Bethells Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bethells Beach which includes landscape views, tropical scenes and a sandy beach
Bethells Beach
Bethells Beach
Bethells Beach
Bethells Beach featuring general coastal views and landscape views
Walking trails winding through coastal forest and hilly sand dunes and waves just made for surfing characterise this beach.

30 kilometres to the north-west of Auckland, you’ll stumble across the secluded Bethells Beach, also known as Te Henga, simply meaning ‘sand’. Located at the mouth of the Waitakere River, it has stunning black sand and wild surf and is where the region’s birdlife flocks.

Lately, the beach’s undulating sandy dunes have played their part in helping to save the endangered New Zealand dotterel. Bethells Beach is one of the only spots left where you can see the bird in the wild. Other beach inhabitants include harriers, pukekos, warblers and petrels and blue penguins have often been spotted visiting by night.

Across the park, there is evidence of human habitation on Te Henga for more than a millennium. This includes shell middens, a cave shelter, and an inland ‘pa’ (fortified village) which would once have been used for food storage. These are among the signs that this rich beach and its surrounding forests were once relied upon by human settlers.

Bethells Beach is a popular spot for confident swimmers eager to take to the challenging waters. That said, swimming and surfing conditions can often be dangerous, so only strong swimmers are advised to jump into the waves.

Wander along the trails that lead off in different directions through the sand dunes and the bush. Take the trail to Lake Wainamu and stop off for a picnic, or head for the Waitohi falls. The hiking trails around this spot are part of the 75-kilometre Hillary Trail which winds its way throughout the rainforest and coastline that make up the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, head for the food truck that arrives at Bethells Beach on warmer days. Don’t rely on it though. You’d be better taking some food of your own with you as the beach is in a pretty secluded spot. Hire a car and drive to the beach. You’ll find plenty of free parking spots behind the dunes as well as at the entrance to Lake Wainamu.

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 ₹7,646 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
₹7,646
₹8,793 total
23 Nov - 24 Nov
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! (1,404 reviews)
great room size, pool warm and inviting, staff friendly and helpful

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
The Grand by SkyCity

The Grand by SkyCity

5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹11,172 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
₹11,172
₹12,917 total
27 Oct - 28 Oct
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,857 reviews)
Very friendly staff. We even got a free upgrade.

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
Horizon by SkyCity

Horizon by SkyCity

5 out of 5
85-93 Hobson Street,, Auckland, Auckland, Auckland
The price is ₹11,219 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
₹11,219
₹12,902 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions SkyCity Casino and Sky Tower ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (564 reviews)
N/a

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Horizon by SkyCity
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.
Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart

Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart

4.5 out of 5
2 Tapora Street, Auckland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,125 reviews)
Was a great location. Easy walk to Queens wharf and 10 minutes to eateries and shopping. Waited 40 minutes after calling twice for extra towels and floor mat as water runs out of shower. Shower pressure slow although do understand eco friendly.

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart
Barclay Suites

Barclay Suites

4.5 out of 5
74 Albert Street, Auckland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,787 reviews)
Great

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Barclay Suites
Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland

Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland

4.5 out of 5
206 Victoria Street West, Auckland, Auckland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,046 reviews)
Clean room balcony was a bonus with the view Glass windows floor to ceiling Would stay here again

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland
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.

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