Cheltenham Beach Auckland
A picturesque Auckland beach known for its shallow, crystal-clear waters, Victorian charm, and proximity to historic sites.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Shallow waters & marine life
Cheltenham Beach Auckland
Best Time
Shallow waters & marine life
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque Auckland beach known for its shallow, crystal-clear waters, Victorian charm, and proximity to historic sites.
"Beautiful beach with hardly any crowds, perfect for families and a peaceful escape."
🚢 Ferry to Devonport
Take the ferry from downtown Auckland to Devonport for scenic views and easy access. :ferry:
🚌 Bus to the Beach
Catch the 814 bus from Devonport to reach Cheltenham Beach directly. :bus:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Waters
Cheltenham Beach
Enjoy pristine, shallow waters perfect for swimming and paddling, especially during low tide.
Victorian Mansion Views
Along the beach promenade
Stroll past elegant Victorian homes offering a picturesque backdrop to your beach day.
Low Tide Exploration
Cheltenham Beach shoreline
Discover starfishes and other marine life revealed by the receding tide.
North Head Historic Reserve
Adjacent to the beach
Hike up for panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland skyline.
Planning Your Visit
Getting There Without a Car
Best Time for Low Tides & Quiet
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Ferry to Devonport
Take the ferry from downtown Auckland to Devonport for scenic views and easy access. :ferry:
🚌 Bus to the Beach
Catch the 814 bus from Devonport to reach Cheltenham Beach directly. :bus:
🚶 Walk from Ferry
Enjoy a scenic walk from the Devonport ferry terminal to the beach. :walking:
🍦 Nearby Ice Cream
Grab a delicious ice cream from a shop close to the beach. :ice_cream:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry to Devonport
Take the ferry from downtown Auckland to Devonport for scenic views and easy access. :ferry:
🚌 Bus to the Beach
Catch the 814 bus from Devonport to reach Cheltenham Beach directly. :bus:
🚶 Walk from Ferry
Enjoy a scenic walk from the Devonport ferry terminal to the beach. :walking:
🍦 Nearby Ice Cream
Grab a delicious ice cream from a shop close to the beach. :ice_cream:
🪁 Kite Surfing Spot
Ideal conditions for kite surfing due to steady winds. :windblowingface:
🐶 Dog-Friendly Space
Great for dogs to run and splash, especially during off-peak summer hours. :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cheltenham Beach for its beauty, tranquility, and family-friendly shallow waters. Many appreciate the easy access from Auckland via ferry and the scenic surroundings, including Victorian architecture and North Head. While some note the need to walk to the water at low tide, most find the peaceful atmosphere and clean facilities a major draw.
"Beautiful beach with hardly any crowds. There is changing rooms, toilets and bathing space at the beach. There are also drinking water fountains.
Visited the Cheltenham beach during the low tide, so had to walk quite a bit to reach the waters. Kids and myself had a great time at the beach. You can spot starfishes and other marine life's during the low tide.
Beach is quite walkable from the Davenport Ferry terminal 2 .."
Sajeev Thomas
"Cheltenham Beach in Devonport is another great spot for kite surfing and laid-back beach vibes. I visited in the fall, and it was super quiet—no crowds, just peaceful coastal energy. The water was surprisingly okay for the season, not too cold, and the steady wind made it clear why this is a favorite for kite surfing. Wide open views, soft sand, and a chill atmosphere make it a solid choice whether you’re into water sports or just want to unwind by the sea."
Julio Yanes
"Just lovely. Easily accessible from Auckland via the downtown to Devonport ferry with a walk over an old volcano! Great views, clear water. As much a locals spot as fir tourists. Great ice cream shop nearby. Had a fantastic last swim in New Zealand."
Emily Stokes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the ferry from Downtown Auckland to Devonport. From the Devonport ferry terminal, you can either take the 814 bus directly to Cheltenham Beach or enjoy a pleasant walk. The journey offers great views of the harbor.
Yes, Cheltenham Beach is well-served by public transport. The ferry to Devonport is frequent, and the 814 bus connects Devonport to the beach.
Absolutely! It's a scenic walk, and many visitors enjoy combining it with a visit to North Head Historic Reserve.
Kite surfers often find Cheltenham Beach ideal due to its steady winds and open space. Access is straightforward via the ferry and bus or a walk from Devonport.
While Cheltenham is a gem itself, some TikTok creators hint at other hidden spots in Auckland. +1 Exploring the coastline around Devonport might reveal quieter coves.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cheltenham Beach is a public beach and there is no entrance fee. You can enjoy the sand, sea, and facilities for free.
Cheltenham Beach is accessible at all times. However, specific facilities like public toilets may have limited hours.
No booking is required for general access to Cheltenham Beach. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy.
There are seasonal restrictions for dogs on the beach during summer hours, but otherwise, it's open for public enjoyment.
You'll find changing rooms, toilets, bathing spaces, and drinking water fountains available at the beach.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Cheltenham Beach is perfect for swimming, strolling, picnicking, and kite surfing. During low tide, it's also great for exploring marine life.
Yes, the water is very shallow for a long distance from the shore, making it safe for paddling and young children.
The water is often described as crystal clear and shallow, making it inviting for swimming and paddling.
During low tide, you can spot starfishes and other interesting marine life along the shoreline.
Yes, you can walk up Maungauika/North Head Historic Walk from the beach for fantastic views of the Hauraki Gulf and Auckland.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the picturesque Victorian mansions lining the promenade, the expansive shoreline during low tide, and the panoramic views from North Head.
While not directly west-facing, the golden hour light can create beautiful scenes, especially with the historic homes and the Hauraki Gulf as a backdrop.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and surrounding landscape. A macro lens can be useful for photographing marine life during low tide.
The combination of the beach, historic architecture, and proximity to North Head offers diverse photographic subjects.
Early morning or late afternoon light offers softer, more flattering conditions. Low tide also presents unique photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
🌊 Water Sports Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Devonport and Cheltenham Beach
Once in Devonport, you can choose to walk to Cheltenham Beach, a pleasant stroll that takes you past historic streets and eventually to the expansive shoreline. Alternatively, the 814 bus provides a quick connection. Devonport itself is worth exploring, with its Victorian architecture, boutique shops, and cafes. A highlight for many is Maungauika/North Head, an extinct volcanic cone offering panoramic views and fascinating military history.
The Allure of Cheltenham's Shallow Waters
This gentle gradient also contributes to the beach's appeal for those seeking a relaxed swim or simply wanting to cool off without venturing too deep. The calm conditions, often enhanced by the shelter provided by the surrounding headlands, make it a peaceful place to unwind.
Beyond the Beach: Activities and Vistas
Visitors also rave about the charming ice cream shops located near the beach, providing a sweet treat after a day in the sun.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit