Last updated June 2026
Long Bay Regional Park is one of Auckland’s most popular regional parks, located on the North Shore about 30 minutes north of the CBD. It features a long sandy beach suitable for swimming, extensive picnic areas, and a coastal track that leads north to the adjacent Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve. The park attracts large numbers of visitors on summer weekends yet offers quieter sections along the clifftops once away from the main beach. Auckland Council manages the 160-hectare park, which provides family-friendly facilities and access to protected coastal environments.
Practical Information
| Location | Long Bay, North Shore, Auckland |
| Address | 2000 Beach Road, Long Bay |
| Drive from Auckland CBD | Approximately 30 minutes (25 km) via SH1 north, exit at Oteha Valley Road |
| Entry | Free |
| Beach | Sandy beach suitable for swimming; patrolled in summer season |
| Facilities | Toilets, changing rooms, picnic areas, BBQs, playground, bookable sites |
| Parking | Large car parks; fees apply |
| Dogs | Prohibited in the park (limited beach rules apply south of Vaughan Stream in some seasons) |
| Managed by | Auckland Council |
About Long Bay Regional Park
Long Bay Regional Park occupies 160 hectares of coastal land on Auckland’s North Shore. The Vaughan family sold the land to the Auckland Regional Authority in 1965, and the park was developed in the early 1970s as one of Auckland’s first regional parks. The main beach stretches along a sheltered east-facing bay, backed by grassed picnic areas and stands of pohutukawa and other coastal vegetation.
A stream flows through the lower valley, and the terrain rises to clifftops in the northern section. The park lies adjacent to the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve, extending opportunities for coastal exploration. It includes areas of native bush and open space for recreation, attracting well over one million visitors annually.
Facilities include toilet blocks, changing rooms, BBQ areas, an all-abilities playground, and bookable picnic sites. Parking is available in large car parks with fees applying. The park offers safe swimming conditions in the sheltered bay during appropriate tides and weather.
The Coastal Walk
The Long Bay to Okura Coastal Walk starts at the northern end of the main beach and follows the clifftop north. It provides elevated views over Long Bay, Rangitoto Island, and the Hauraki Gulf while passing through coastal scrub, farmland, and native bush sections. The full return trip to the Okura estuary takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Shorter sections of the well-formed track are suitable for briefer outings, with some steep sections requiring sturdy footwear. The track connects with the marine reserve boundary and offers quieter walking away from the main beach crowds.
Okura Marine Reserve
The northern boundary of Long Bay Regional Park adjoins the Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve, a no-take protected area managed by the Department of Conservation. The reserve covers estuarine and coastal habitats including sandy beaches, rocky reefs, and significant mangrove systems that support wading birds and marine life such as snapper and shellfish.
Fishing and collection of marine life are prohibited within the reserve. The estuary provides important habitat and is popular for birdwatching at low tide when rock pools are visible.
What Visitors Often Say
The beach is excellent for families with calm water and patrols in season. Many visitors enjoy heading up the coastal track for clifftop views that feel much quieter than the busy sand below, even on peak days.
The park offers plenty of space for picnics and games with good facilities. Walkers appreciate the coastal track leading to the marine reserve area and the chance to see protected shoreline habitats up close.
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council – Long Bay Regional Park: Official page with maps, facilities, access details and current conditions.
Department of Conservation – Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve: Information on the adjacent marine reserve, protection rules and wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Long Bay Regional Park?
Drive north from Auckland CBD on SH1 and take the Oteha Valley Road exit. Follow signs to Beach Road or the park entrance. The drive takes about 30 minutes in normal traffic.
Is Long Bay beach patrolled?
Yes, Surf Life Saving patrols operate during the summer season. Always swim between the flags when they are present.
Is there parking at Long Bay Regional Park?
Yes, large car parks are available off Beach Road. Parking fees apply; check current Auckland Council rates before visiting.
Are dogs allowed at Long Bay Regional Park?
Dogs are generally prohibited in the park. Limited seasonal access applies on the beach south of Vaughan Stream only; check current Auckland Council dog policy for details.
How long is the coastal walk to Okura?
The full return walk from Long Bay beach to the Okura estuary takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. Shorter sections of the clifftop track can be completed in 30 to 60 minutes return.
Can I fish in the Okura Marine Reserve?
No. The Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve is a no-take area. Fishing and collection of any marine life are prohibited within its boundaries.
What facilities are available at the park?
Facilities include toilets, changing rooms, picnic areas, BBQs, an all-abilities playground and bookable sites. A café may operate during peak periods.
Is the park suitable for families?
Yes. The sheltered beach, playground, open grass areas and short walking options make it popular with families. The coastal track offers longer options for older children and adults.
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