January 2014
Well worth a mention are Auckland’s beaches. They aren’t in the heart of the city but instead front the hilly suburban area that stretches off its east end. The best way to see the beach areas is to go along the coastal and very lovely Tamaki Drive. Its accompanying bike and pedestrian lanes attract the city’s runners, skaters, and cyclists; so it gives a good feeling for the way many residents like to spend their free time. Below, a map of this coastal area.
Tamaki Drive is prettiest in the area near the Orakei Marina where it’s heavily lined with pohutukawa trees. After that it opens up to coastal views, first going by the aquarium before continuing past the city’s favored beaches. Below, a few photos of Tamaki Drive (you can click to enlarge/scroll though any photo galleries in this post).
At first glance the beaches seem very much alike, but each has its own character that can be summed up by comparing them with human age groups.
Mission Bay Beach
This is the most popular and festive beach, the youngest at heart, and the “child” of the group because it has so much for families and those who like to play. I think this is best symbolized by the large fountain here. Supposedly this fountain has a “no swimming” sign, but everyone ignores it and if they feel like it, jump right in. On hot days there are quite a few people in the fountain, a great way to entertain their children or inner child.
Behind the beach is a grassy area with trees, and on the inland side of the street are plenty of places to grab lunch and refuel oneself for more swimming, volleyball, sunbathing, frisbee, fountain cavorting, skating, or just lounging under the shade of a pohutukawa tree. Below, a few photos of Mission Bay Beach.
Kohimarama Beach
Continuing down Tamaki Drive and around the next headland is a more subdued area, Kohimarama Beach. This beach has a more suburban feeling, with houses instead of cafes in the inland side of the street. It has nice trees and a strip of park, and it’s attractive, but it lacks the playful feeling of Mission Bay Beach. Thus, I’d call it the “adult” of the group. This is a great place for those who want to get down to some serious sunbathing and relaxing in a more quiet atmosphere. For reasons I can’t imagine, it seems I only took one photo of this area; so here it is.
St Heliers Beach
This seems like it could be the oldest of the suburban areas with the most retirees, and thus I’d call this the “elder” member of the group. The beach is nice and less populated than the others. Across from the waterfront is a seaside village with rather dated shops and some cafes. In all this is a pleasant place but has a bit of a “God’s waiting room,” feeling to it. Below, a photo of the beach along with it’s most attractive bistro which I hope conveys the feeling of this place.
All these beaches are long and somewhat narrow. They’re well protected by the Hauraki Gulf and its islands and generally have flat water. (People who want to swim or surf in waves need to head for the west coast of New Zealand.) Not far offshore are islands which add some scenic interest. None of these beaches are must-sees in and of themselves, but we’d highly recommend taking ride down Tamaki Drive as a way to get a feeling for Auckland in general.–Cyndi
