Mission Bay Travel Guide

Auckland

Mission Bay featuring a coastal town and a beach
Mission Bay showing a sandy beach and general coastal views
Mission Bay which includes a coastal town and general coastal views
Mission Bay
Mission Bay which includes vehicle touring and general coastal views

Relax on golden sands or dine in some of the city’s best restaurants at this pretty beach escape, just a 15-minute drive outside of central Auckland. 

Swim, kayak or paddle board in the safe, clear waters at Mission Bay or join the joggers and walkers keeping fit along the promenade. Place your towel in the shade of a pohutukawa tree and enjoy an afternoon’s rest then head for a drink or meal in one of the many cafés and bars along the oceanfront. 

Located on the southern shores of Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, Mission Bay is the most popular of the city’s eastern beaches. The cafés, restaurants and bars here have a great atmosphere year-round. Visit Mission Bay for a tasty breakfast, great coffee or a romantic dinner, all with stunning views across the water. 

Relaxing in the sun is the favoured pastime on the beach, and on any day of the week you will see locals enjoying the calm waters and soft sands. Buy an ice cream, lay down your towel and spend a few peaceful hours by the water. 

If you’re feeling active, jog or walk along the promenade and take in the ocean views. Keep walking east and you will discover more pretty bays, with Kohimarama and St. Heliers beaches a short distance away. For a more challenging walk, climb to the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Garden, which has superb views across the harbour and Rangitoto Island. To explore the bay by water, rent paddleboards, kayaks and sail boats from stores nearby. 

Behind the beach you’ll see the Trevor Davis Memorial Fountain, carved from fine Sicilian marble. Come here during the hot summer months to cool off beneath the jets of water that spurt from the mouths of the carved sea monsters. 

Mission Bay is located just 5 miles (8 kilometres) from central Auckland. Regular buses connect the beach to the city. If driving, you will find parking just behind the beach.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Mission Bay

Novotel Auckland Airport

Novotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
35 Tom Pearce Dr, Auckland International Airport, Auckland
The price is ₹13,659 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
₹13,659
₹15,708 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,903 reviews)
"New and clean all"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Novotel Auckland Airport
Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

5 out of 5
83 Symonds Street, Box 2771, Auckland
The price is ₹8,733 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹8,733
₹10,043 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star spa hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,345 reviews)
"Crowded. Long waits for service."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
The Grand by SkyCity

The Grand by SkyCity

5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
The price is ₹8,850 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹8,850
₹10,394 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 11 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,726 reviews)
Great location
"Check in was quick and easy. The room is a great size, with lots of things literally at your door step. There’s a heated pool, spa, sauna and gym. There’s lots of cafe/restaurants near the precinct that you can charge to your room. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG

4 out of 5
Corner Wyndham & Albert Streets, Auckland
The price is ₹7,971 per night from 22 Aug to 23 Aug
₹7,971
₹9,167 total
22 Aug - 23 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (865 reviews)
Fabulous and affordable with great location
"This property has a great location just off Queen Street with easy access from two sides. Modern and welcoming reception area with friendly staff. Breakfast was varied and well stocked and a 15% discount given if you have a meal at the Voco hotel next door. Rooms were big enough for a family but ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG
Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland

Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland

3 out of 5
80 Wellesley Street West, Auckland, Auckland
The price is ₹6,126 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹6,126
₹7,045 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Popular attractions SkyCity Casino and Sky Tower are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (522 reviews)
"The pillow menu is the soolest option I have ever seen"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland
JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport

JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
63 Westney Road, Auckland
The price is ₹7,577 per night from 26 Jul to 27 Jul
₹7,577
₹8,714 total
26 Jul - 27 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,303 reviews)
"Second time staying here and couldn't fault it. Clean, comfortable, quiet, and good customer service. Extended carparking is a bonus and well priced."

Reviewed on 19 Jul 2025

JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Mission Bay

Devonport which includes street scenes

Devonport

Shopping, restaurants and waterfront views highlight some of the noteworthy features of Devonport. Make a stop by Cheltenham Beach or Mount Victoria while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Devonport
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Remuera

Remuera is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Remuera Village Shopping Centre and Ellerslie Racecourse.

Remuera
Auckland Domain which includes a garden

Parnell

5/5(8 area reviews)

Visitors often come to Parnell for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Holy Trinity Cathedral and Parnell Rose Gardens. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at The Strand Station.

Parnell
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Newmarket

Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Newmarket. You might consider stopping by Westfield Newmarket while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Newmarket
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Ellerslie

Restaurants, shopping and spas highlight some of the notable features of Ellerslie. Make a stop by Ellerslie Racecourse while you're exploring.

Ellerslie
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Grafton

If you're spending some time in Grafton, Grafton Bridge and Symonds Street Cemetery are top sights worth seeing.

Grafton

Mission Bay Travel Guide