Last updated May 2026
St Heliers Bay is the furthest east of Auckland’s three main Tamaki Drive beaches, about 12 kilometres from the CBD. The beach sits at the edge of the St Heliers village — a suburban shopping strip with cafés, restaurants and a local market — and has the same sheltered harbour character as Mission Bay and Kohimarama but with a noticeably quieter, more local atmosphere. It’s a good alternative to Mission Bay when the more central beach is crowded, and the village behind the beach adds enough to make it worth the slightly longer drive.
Practical Information
| Location | Tamaki Drive / St Heliers Bay Road, St Heliers — 12km east of CBD |
| Beach type | Sheltered harbour beach — calm water, sandy, suitable for families |
| Lifeguards | Patrolled in summer — swim between flags when present |
| Parking | On-street and a small carpark at the beach — generally easier than Mission Bay |
| Village | St Heliers village shopping strip — cafés, restaurants, bakeries |
| Access | Bus from city (Route 745); cycling via Tamaki Drive cycleway |
| Entry fee | Free |
Swimming Conditions
St Heliers shares the same sheltered harbour conditions as Mission Bay and Kohimarama — calm water, no ocean swell, gentle entry, suitable for young children. The beach is patrolled by Surf Life Saving NZ in summer. Water quality is monitored weekly by Auckland Council. As with all Auckland harbour beaches, water quality can temporarily decline after heavy rainfall — check the Auckland Council swimming spots page before visiting. Water temperature is typically 16–17°C in winter and up to 22–23°C in summer.
St Heliers Village
The St Heliers village is a quiet suburban commercial strip directly behind the beach with a better café and restaurant selection than most beach suburbs of similar size. There are bakeries, coffee shops and restaurants catering to the local community. The village has a less touristy feel than Mission Bay — it’s genuinely a neighbourhood hub first and a beach destination second, which gives it a more relaxed character. A small playground and grassed reserve sit between the beach and the village.
Tamaki Drive Connection
St Heliers is the eastern terminus of the Tamaki Drive Walkway, which runs west through Kohimarama to Mission Bay — about 4 kilometres of flat, scenic coastal path accessible on foot or by bike. The cycleway is a continuous, off-road route along this entire stretch. Doing the full Tamaki Drive in either direction — starting at one beach and finishing at another — is a popular half-day outing. The eastern end of St Heliers also connects to Karaka Bay and Glendowie for further coastal walking.
What Visitors Say
“St Heliers is my favourite of the three Tamaki Drive beaches — it’s the least crowded, the village has good cafés, and parking is much easier. The water is just as good as Mission Bay. Worth the extra few minutes’ drive.”
— Google review
“Cycled the full Tamaki Drive from Mission Bay to St Heliers, stopped for a swim at each beach. St Heliers had the best parking and a lovely little café strip. Great way to spend a summer morning.”
— TripAdvisor review
Where to Learn More
Auckland Council — Swimming Spots
Weekly water quality results for St Heliers and all monitored Auckland harbour beaches.
Auckland NZ — St Heliers
Overview of St Heliers from the official Auckland tourism site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Heliers Bay good for swimming?
Yes — the same sheltered harbour conditions as Mission Bay and Kohimarama. Calm, safe water suitable for all ages. Lifeguards patrol in summer.
How do I get to St Heliers by public transport?
Bus Route 745 from Britomart runs along Tamaki Drive and stops at St Heliers. The trip takes about 30–40 minutes from the city centre.
Is there a café at St Heliers Beach?
Yes — St Heliers village has several cafés and restaurants within a short walk of the beach. The strip is more local-focused than Mission Bay but has good options.
How far is St Heliers from Mission Bay?
About 4 kilometres via the Tamaki Drive Walkway — roughly 45–60 minutes walking or 15–20 minutes by bike.
Is parking easier at St Heliers than Mission Bay?
Generally yes — on-street parking and a small beach carpark are typically less congested than Mission Bay, though summer weekends and public holidays can still be busy.
St Heliers is the eastern end of the Tamaki Drive Walkway. Also on the eastern waterfront: Kohimarama Beach.
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