Bethells Beach
Bethells Beach
4.5
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- Mike Rennie106 contributionsGreat spotIntense surf and left to the masters however it’s great to watch them and swim in the shallower water between the flags! Walking north there’s a cool little bag there then can go up and over the small sand dune to O’Neil beach which was very picturesque. Take jandels/footwear as the stand can be roasting! The coastal walk leads onto O’Neils beach and Lake Wainamu is just around the corner also. Certainly worth a visit.Visited January 2021Written January 3, 2021
- AcinetoAuckland Central, New Zealand20,073 contributionsBeach WalkWe stopped by Bethells on the way back from the Te Henga walk to O'Neill Bay. We went through the path that connects O'Neill Bay to Bethells Beach. It was interesting that there looked like there was a house on the Island at Bethells. We rested here a bit by the cliff close to the island. There wasn't much shade on the beach though so it would be wise to bring something if you were planning on staying a while. The beach itself was quite nice and large and there were lifeguards on duty. You do need to cross some water to get to the island side of Bethells but it wasn't very deep. The water was also quite warm, compared to the sea. The caves around the cliff by the river was quite interesting, some were big enough to easily walk in. The sand did get quite hot, particularly away from the beach so just be wary of that as you head in/out.Visited January 2021Written January 12, 2021
- Michael and Jennifer13 contributionsBreathtaking views, endless uncrowded beaches.Coming from Southern California beach country, I can tell you this beach, so close to an urban area would be absolutely ruined by too many visitors. GO THERE BEFORE everyone finds out about this place. If you like beautiful wide beaches and stunning rock formations and a giant sea cave, then this place is for you.Visited January 2020Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
332 reviews
Excellent
219
Very good
90
Average
18
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Ross C
Richmond, New Zealand265 contributions
Jan 2020
Beach is popular, has capable, well equipped surf life guard on patrol, flags for swimming area. Nearby walk sand dunes and lake circuit is worthwhile too. Try a sasnd dune slide.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roger E
London, UK69 contributions
Mar 2020
Third world mobile phone coverage. Te Henga walkway start and finish difficult to find on line. Walk is difficult and potentially dangerous in places especially as no phone coverage if you get into difficulty. Some people/walkers express opinion that you should only walk south to north but depends on who you talk to. Sea at beach is extremely rough, beware! Long walk from car park to beach. End of Te Henga walkway not near beach but near one way bridge 2km from beach.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheila2309
Yeovil, UK21 contributions
Jan 2023
We visited this beach on our first day in New Zealand. What a great introduction to a beautiful country. The neighbouring Piha Beach is also stunning. Neither of these beaches are particularly suitable for swimming but stunningly beautiful. The black sand is hot underfoot when the sun is shining!
Written March 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
iquiax
Auckland Central, New Zealand164 contributions
Jan 2015 • Family
This is a review on Lake Wainamu not Bethells Beach
This lake is on Bethells Road before you get to Bethells beach, there is a large car park there. signposts are good.
takes about 30mins walking from the carpark to the lake, highly recommend to take the route via the stream rather than via the sand dunes (the sand gets very hot during the day). The sand dunes are high and can be steep, great for sand boarding.
The water is very calm unlike most beaches in West Auckland, the scenaries at the lake is just impressive. The lake can be a little crowded during public holiday.
There are waterfalls and swimming holes on the other side of the lake, they are a bit more remote, but I do think its worth walk there, alot less crowded and the scenaries are just great.
I DO NOT recommend walking there using the route on the southern side of the lake (when you arrive facing the lake, the route on your right hand side), the terrains are very difficult and can easily take over 2 hours 1 way.
The route on the northern side of the lake are way easier, about 45-30 mins walk 1 way.
Make sure you take food and water with you, from memory there are no shops and restaurant close by.
Getting there without your own transports can be difficult, there are no public transport going there as far as I know. quicker to drive there from Henderson rather than from Titirangi.
This lake is on Bethells Road before you get to Bethells beach, there is a large car park there. signposts are good.
takes about 30mins walking from the carpark to the lake, highly recommend to take the route via the stream rather than via the sand dunes (the sand gets very hot during the day). The sand dunes are high and can be steep, great for sand boarding.
The water is very calm unlike most beaches in West Auckland, the scenaries at the lake is just impressive. The lake can be a little crowded during public holiday.
There are waterfalls and swimming holes on the other side of the lake, they are a bit more remote, but I do think its worth walk there, alot less crowded and the scenaries are just great.
I DO NOT recommend walking there using the route on the southern side of the lake (when you arrive facing the lake, the route on your right hand side), the terrains are very difficult and can easily take over 2 hours 1 way.
The route on the northern side of the lake are way easier, about 45-30 mins walk 1 way.
Make sure you take food and water with you, from memory there are no shops and restaurant close by.
Getting there without your own transports can be difficult, there are no public transport going there as far as I know. quicker to drive there from Henderson rather than from Titirangi.
Written February 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate M
Auckland Central, New Zealand44 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
Highly recommend doing the Te Henga walkway starting at Bethells beach and ending near Muriwai. Its an absolutely stunning walk with amazing beach and coastal views for most of the walk. Its 10km one way so for a shorter option start at Bethells and walk over to O'Neills Bay. One of the best walks in Auckland!
Written November 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
johnmnzAsheville_NC
Asheville, NC70 contributions
All the beaches on the west coast are stunning. They are truly wild and can be reached easily by car in between 30 and 60 minutes from downtown Auckland. From south to north - head out on the northwest motorway to the Waterview turnoff and drive out through Titirangi along the Scenic Drive, following the signs to Cornwallis & Huia. Stop in Titirangi for a meal or a cup of coffee (or to use the public toilets). Some great views of prehistoric looking bush off the Scenic Drive. Whatipu is the most southerly of the west coast beaches, reached along an atrocious one lane dirt road. You'll walk half a mile across the sand to reach the water at the other end. There are no facilities beyond a toilet at Whatipu and, in the winter, the wind howls across the beach, whipping the water into wild waves. Great place to get sunburnt.
A drive up Mt Donald McLean is a must - you can see forever from the top on a clear day of which there are plenty.
If that ghastly road doesn't appeal, take the Scenic Drive to Waiatarua and thence to Piha instead - nice made up road leading to another wild surf beach (quite gentle on a calm summer day). The Anawhata Road halfway to Piha is also a dirt road leading to a steep path down to the beach I want to be buried on.
Piha is a bit more civilised - changing sheds and a couple of cafes and a store.
North of Piha is Bethels (or Te Henga) - rear end of nowhere and absolutely gorgeous. You might be able to find something to eat there and maybe not.
Drive back from Bethels to Waitakere station, turn left and follow the road until you hit the main road north and then turn left (after stopping at Coopers Creek for the best sauv blanc you will ever taste) and take the easy road to Muriwai. (If you want to cut out all the previous stuff, take the NW motorway out of town and follow the signs to Kumeu and Waimauka where you'll take the Muriwai road).
All the beaches are black sand which makes them look dirty at first sight though they are actually incredibly clean. It gets very hot underfoot in summer - keep shoes handy! The sea is about North Carolina temperature - much warmer than in England, much cooler than the Florida Keys.
My favourite? Anawhata, followed by Whatipu (the road there really is awful - make sure your car rental agreement doesn't exclude it) and then Bethells, Piha and Muriwai.
To save offending anyone, there are also wonderful west coast beaches further north and south of the Manukau harbour.
They are never crowded even on a hot public holiday. Plenty of safe places for little ones to play and all are patrolled by lifesavers. Great places to go your first day in town after that long flight in - blow the cobwebs away!
Most of the beaches are short on facilities (no theme parks here!) but you can generally pick up a snack and you'll drive past heaps of good cafes, restaurants and wineries on your way back to town. Or, if you are dring north from Auckland as part of your tour, consider taking the north west motorway and going to Muriwai en route.
A drive up Mt Donald McLean is a must - you can see forever from the top on a clear day of which there are plenty.
If that ghastly road doesn't appeal, take the Scenic Drive to Waiatarua and thence to Piha instead - nice made up road leading to another wild surf beach (quite gentle on a calm summer day). The Anawhata Road halfway to Piha is also a dirt road leading to a steep path down to the beach I want to be buried on.
Piha is a bit more civilised - changing sheds and a couple of cafes and a store.
North of Piha is Bethels (or Te Henga) - rear end of nowhere and absolutely gorgeous. You might be able to find something to eat there and maybe not.
Drive back from Bethels to Waitakere station, turn left and follow the road until you hit the main road north and then turn left (after stopping at Coopers Creek for the best sauv blanc you will ever taste) and take the easy road to Muriwai. (If you want to cut out all the previous stuff, take the NW motorway out of town and follow the signs to Kumeu and Waimauka where you'll take the Muriwai road).
All the beaches are black sand which makes them look dirty at first sight though they are actually incredibly clean. It gets very hot underfoot in summer - keep shoes handy! The sea is about North Carolina temperature - much warmer than in England, much cooler than the Florida Keys.
My favourite? Anawhata, followed by Whatipu (the road there really is awful - make sure your car rental agreement doesn't exclude it) and then Bethells, Piha and Muriwai.
To save offending anyone, there are also wonderful west coast beaches further north and south of the Manukau harbour.
They are never crowded even on a hot public holiday. Plenty of safe places for little ones to play and all are patrolled by lifesavers. Great places to go your first day in town after that long flight in - blow the cobwebs away!
Most of the beaches are short on facilities (no theme parks here!) but you can generally pick up a snack and you'll drive past heaps of good cafes, restaurants and wineries on your way back to town. Or, if you are dring north from Auckland as part of your tour, consider taking the north west motorway and going to Muriwai en route.
Written March 28, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lindaaswift
Auckland Central, New Zealand29 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
From the black west coast sands to the looming cliffs and caves, Bethells Beach is one of Aucklands coastal beauties. Swimming and surfing in the summer are popular, and with a great surf life saving patrol operating the occasional daunting waves can be tackled, (swim between the flags!). The magic of this place has captured the hearts of film makers both locally and internationally, so if you are a keen photographer don't leave your camera behind! On the weekends in the summer months a food truck rolls in and sets up cafe, offering tasty foods and great coffee, with local bands playing in the evening. Be sure to visit this pristine beach, one of Auckland's best kept secrets.
Written August 2, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhonda W
Auckland Central, New Zealand259 contributions
May 2017 • Family
A rugged west coast beach with black sand and amazing views of the power of nature. Easy walking with caves and rock faces to explore... great for walking the dog. Surf beach for the experienced but good to get feet wet. Be prepared for blustery winds and very hot sand in summer. Lake Waimanu is a good walk across the dunes and riverbeds. A small family owned trailer cafe offers great coffee, hot choc and cold drinks, and even pizza, burgers and chips at reasonable prices and they take eftpos. Well worth the 45 minute drive out there from Auckland City.
Written May 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shobo_111
Auckland, New Zealand20 contributions
Oct 2015 • Family
Great for a winter or spring walk, international visitors love the difference of the black sand and an easier drive from Auckland than any of the other West coast beaches. From the car park, walk to the surf life saving hut, turn right, cross the steam, over the hill to O'Neill's beach where children can explore some caves. Take the track up the hill, from half way over the beach, to the ridge for amazing views . Then follow the short track (40 mins maybe) back to the car park (crossing the inlet again). 8 year old did it fine in trainers, but weather was dry. Great coffee at food truck there, but only open Sundays I think in Spring. Check Bethells Cafe facebook for opening time.
Written October 13, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ElfieToad
Auckland Central, New Zealand5 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
We always take our visitors here. Great place to view the city and sprawling suburbs. There's also a nice we walk around the summit for people who want to stretch their legs.
Can get chilly on a windy/cold day.
Can get chilly on a windy/cold day.
Written April 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can I take my dog?
BMoniqueB
Waitakere City, New Zealand45 contributions
yes, dogs allowed on leads
nyxsyn
183 contributions
Is there public transport to get to Bethells Beach?
gl0baltraveler
Saratoga Springs, NY709 contributions
It's very far from everything so no. You will also not have cell phone signal for the last part of the way so if you are relying on a smartphone GPS to get there be forewarned.
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Claim your listingBethells Beach (Auckland Central) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Bethells Beach
- Hotels near Bethells Beach:
- (0.46 mi) Bethells Beach Cottages
- (4.65 mi) Piha Beachstay Accommodation
- (1.28 mi) Wainamu Luxury Tents
- (0.15 mi) Magical West Coast Retreat
- (1.49 mi) Eco-friendly Te Aute Ridge Cottage
- Restaurants near Bethells Beach:
- (4.51 mi) The Piha Cafe
- (4.53 mi) Piha Store
- (4.62 mi) PIha Surf Life Saving Club
- (9.69 mi) Bodega Eatery
- (4.38 mi) Sand Dunz Beach Cafe
- Attractions near Bethells Beach:
- (0.01 mi) Giant Dune
- (4.35 mi) Muriwai Surf School
- (4.26 mi) Muriwai Gannet Colony
- (7.60 mi) ExperienceKart
- (4.45 mi) Piha Beach
Bethells Beach Information
| Excellent Reviews | 219 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 90 |
| Bethells Beach Photos | 188 |































































