Long Bay Regional Park Auckland
Auckland's stunning coastal gem offering a long sandy beach, scenic clifftop walks, and perfect picnic spots.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Long Bay Regional Park Auckland
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Auckland's stunning coastal gem offering a long sandy beach, scenic clifftop walks, and perfect picnic spots.
"An amazing park, well looked after and offering a great walk, swim, with fantastic views!"
🌅 Sunrise Spectacles
Catch breathtaking sunrises over the Hauraki Gulf for a truly magical start to your day.
🚶♀️ Solo Strolls
Find secluded spots on the clifftop paths for peaceful solitude away from the main beach crowds.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Sandy Beach
Long Bay Beach
A long, beautiful stretch of sand perfect for leisurely strolls, swimming, and soaking up the sun.
Clifftop Walking Trails
Coastal paths
Scenic walks offering stunning panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf and surrounding islands.
Picnic & BBQ Spots
Designated picnic areas
Shaded grassy areas with public BBQs, ideal for family gatherings and outdoor dining.
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Park Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunrise Spectacles
Catch breathtaking sunrises over the Hauraki Gulf for a truly magical start to your day.
🚶♀️ Solo Strolls
Find secluded spots on the clifftop paths for peaceful solitude away from the main beach crowds.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Utilize the ample grassy areas and public BBQs for a delightful family picnic or gathering.
🏊♀️ Safe Swimming
Swim between the flags during patrol hours for a safe and enjoyable experience in the clear water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunrise Spectacles
Catch breathtaking sunrises over the Hauraki Gulf for a truly magical start to your day.
🚶♀️ Solo Strolls
Find secluded spots on the clifftop paths for peaceful solitude away from the main beach crowds.
🧺 Picnic Perfection
Utilize the ample grassy areas and public BBQs for a delightful family picnic or gathering.
🏊♀️ Safe Swimming
Swim between the flags during patrol hours for a safe and enjoyable experience in the clear water.
🐾 Dog Restrictions
Be aware of dog rules: allowed on beach at specific times, not in picnic areas or other park zones.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Long Bay Regional Park's beautiful, long beach and scenic clifftop walks, making it ideal for picnics, BBQs, and family outings. The park is well-maintained with good facilities, though some note that dogs have restricted access. It's a popular spot, so expect crowds during peak times.
"Lovely regional park for a picnic, gathering, BBQ or a swim. Parking close to the beach and toilets with changing facilities. Lots of big trees for shade on a hot day by the grass. There are lifeguards on duty if you swim between the flags. Public BBQs available. No dogs or fishing allowed as it's a marine reserve."
William Lin
"Great place for family and walking. Dogs only allowed on the beach at certain times and not anywhere else including in cars or the picnic areas."
Steve T
"Lovely long stretch of beach to have a relaxing walk with fresh sea air"
Attie Venter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can drive to Long Bay Regional Park from Auckland CBD, which typically takes around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. Public transport options include bus routes that service the area. Check Auckland Transport for the latest bus schedules and routes.
Yes, there is ample parking available at Long Bay Regional Park, with options close to the beach and picnic areas. Parking can fill up quickly on busy days, so arriving early is recommended.
Cycling to Long Bay Regional Park is possible, with dedicated cycle paths in some areas of Auckland. However, the park itself is more geared towards walking and enjoying the beach.
The park offers several walking tracks, including the popular coastal walk along the clifftops with stunning views. The Long Bay Regional Park Coastal Walk is a great option for a scenic stroll.
Absolutely! Long Bay Regional Park is an excellent destination for a day trip, offering beaches, walking trails, picnic spots, and BBQ facilities for a full day of outdoor enjoyment.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Long Bay Regional Park is free to enter. You only pay for parking if you are driving a vehicle that requires it, but general admission is free for all visitors.
Long Bay Regional Park is generally open from dawn till dusk. Specific facilities like restrooms may have their own operating hours, but the park itself is accessible throughout daylight hours.
Public BBQs are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be booked in advance. For larger gatherings, it's advisable to arrive early to secure a suitable picnic spot.
Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty at Long Bay Beach during the summer months and on busy weekends. Always swim between the flags for safety.
No, fishing is not permitted at Long Bay Regional Park as it is a marine reserve. This helps protect the marine life in the area.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, BBQs, walking the coastal trails, kite flying, and simply relaxing on the beach. The park offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities.
Yes, Long Bay Regional Park has public toilets and changing facilities conveniently located near the beach and picnic areas.
Yes, it's a fantastic spot for families. There's a playground, a long beach for playing, and plenty of space for picnics. The clear water is also great for supervised swimming.
Absolutely! The open spaces and consistent sea breeze make Long Bay Regional Park a popular spot for kite flying.
The clifftop walks offer stunning panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto Island, and the surrounding coastline. It's a great spot for photography.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no restaurants directly within the park, the nearby village of Long Bay has several cafes and eateries. You can also bring your own food and use the public BBQs.
Yes, public BBQs are available for use at Long Bay Regional Park. They are a great option for cooking up a meal while enjoying the park's amenities.
For a picnic, bring your own food, drinks, picnic blanket, and any utensils you might need. The park provides BBQs, but you'll need to bring your own charcoal or gas if using those.
There are public toilets with water access, which can be used to refill water bottles. It's always a good idea to bring a reusable water bottle.
The village of Long Bay offers a selection of dining options, including cafes, bakeries, and casual eateries, perfect for grabbing a bite before or after your park visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light for photography, with beautiful colors reflecting on the water and sand.
The clifftop trails provide stunning panoramic vistas, the long beach is perfect for capturing coastal scenes, and the mature trees offer lovely framing opportunities.
Drone usage may be restricted in regional parks. It's best to check the Auckland Council's guidelines on drone operation in public spaces before flying.
You might spot various seabirds along the coast. The park is also home to native flora, offering opportunities for nature photography.
The expansive beach with the Hauraki Gulf in the background, especially during sunrise, is a signature shot. The winding clifftop paths also make for dramatic landscape photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the beach, there's a playground within the park, and plenty of open grassy areas for running around. The picnic spots with BBQs are ideal for family gatherings, and the clifftop walks, while potentially challenging for very young children, offer stunning views that even older kids can appreciate. Remember to check the dog restrictions if you're bringing a family pet.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
The coastal walks are also ideal for solo exploration, offering a sense of freedom and connection with the environment. You can set your own pace, stop whenever you like to admire the scenery, and find your own quiet corner to relax. The park's natural beauty provides a calming backdrop for a peaceful solo outing.
📸 Photographers
Beyond the grand vistas, look for opportunities to capture the details of the marine reserve, the textures of the sand, and the silhouettes of the trees against the sky. The changing tides and weather can also create dynamic and captivating scenes. Early mornings and late afternoons are generally best for soft, flattering light.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Coastal Trails
For those seeking a more secluded experience, Reddit users suggest venturing further along the clifftop paths. By parking at the very end of Long Bay and walking up onto the hills, you can find spots unlikely to be seen by others, offering a sense of private tranquility amidst stunning scenery. This is a great tip for anyone looking to escape the main beach crowds and enjoy some quiet contemplation.
Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water, especially on warmer days. The elevation changes on some paths can be moderate, but the rewarding views make the effort worthwhile. These walks are also excellent for photography, capturing the essence of Auckland's coastal charm.
Beach Activities and Marine Reserve
Long Bay is also a designated marine reserve, which means certain activities are restricted to protect the delicate ecosystem. Fishing is not allowed, and dogs have limited access to the beach during specific times. This conservation effort helps maintain the pristine condition of the water and marine life.
Beyond swimming, the beach is also a great place for kite flying, thanks to the consistent sea breezes. The clear waters are inviting, and the long stretch of sand provides plenty of room for various beach games and activities, making it a versatile destination for a fun-filled day out.
Picnic and BBQ Culture
While the BBQs are on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved, the park's size generally accommodates most visitors, especially if you arrive outside of peak times. Bringing your own picnic blanket and food is essential, and the nearby village of Long Bay offers convenient options for supplies.
This communal aspect of dining outdoors is a significant part of the Long Bay experience. It fosters a friendly atmosphere where visitors can enjoy good food and company while appreciating the park's beautiful surroundings. It’s a quintessential Auckland experience for locals and tourists alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit