Bethells Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bethells Beach featuring tropical scenes, landscape views and a beach
Bethells Beach
Bethells Beach
Bethells Beach
Bethells Beach which includes general coastal views and landscape views

Walking trails winding through coastal forest and hilly sand dunes and waves just made for surfing characterise this beach.

30 kilometres to the north-west of Auckland, you’ll stumble across the secluded Bethells Beach, also known as Te Henga, simply meaning ‘sand’. Located at the mouth of the Waitakere River, it has stunning black sand and wild surf and is where the region’s birdlife flocks.

Lately, the beach’s undulating sandy dunes have played their part in helping to save the endangered New Zealand dotterel. Bethells Beach is one of the only spots left where you can see the bird in the wild. Other beach inhabitants include harriers, pukekos, warblers and petrels and blue penguins have often been spotted visiting by night.

Across the park, there is evidence of human habitation on Te Henga for more than a millennium. This includes shell middens, a cave shelter, and an inland ‘pa’ (fortified village) which would once have been used for food storage. These are among the signs that this rich beach and its surrounding forests were once relied upon by human settlers.

Bethells Beach is a popular spot for confident swimmers eager to take to the challenging waters. That said, swimming and surfing conditions can often be dangerous, so only strong swimmers are advised to jump into the waves.

Wander along the trails that lead off in different directions through the sand dunes and the bush. Take the trail to Lake Wainamu and stop off for a picnic, or head for the Waitohi falls. The hiking trails around this spot are part of the 75-kilometre Hillary Trail which winds its way throughout the rainforest and coastline that make up the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, head for the food truck that arrives at Bethells Beach on warmer days. Don’t rely on it though. You’d be better taking some food of your own with you as the beach is in a pretty secluded spot. Hire a car and drive to the beach. You’ll find plenty of free parking spots behind the dunes as well as at the entrance to Lake Wainamu.

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group

5 out of 5
83 Symonds Street, Box 2771, Auckland
The price is AU$178 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
AU$178
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star spa hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,362 reviews)
"Excellent staff service and nice room"

Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025

Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group
The Grand by SkyCity

The Grand by SkyCity

5 out of 5
90 Federal Street, Auckland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$198 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$198
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 11 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,749 reviews)
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Reviewed on 8 Aug. 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
SkyCity Hotel

SkyCity Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland
The price is AU$177 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
AU$177
8 Sept - 9 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, 11 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,767 reviews)
New Zealand Family & Friends trip
"Wonderful hotel and location in the Auckland CBD"

Reviewed on 7 Aug. 2025

SkyCity Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Barclay Suites

Barclay Suites

4.5 out of 5
74 Albert Street, Auckland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,754 reviews)
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Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Barclay Suites
Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland

Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland

4.5 out of 5
206 Victoria Street West, Auckland, Auckland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,012 reviews)
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Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland
Ramada Suites By Wyndham Victoria Street West

Ramada Suites By Wyndham Victoria Street West

4 out of 5
147 Victoria Street West & Graham Street, Auckland
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (514 reviews)
"For the price it was great. Easy to check in and out online. As it was a work trip I had hoped that my room would have a desk and I was sure that the one in the photo had one."

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025

Ramada Suites By Wyndham Victoria Street West
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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