summer weekends and public holidays; arriving before 10am is advisable. There is no direct ferry service. Bus services run from Albany Bus Station to Long Bay on some routes — check Auckland Transport for current timetables. The seasonal kiosk at the beach sells ice cream and snacks; for a full café and restaurant selection, Torbay and Browns Bay are 10–15 minutes away.
What Visitors Say
“Long Bay is easily the best family beach in North Auckland — calm water, excellent playground, BBQs and the cliff walk afterwards. We go every summer and it never disappoints. Get there early on weekends.”
— Google review
“The coastal walk above Long Bay has stunning views. We swam at the beach, did the cliff loop walk and had a BBQ lunch — a full morning without spending anything. The marine reserve snorkelling is excellent at low tide.”
— TripAdvisor review
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Long Bay Regional Park
Official park information including walking tracks, facilities and water quality results.
Auckland Council — Swimming Spots
Weekly water quality monitoring for Long Bay Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Long Bay Beach from Auckland CBD?
About 30 kilometres north via the Northern Motorway — roughly 30–40 minutes by car depending on traffic.
Is Long Bay Beach safe for young children?
Yes — the calm, sheltered water and gently sloping beach make it one of the best family beaches in Auckland. Lifeguards patrol in summer.
Is there parking at Long Bay Beach?
Yes — a large carpark at the beach, free of charge. It fills quickly on summer weekends; arrive before 10am on busy days.
Can I snorkel at Long Bay?
Yes — the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve immediately north of the beach is a popular snorkelling spot with good visibility and marine life.
Are there walking tracks at Long Bay Regional Park?
Yes — the Vaughans Stream and Coastal Cliff Walk is the main route, taking 2–3 hours and offering clifftop views over the gulf. Shorter walks are also available.
Is there food at Long Bay Beach?
A seasonal kiosk operates at the beach in summer. For cafés and restaurants, Torbay and Browns Bay are 10–15 minutes away by car.
Long Bay is on Auckland’s North Shore. For more on the area, see our North Shore Day Trip guide. More swimming options: Swimming in Auckland.
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