Shakespear Regional Park: Beach Swimming Near Whangaparāoa

Shakespear Regional Park sits at the tip of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula north of Auckland — a 500-hectare park with farmland, pest-free open sanctuary, walking tracks and three sheltered Hauraki Gulf swimming beaches. One of Auckland’s most popular regional parks combining a beach swim with native bird-watching in the predator-fenced Shakespear Open Sanctuary.

Practical Information

Address Whangaparāoa Peninsula tip, north Auckland
From central Auckland ~40 km north — about 45 min drive via SH1
Park size ~500 hectares — farmland, sanctuary and three beaches
Beaches Te Haruhi Bay (main), Pink Beach, Army Bay
Conditions Sheltered Hauraki Gulf swimming; calm at most beaches
Sanctuary Shakespear Open Sanctuary — pest-free, predator-fenced
Facilities Toilets, changing rooms, BBQs, picnic areas, playground, campground
Parking Free park parking at multiple points
Dogs Not permitted (open sanctuary)
Cost Free park entry; campground fees apply

About Shakespear Regional Park

Shakespear sits at the eastern tip of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, surrounded by Hauraki Gulf water on three sides. The park combines a working sheep-and-cattle farm with native bush and three Hauraki Gulf beaches, all enclosed within the Shakespear Open Sanctuary — a 500-hectare predator-fenced area established in 2011 to allow native birds to thrive. The sanctuary status (no rats, possums, stoats, dogs) means rare native birds — tīeke (saddleback), pōpokotea (whitehead), pāteke (brown teal), and translocated takahē — live wild within easy walking distance of the beach.

The Three Beaches

Te Haruhi Bay is the main beach and the most popular for family swimming — a long curving sand beach sheltered by the surrounding headlands, with the bulk of the park facilities (toilets, changing rooms, BBQs) nearby. Pink Beach sits on the southern side of the peninsula — smaller, quieter, named for the pink-tinged sand created by crushed shells. Army Bay on the northern side has a less developed beach but excellent walking access to the open sanctuary’s bush tracks. All three are sheltered Hauraki Gulf swimming spots with calm conditions in typical summer weather.

Combining Swimming With the Sanctuary

The Shakespear Open Sanctuary is one of the park’s biggest draws — the predator-fenced area allows native birds to flourish in a way that’s rare on mainland Auckland. Walking tracks loop through the sanctuary connecting the three beaches, with bird-watching highlights including tīeke (translocated from offshore islands), pōpokotea, and the small population of takahē. Most visitors combine a 1–2 hour walk through the sanctuary with a swim and picnic — the full day-out option. The bird hides at Waterfall Gully and the lookouts over the open Hauraki Gulf add to the appeal.

Where to Learn More

Auckland Council — Shakespear Regional Park — official park page with closures, walking tracks, beach access and campground booking.

SOSSI — Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society — community group supporting the sanctuary, with bird species lists and current restoration news.

Safeswim — Shakespear beaches — real-time water-quality monitoring.

Auckland NZ — Shakespear Regional Park — official visitor information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Shakespear Regional Park?
At the tip of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, ~40 km north of central Auckland.

What’s the open sanctuary?
A 500-hectare predator-fenced area established in 2011 to allow native birds to thrive. No rats, possums, stoats, or dogs inside the fence.

Which beach is best for families?
Te Haruhi Bay — the main beach with the best facilities and a curving sheltered sand stretch.

Are dogs allowed?
No — Shakespear is an open sanctuary, no dogs permitted anywhere in the park.

Can I camp there?
Yes — Auckland Council’s Shakespear campground is bookable online. Popular in summer; book ahead.

What native birds will I see?
Tīeke (saddleback), pōpokotea (whitehead), tūī, kererū, pāteke (brown teal), and the small takahē population.

For more north Auckland beaches and parks see Beaches in Auckland — including the nearby Wenderholm Regional Park.