Auckland: 4 of the best urban pocket beaches

Karaka Bay in Glendowie. Photo / NZH

1. Little Shoal Bay

Maritime Terrace, Birkenhead

The tiny beach you see as you head north over the Harbour Bridge, Little Shoal Bay was originally an estuary with salt marshes, with a pa at Northcote Point. With playing fields, a playground, exercise equipment and basketball hoops, this is a busy spot, whether the tide is in or not.

2. Kelvin Strand beach

Kelvin Crescent, Te Atatu

A little known treasure at the tip of the peninsula with white sand, regenerating wetlands, and a large park. Views of the bridge and Sky Tower to remind you of where you are, there's a walkaway round the to the next beach.

3. Karaka Bay, Peacock St, Glendowie

A quirky beach community among the more conformist suburban sprawl, reached by a very steep walkway. It was the site of first Governor, William Hobson's, meeting with local Maori chiefs for the Treaty of Waitangi. At low tide you can walk around the cliffs to Ladies Bay and on to St Heliers.

4. Sentinel Beach, Sentinel Road, Herne Bay

One of the closest swimming beaches - at high tide - to the city, it is tucked down steps at the end of one of the poshest streets in the city. More classic pohutukawa, this is as secluded as it gets.