Mahurangi Regional Park is a coastal park on the Mahurangi Peninsula, about an hour north of Auckland near Warkworth. It contains several beaches, the most accessible being Sullivan’s Bay — a calm, sheltered bay with sandy beach and pohutukawa trees, suitable for family swimming at most tides. More remote beaches within the park (Te Muri, Mita Bay, Big Bay) can only be reached by boat or on foot, which gives them a quieter, more wild character. The combination of accessible swimming, camping, and coastal walking makes Mahurangi one of the more rewarding full-day destinations in the northern Auckland parks network.
Practical Information
| Location | Mahurangi Peninsula, near Warkworth — approx 1 hour north of Auckland city |
| Main swimming beach | Sullivan’s Bay — calm, sheltered, vehicle access; safe for families |
| Remote beaches | Te Muri (foot/boat only), Mita Bay (boat only), Big Bay (boat only) |
| Lifeguards | None |
| Facilities | Toilets, picnic areas, BBQs (BYO wood); camping (booking required) |
| Water quality | Check SafeSwim before visiting |
| Entry | Free (camping fees apply) |
About Sullivan’s Bay
Sullivan’s Bay is the practical starting point for most visitors. It has vehicle access, a picnic area with tables and BBQs (bring your own wood), and toilets — and the bay itself is calm, shallow, and sheltered in a way that makes it genuinely suitable for young children. The pohutukawa trees along the shore provide good shade on summer days. The beach fills up on busy summer weekends but has enough space to accommodate a reasonable crowd without feeling overcrowded.
The bay faces northeast into the Mahurangi Harbour — the water is typically calm and the tidal variation manageable. It is a comfortable, low-drama swimming environment.
Te Muri and the Remote Beaches
Te Muri Beach is a long stretch of white sand accessible by a walking track from Sullivan’s Bay or by boat. The walk takes around 45 minutes each way through coastal bush. The beach is substantially quieter than Sullivan’s Bay on summer weekends, and the walk to reach it adds a genuine sense of discovery. Mita Bay and Big Bay at Mahurangi East are smaller and only accessible by boat — they are used primarily by people arriving by kayak or trailer boat.
What Visitors Say
“Sullivan’s Bay is the perfect family swimming beach — calm, clean, pohutukawa shade, good picnic facilities. It gets busy on summer weekends but is worth the drive. If you have the energy for the walk, Te Muri beach is even better and usually much quieter.” — visitor account, Get Away New Zealand
Where to Learn More
- Auckland Council — Mahurangi West Regional Park: Official park information including track maps, beach access and camping bookings.
- Auckland NZ – Mahurangi Regional Park: Tourism overview with visitor highlights.
- Mahurangi West — Te Muri Beach: Detailed guide to Te Muri Beach including the walk in and what to expect.
FAQ
What is the best beach for swimming at Mahurangi Regional Park?
Sullivan’s Bay is the most accessible — calm, sheltered, and suitable for families. Te Muri is worth the 45-minute walk for those who want a quieter experience.
How do I reach Te Muri Beach?
On foot from Sullivan’s Bay — the walk takes around 45 minutes each way through coastal bush. Alternatively, by boat if you have access to one.
How far is Mahurangi Regional Park from Auckland?
About one hour north of Auckland city near Warkworth, via State Highway 1.
Can I camp at Mahurangi Regional Park?
Yes — there are camping areas in the park. Booking and payment are required in advance through Auckland Council’s regional parks website.
Are there lifeguards?
No. All beaches at Mahurangi are unpatrolled. Check SafeSwim for current water quality before swimming.
Mahurangi pairs well with Wenderholm Regional Park to the south for a full northern Auckland beach day. See the guide to swimming in Auckland for more options.