Ten top Auckland beaches

Muriwai Beach on Auckland's West Coast is rugged with black, sticky sand and vicious waves. Photo / Thinkstock

In Auckland we are lucky to have access to plenty of amazing beaches. Here are ten of our favourites (in no particular order).

Onetangi Beach, Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island has it all: the climate, the scenery, the beaches (the wineries). This stunning stretch of tranquil water is perfect for a stroll or a swim after a hectic week. After a hectic day of chilling out, top it all off with a cold beverage at local favourite Charlie Farleys.

Mission Bay

Just a short trip from the central city Mission Bay has great views across to Rangitoto and plenty of dining options just across the road. We love the vibe there even when it is crowded. A great spot to people watch.

Muriwai Beach, Auckland

Wild and rugged, Muriwai is a surfer's dream. For those with a hankering to get up close with nature there's the ever-changing gannet coloney. It's a summer right of passage dashing across the hot-black sand.

Takapuna

Child friendly with patrolling lifeguards there's also great access for boaties and who can resist the ice cream at the Takapuna Beach cafe and store - on hot days the queues can be long but the selection of flavours like salted caramel and double chocolate honeycomb are worth the wait.

Cheltenham

Popular with locals and visitors Cheltenham is great for swimming - when the tide goes out don't be tempted to head over to Rangitoto - it's further than you think. A small playground at one end means there is plenty to do here for families.

Long Bay

On busy days the queues out to this National Park can be long but the fantastic sandy beaches, grassy shady areas and handy barbecues are a big draw. If you are not into cooking your own meal there's the Long Bay Restaurant with picture-perfect views and great food (due to reopen late 2014).

Pakiri

Far from the crowds with golden sands and surf on a good day, this is long enough to never see a soul on and if at the end of the day you don't want to leave you don't have to: Pakiri Beach Holiday Park is right on the beach.

Cornwallis

Part of the Waitakere Ranges, Cornwallis is a popular, safe spot for family picnics and swimming. On a sunny day there are plenty of kids jumping off the 200m long restored Cornwallis wharf. Make a day of it and head further West to Huia Beach Store & Cafe for an ice cream or some great fish and cnips.

Orewa

Just 20 minutes north of the Harbour Bridge Orewa beach is 3km of golden sand. Perfect for windsurfing and kite surfing with a beachfront campsite for longer stays.

Karaka Beach, Glendowie

No wonder not many Aucklanders know it: you can't get there by car. From the street, a hairpin track leads to the grey sandy-shelly beach with amazing views of Rangitoto, Motutapu, Browns, Motuihe and Waiheke Islands.

If your favourite beach is not here tell us about it in the comments below.