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 ₹8,654 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
₹8,654
₹9,952 total
20 Jul - 21 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! (1,337 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 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 ₹8,723 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹8,723
₹10,245 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! (1,707 reviews)
"Had a good time. Staff were kind."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport

JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
63 Westney Road, Auckland
The price is ₹7,189 per night from 19 Jul to 20 Jul
₹7,189
₹8,268 total
19 Jul - 20 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! (1,298 reviews)
"Love staying here. The rooms are clean, modern, have 2 beds for our convenience, can leave our car there while we travel overseas and catch a shuttle to the airport. Love the convenience of having a restaurant."

Reviewed on 16 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.
Bethells Beach Cottages

Bethells Beach Cottages

4 out of 5
267 Bethells Road, Bethells Beach
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly holiday home in Bethells Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Bethells Beach ...
"Remarkable property, views, and hosts. Wish I could live there!"

Reviewed on 25 Jan 2024

Bethells Beach Cottages
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! (3,739 reviews)
"Great place. Great location. Gym is not in site. You need to walk 200 metres. We would highly recommend this place."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Barclay Suites
Ramada Suites By Wyndham Victoria Street West

Ramada Suites By Wyndham Victoria Street West

4 out of 5
147 Victoria Street West & Graham Street, Auckland
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (511 reviews)
"Great!"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Ramada Suites By Wyndham Victoria Street West
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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