Mission Bay

Mission Bay Beach lies on the southern coastline of Waitemata Harbour in Auckland’s Eastern Bays region, roughly seven kilometres from the heart of New Zealand’s biggest city. It is generally reached by enjoying the stunning vistas along Tamaki Drive. Those with an eye for landscapes will also want to visit Bastion Point, overlooking the expanse of the harbour, while even from the beach itself it is possible to glory in the views towards the low-backed Rangitoto Island.

Lined with native Pohutukawa trees, Mission Bay Beach is generally safe to swim from all year round. Other activities include the possibility of hiring a kayak or stand-up paddleboard – with or without a guide – as well as rollerblades or bicycles to explore the coast.

Children are well-catered for at Mission Bay Beach, with a much-loved playground, in addition to an aquarium boasting sharks, stingrays and the largest captive colony of Antarctic penguins in the world.

Mission Bay Beach caters for the stomach just as well, with plenty of food and drink options, from burger bars to gourmet experiences.