Last updated October 2026
Torbay is the northernmost of the East Coast Bays Auckland suburbs — a coastal clifftop community with sheltered Torbay Beach, Long Bay Regional Park just to the north, and a strong local community feel that distinguishes it from the busier southern East Coast Bays.
Official Suburb Facts
- Population (2023 Census)
- About 14,360, up 1% since 2018
- Land area
- 4.55 km²
- Location
- 16.6 km north of central Auckland
- Council
- Auckland Council
- Neighbouring suburbs
- Long Bay, Waiake, Northcross, Browns Bay, Fairview Heights, Redvale
- Ward or local board
- Hibiscus and Bays Local Board
- Getting there
- Buses on East Coast Road; SH1 motorway access
- Main shopping
- Torbay village shops
- Schools
- Glamorgan School, Torbay School
- Nearby landmarks
- Torbay Beach, Waiake Beach, Long Bay Regional Park
Who Lives in Torbay
About 14,360 residents in 4,840 households. From the 2023 Census, with the New Zealand figure alongside for comparison.
About Torbay
Torbay is the northernmost of the East Coast Bays suburbs, with sheltered Torbay Beach as the central recreational asset. The suburb has a strong local community feel built around the Torbay village shops, the surf-lifesaving club, and the local schools. Clifftop residential streets give substantial Hauraki Gulf views, with property prices reflecting that.
Torbay and Waiake Beaches
Torbay actually has access to two small sheltered beaches — Torbay Beach (the main beach with the surf-lifesaving club) and Waiake Beach (a smaller cove just south). Both are sheltered Hauraki Gulf swimming spots with reliable family conditions.
The Torbay Surf Life Saving Club patrols both beaches in summer. The “Tor” rock formations in Torbay Beach are a distinctive geological feature giving the suburb its name.
Walking Distance to Long Bay
Torbay’s geographic position immediately south of Long Bay Regional Park gives walking access to one of Auckland’s premier beach destinations — the long sand beach plus regional park amenities of Long Bay are just along the clifftop from Torbay. Many local residents combine Torbay’s quieter local beach with the bigger Long Bay weekend amenities.
Near Torbay
Just outside Torbay, within 10 km of its centre, nearest first.
Places
Businesses
Where to Learn More
Safeswim — Torbay Beach — real-time water quality monitoring.
Torbay Surf Life Saving Club — local patrol club.
Auckland Council — Long Bay Regional Park — adjacent regional park.
Hibiscus and Bays Local Board — local government area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Torbay?
Upper East Coast Bays, North Shore Auckland — immediately south of Long Bay. ~22 km from CBD.
What beaches are at Torbay?
Torbay Beach (main, with surf-lifesaving club) and Waiake Beach (smaller cove south) — both sheltered Hauraki Gulf swimming.
Are the beaches patrolled?
Yes — Torbay Surf Life Saving Club patrols in summer.
How close is Long Bay?
Walking distance along the clifftops to Long Bay Regional Park — Auckland’s most-visited regional park.
Which schools are in Torbay?
Schools listed for Torbay are Glamorgan School and Torbay School.
How did Torbay get its name?
The suburb takes its name from the distinctive “Tor” rock formations at Torbay Beach.
For more East Coast Bays see Auckland Suburbs — including Long Bay Regional Park.
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Explore Auckland only lists suburbs officially recognised by Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), and Torbay is one of them. Suburb boundary: LINZ, CC BY 4.0.