St Heliers Bay Auckland
A charming seaside suburb offering stunning coastal walks, panoramic views of Rangitoto Island, and delicious local cafes and pies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
St Heliers Bay Auckland
Best Time
Fewer crowds, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming seaside suburb offering stunning coastal walks, panoramic views of Rangitoto Island, and delicious local cafes and pies.
"Enjoy a relaxed walk with spectacular views of Rangitoto Island along the St Heliers to Mission Bay path."
🚶♀️ Coastal Walk Bliss
Walk the scenic Tamaki Drive from the city to St Heliers for stunning harbour views and cafes. :athletic_shoe:
🥧 Pie Perfection
Don't leave without trying a classic New Zealand pie from a local bakery like Ashby's Pies. :pie:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
St Heliers to Mission Bay Coastal Path
Waterfront path
A picturesque walk with stunning views of Rangitoto Island and sparkling beaches.
Achilles Point Views
Achilles Point
Panoramic 360-degree vistas of the Hauraki Gulf, perfect for sunset photography.
Local Bakeries & Cafes
St Heliers Bay Road
Indulge in delicious New Zealand pies and enjoy a coffee with ocean views.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Coastal Charm
Getting Around & Dining
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Coastal Walk Bliss
Walk the scenic Tamaki Drive from the city to St Heliers for stunning harbour views and cafes. :athletic_shoe:
🥧 Pie Perfection
Don't leave without trying a classic New Zealand pie from a local bakery like Ashby's Pies. :pie:
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Head to Achilles Point for breathtaking sunset views over the Hauraki Gulf. :camerawithflash:
🚌 Easy Public Transport
Catch a bus to St Heliers Bay for a scenic and convenient journey. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Coastal Walk Bliss
Walk the scenic Tamaki Drive from the city to St Heliers for stunning harbour views and cafes. :athletic_shoe:
🥧 Pie Perfection
Don't leave without trying a classic New Zealand pie from a local bakery like Ashby's Pies. :pie:
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Head to Achilles Point for breathtaking sunset views over the Hauraki Gulf. :camerawithflash:
🚌 Easy Public Transport
Catch a bus to St Heliers Bay for a scenic and convenient journey. :bus:
☕ Coffee & Beach Combo
Enjoy a flat white at St Heliers Bay Bistro with beautiful ocean vistas. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors love St Heliers Bay for its stunning coastal scenery, particularly the views of Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf. The relaxed atmosphere, beautiful walking paths, and delicious local pies and cafes are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some find the area exceptionally pristine, while others appreciate the easy access via public transport.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus, such as the TMK bus, directly to St Heliers Bay. Alternatively, for a scenic route, walk along Tamaki Drive from the city, which is about 10km and well-served by buses for your return trip.
Yes, St Heliers Bay is easily reachable by public transport. Buses run regularly from the city center, and the waterfront walk from the ferry building is a popular car-free option.
The most enjoyable way is to walk the scenic coastal path between the two suburbs. It's a flat, wide footpath with beautiful views.
Lime scooters are available in Auckland and can be a fun way to explore the waterfront, though be mindful of pedestrian traffic.
Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends and during peak times. Consider public transport or arriving early if driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
St Heliers Bay itself is a public beach and park area, so there are no entry fees to access it. Enjoy the natural beauty and coastal paths freely.
St Heliers Bay is a public space and is accessible at all hours. However, cafes and shops will have their own operating hours.
No advance booking is required for general access to St Heliers Bay. You can simply show up and enjoy the area.
Keep an eye on local Auckland event listings for any community events or markets that might be held at St Heliers Bay.
The walking paths along the coast, such as the St Heliers to Mission Bay path, are free to use for everyone. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
St Heliers Bay Road is lined with cafes. St Heliers Bay Bistro is popular for coffee and views, and St Heliers Home Cookery is known for its traditional pies.
Ashby Pies is a highly recommended spot in St Heliers for classic New Zealand pies with delicious fillings and buttery pastry.
Yes, several cafes and eateries along St Heliers Bay Road offer lovely ocean views, perfect for a relaxed meal or coffee break.
You'll find a range of options from casual cafes serving coffee and pies to bistros offering light meals. Some places may offer Thai cuisine as well.
Absolutely! Grab some takeaway food from a local bakery or cafe and enjoy a picnic on the beach or at one of the scenic viewpoints.
📸 📸 Photography
Achilles Point offers spectacular 360-degree views that are particularly stunning during sunset. The beach itself also provides beautiful golden hour light.
The coastal path from St Heliers to Mission Bay is incredibly photogenic, with constant views of Rangitoto Island and the Hauraki Gulf.
Yes, Rangitoto Island is a prominent feature in the views from St Heliers Bay, especially along the coastal paths.
Keep an eye out for charming local details, the colorful boats in the bay, and the unique architecture of the seaside homes.
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most magical light. Midday can be bright, but still offers clear views of the islands.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The beach offers a safe place for kids to play in the sand and paddle. Pack a picnic from a local bakery like Ashby's Pies +1 and enjoy a relaxed family meal with ocean views. The open spaces and beautiful scenery make it an enjoyable outing for everyone.🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
+1 You can save money by opting for public transport like the bus and packing your own snacks or enjoying affordable New Zealand pies from local bakeries. +1 The stunning views and leisurely walks offer a high-value experience without breaking the bank.📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The coastal path to Mission Bay offers continuous opportunities to capture the iconic Rangitoto Island and the sparkling Hauraki Gulf. +1 Don't forget to capture the charming seaside architecture and the vibrant local cafe scene. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Coastal Paths
Along the way, you'll pass through charming seaside suburbs, with plenty of opportunities to stop for a coffee or a snack. For even more expansive vistas, the path from St Heliers to Achilles Point is highly recommended. This elevated viewpoint provides stunning 360-degree panoramas, making it an ideal spot for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset.
+1 The area around St Heliers Bay itself is also lovely for a more relaxed wander, with the beach providing a beautiful backdrop. These coastal paths are not only scenic but also easily accessible via public transport, making them a great option for those without a car.
A Taste of St Heliers: Pies and Cafes
+1 Visitors often rave about the 'old school charm' of these pies, making them a must-try for an authentic taste of local flavor. Beyond pies, St Heliers Bay Road is dotted with inviting cafes perfect for a relaxed break. St Heliers Bay Bistro is a popular choice, offering great coffee and stunning ocean views, especially during golden hour.
St Heliers Home Cookery is another local favorite, known for its pies and a generally busy atmosphere, suggesting its popularity among residents. These establishments provide a perfect opportunity to refuel while enjoying the seaside ambiance. The St Heliers Experience: Local Charm and Views
The views from St Heliers Bay are a major drawcard. The prominent presence of Rangitoto Island in the Hauraki Gulf creates a picturesque backdrop, visible from various points along the coast.
+1 Achilles Point, in particular, is celebrated for its sweeping 360-degree vistas, making it a prime location for appreciating the expansive beauty of Auckland's coastline. This combination of natural scenery and well-kept public spaces contributes to St Heliers Bay's appeal as a relaxed yet visually stunning destination. 
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