Last updated July 2026
Kohimarama is a premium coastal Auckland suburb on Tāmaki Drive — sandwiched between Mission Bay and St Heliers, with Kohimarama Beach as its standout feature, plus the eastern bays cycleway, Selwyn College and Kohimarama School as anchors.
Practical Information
| Location | Eastern bays Auckland, on Tāmaki Drive between Mission Bay and St Heliers |
| Distance to CBD | ~7 km — about 15 min drive or 30 min cycle via Tāmaki Drive |
| Local board | Ōrākei Local Board |
| Standout features | Kohimarama Beach, Tāmaki Drive cycleway, Selwyn College |
| Transport | Frequent buses on Tāmaki Drive; cycleway from CBD |
| Character | Premium coastal residential with strong family demographic |
About Kohimarama
Kohimarama sits on Tāmaki Drive between Mission Bay and St Heliers — premium coastal residential with the headline feature being Kohimarama Beach itself. The suburb’s residential streets climb up from the coast on hilly terrain, with sea-view properties demanding premium prices and the wider area having a strong family demographic anchored by Kohimarama School (primary) and Selwyn College (secondary). The Tāmaki Drive position gives 15-minute CBD access by car and 30-minute cycle access on the dedicated cycleway.
Kohimarama Beach
Kohimarama Beach is the central feature — a long curving sand beach facing east into the Hauraki Gulf with Rangitoto Island directly offshore. Sheltered, calm conditions make it consistently one of Auckland’s most family-friendly central swimming beaches. Summer surf-lifesaving patrols, public toilets, grass picnic reserves and cafes opposite on Tāmaki Drive give the beach full amenity. The beach is consistently busy weekends in summer.
Schools and Family Demographic
Kohimarama has a strong family demographic anchored by the local schools — Kohimarama School (primary, zoned), Selwyn College (secondary on Kohimarama Road), plus access to the wider central-east school network. The suburb’s combination of beach, schools and central convenience makes it one of Auckland’s most desirable inner-east family destinations, reflected in higher-than-average property prices.
Where to Learn More
Auckland NZ — Kohimarama Beach — official beach visitor information.
Kohimarama School — local primary school.
Selwyn College — local secondary school.
Ōrākei Local Board — local government area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kohimarama?
Eastern bays Auckland on Tāmaki Drive between Mission Bay and St Heliers. About 7 km from the CBD.
What’s Kohimarama Beach like?
Sheltered, calm, family-friendly with summer surf-lifesaving patrols.
What schools are in Kohimarama?
Kohimarama School (primary) and Selwyn College (secondary) are the main local schools.
How do I get there?
15-min drive via Tāmaki Drive; 30-min cycle on the dedicated cycleway; frequent buses.
What’s the character?
Premium coastal residential with strong family demographic — anchored by beach and schools.
For more eastern bays suburbs see Auckland Suburbs — and the Kohimarama Beach page.
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