Long Bay Regional Park is one of the most accessible regional parks in Auckland — about 30 minutes north of the CBD on the North Shore — and yet it consistently delivers. A wide, patrolled ocean beach, a cliff-top coastal walk to Okura Marine Reserve, and scattered Second World War fortifications make it more interesting than a typical day-beach stop. It draws a large crowd on summer weekends, but the coastal track quickly puts distance between you and the beach crowds.
Practical Information
| Location | Long Bay, North Shore, Auckland |
|---|---|
| Address | Oaktree Avenue, Long Bay |
| Drive from Auckland CBD | Approximately 30 minutes via SH1 north |
| Entry | Free |
| Beach | Patrolled by Surf Life Saving NZ (summer season) |
| Facilities | Toilets, changing rooms, picnic areas, BBQs, café |
| Parking | Large car park at Oaktree Avenue; fees apply |
| Dogs | Not permitted (regional park rules) |
| Managed by | Auckland Council |
About the Park
Long Bay Regional Park covers about 288 hectares along the east-facing coastline north of Auckland. The park has been in public ownership since 1967 and was one of the first regional parks established by what was then the Auckland Regional Authority. The main beach stretches roughly one kilometre in a sheltered bay — calm enough for family swimming and patrolled during the summer season by Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
Behind the beach, the park opens into grassed picnic areas shaded by pohutukawa and other coastal trees. A stream runs through the lower valley, and the terrain rises steeply to the north toward the clifftops. The northern end of the park connects to the Okura Marine Reserve and Bush, extending the overall walkable area significantly.
The park has good facilities relative to other regional parks: toilet blocks, changing rooms, BBQ areas, and a café operating during peak periods. Parking is in a large car park off Oaktree Avenue, with fees applying.
The Coastal Walk
The Long Bay to Okura Coastal Walk is the standout track in the park. Starting from the north end of the beach, the track climbs the cliff edge and follows the coastline north, offering elevated views back over Long Bay and out toward Rangitoto and the Hauraki Gulf. The full walk to the Okura estuary and back takes about 3–4 hours return and traverses farmland, coastal scrub, and native bush sections.
Shorter versions of the walk are perfectly worthwhile — even the first 20–30 minutes from the beach onto the clifftops gives you views well above what you get at sand level. The track is well-formed but has some steep sections; sturdy footwear is recommended.
WWII Fortifications
Long Bay’s clifftops were fortified during the Second World War as part of Auckland’s coastal defence network. A series of concrete gun emplacements, observation posts, and connecting tunnels were built into the headland north of the main beach, intended to protect the Waitemata Harbour approaches.
The structures are still visible today — mostly intact concrete pillboxes and bunkers embedded in the cliff face and hilltop. They’re accessible on foot from the coastal track and are a notable point of interest that most visitors to Long Bay don’t know about. The fortifications are well documented in New Zealand’s military history literature and are part of a broader network of WWII-era defences around the Auckland coastline.
Okura Marine Reserve
The northern boundary of Long Bay Regional Park abuts the Okura Marine Reserve, a marine protected area covering the Okura Estuary and adjoining coastline. The reserve protects a diverse estuarine ecosystem including snapper, flounder, and significant shellfish beds. No fishing or collection of marine life is permitted within the reserve boundaries.
The estuary at Okura is also ecologically significant as one of the larger intact mangrove systems on the North Shore. It supports a range of wading birds and is a recognised area for birdwatching.
What Visitors Say
“The beach is great for kids — calm, clean, and patrolled. We always head up the coastal track after lunch. The views from the clifftops over the bay are brilliant and most people don’t bother making the climb, so it’s quieter up there even on busy days.”
“Found the WWII bunkers by accident while walking the track north — genuinely impressive. They’re well-preserved and the location makes sense when you think about what they were guarding. Worth the walk just for those.”
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Long Bay Regional Park — official park page with track maps, facilities, and current information.
Department of Conservation — Long Bay–Okura Marine Reserve — information on the adjacent marine reserve and its protection rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Long Bay Regional Park?
Drive north from Auckland CBD on SH1, exit toward Long Bay and follow signs to Oaktree Avenue. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes from the CBD in normal traffic.
Is Long Bay beach patrolled?
Yes — Surf Life Saving New Zealand patrols Long Bay beach during the summer season. Always swim between the flags.
Is there parking at Long Bay?
Yes. A large car park is located off Oaktree Avenue. Parking fees apply — check current Auckland Council rates before visiting.
Are dogs allowed at Long Bay Regional Park?
No. Dogs are not permitted in Auckland regional parks, including Long Bay.
How long is the coastal walk to Okura?
The full return walk from Long Bay beach to Okura estuary takes approximately 3–4 hours. Shorter sections of the clifftop track can be walked in 30–60 minutes return.
Where are the WWII bunkers?
The fortifications are located on the clifftops north of the main beach, accessible via the coastal track. Look for the concrete pillboxes and observation posts embedded into the hillside as you climb north from the beach.
Can I fish in the Okura Marine Reserve?
No — the Okura Marine Reserve is a no-take marine protected area. Fishing and collection of marine life are prohibited within its boundaries.
For more parks and beaches around Auckland, see our guide to parks in Auckland. Nearby options on the North Shore include Torbay Beach and the walks at Shakespear Regional Park on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula.