Last updated October 2026
Rothesay Bay is one of the quieter East Coast Bays Auckland suburbs — sheltered Rothesay Bay Beach as the centrepiece, established residential streets climbing the surrounding cliffs, and a “hidden gem” character compared with busier neighbouring Browns Bay and nearby Mairangi Bay.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 3,500, up 1% since 2018
- Land area
- 0.97 km² (97 ha)
- Location
- 13.9 km north of central Auckland
- Council
- Auckland Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Murrays Bay, Browns Bay
- Ward or local board
- Hibiscus and Bays Local Board
- Getting there
- Buses on East Coast Road; SH1 motorway access
- Schools
- Browns Bay School
- Nearby landmarks
- Rothesay Bay Beach, Browns Bay Beach
Who Lives in Rothesay Bay
About 3,500 residents in 1,190 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
About Rothesay Bay
Rothesay Bay is one of the smaller and quieter East Coast Bays suburbs, with a sheltered family swimming beach at its centre. The residential streets climb from the bay up the surrounding cliffs, with sea-view properties making up a substantial part of the housing stock. The suburb’s smaller scale and quieter character distinguishes it from the busier neighbouring bays.
Rothesay Bay Beach
Rothesay Bay Beach is a small sheltered sand cove between rocky headlands — sheltered Hauraki Gulf conditions, calm family swimming, public toilets and grass reserve at the back.
Smaller scale than Browns Bay or Long Bay, which keeps weekend crowds manageable. The beach is genuinely a local favourite rather than a destination — many East Coast Bays families prefer it for the lower crowds.
Quiet Coastal Character
Rothesay Bay’s appeal is its quieter coastal residential atmosphere — smaller commercial presence than neighbouring bays, less through-traffic, and a sense of being slightly off the main East Coast Bays tourist route.
The local primary school, Browns Bay School on Masterton Road, sits within Rothesay Bay and anchors the family character of the area. The combination of beach plus quiet residential character makes Rothesay Bay consistently sought-after by East Coast Bays families.
Near Rothesay Bay
Just outside Rothesay Bay, within 5 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Safeswim — Rothesay Bay — real-time water quality monitoring.
Hibiscus and Bays Local Board — local government area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Rothesay Bay?
East Coast Bays, North Shore Auckland.
What’s the beach like?
Small sheltered sand cove between rocky headlands — calm family swimming, less crowded than larger nearby bays.
What schools?
Browns Bay School on Masterton Road is the primary school within Rothesay Bay; secondary students travel to schools in the wider East Coast Bays and Westlake area.
What’s the character?
Quiet coastal residential — hidden gem feel compared with busier neighbouring East Coast Bays.
How do I get to Rothesay Bay by bus?
Buses run on East Coast Road, and drivers have SH1 motorway access.
What facilities are at Rothesay Bay Beach?
The beach has public toilets and a grass reserve at the back, with calm Hauraki Gulf conditions for family swimming.
For more East Coast Bays see Auckland Suburbs.
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Explore Auckland only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Rothesay Bay is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.