Beaches in Auckland
|
Mission Bay beach, and Kohimarama beach and boat ramp will be closed
from 12 to 16 October 2009 for recontouring.
Over time, wind and waves move sand across beaches, so we need to
level out the sand to maintain consistent cover. As there will be
machinery on site, these beaches will need to be closed during this
time. |
Auckland city is unrivalled in the number and quality of its parks and
beaches. With 28 beaches inside the Auckland isthmus, it's easy to find
somewhere to play, explore and be inspired! And best of all, they cost nothing
to visit!
You don't have to travel far to enjoy Auckland's stunning seashores.
Spend a day wandering through native bush on Rangitoto or experience the
excitement at Mission Bay on a summer's afternoon.
View a map of Auckland's
beaches.
Surf lifesaving at beaches
The days are getting warmer and as of Labour Day, surf lifesaving patrols are
back on our beaches, encouraging water safety and rescuing people who get into
trouble.
Here are some important beach safety tips:
- swim only at lifeguard patrolled beaches
- always swim between the red and yellow flags
- follow the advice of lifeguards and any safety signs
- always swim with a friend
- children must have adult supervision
- never run and dive into the water
- never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- don't depend on flotation devices as you can lose them
- be aware of rip currents
- don't wear long clothing, such as jeans, in the water
- if you get into trouble raise your arm for assistance, float and wait for
help
- stay out of the water if you are in any doubt about the surf conditions or
your own ability.
Auckland City is continuing its support of Surf Lifesaving Northern Region
with partnership funding of $82,000 in the second year of a three-year
agreement. This funding helps the service to employ lifeguards over the busy
eight-week summer holiday period. The lifeguard service receives funding from 11
councils in the northern region, with Auckland City giving the biggest share.
For more lifesaving information visit www.lifesaving.org.nz.
Dial before you dive this summer
From November until the end of April beach lovers can find out how clean the
water is before they even get wet.
The Safeswim service tests the quality of the water at 64 beaches throughout
the Auckland region. Call 0800 Safeswim.
The tests check for levels of Enteroccoci bacteria in beach water. High
levels of Enteroccoci could indicate the presence of harmful bacteria that may
cause illness, such as mild diarrhoea or respiratory infections.
If this is the case, the source of pollution will be quickly checked and
warning signs may be put up at the affected beaches advising people not to swim
there.
As a general rule, don't swim at the beach for 48 hours after heavy rain,
as there is a higher risk of stormwater or sewerage overflows.
Check the test
results or call 0800 Safeswim (0800 723 379).
Events at Auckland City beaches
There are many events both on and off the water which take place around
Auckland city beaches. To find out more about these events and how to get
involved you can:
- check out other Ak@play
information on this site
- check out the back page of City Scene every week
- sign up for the weekly Ak@Play email
newsletter
- check out event listings on your mobile phone - Go to WAP browser, type
AUCKLAND.com (or 28255263.com) and 'Go'!
Weddings and photos on Auckland City beaches
If you are planning on having a beachy wedding or just taking some sandy
wedding pics contact
us and we can give you some more information about weddings and photos on
Auckland city beaches.
Wharves and boat ramps in Auckland City
Fancy going fishing? Or maybe you're looking for somewhere to launch your
boat for a family day of fun. There are many wharves
and boat ramps for your use in Auckland city.
Dogs on Auckland beaches
Feel like taking your dog for a walk on the beach this summer? Then make sure
you are up to date with changes to the council's dog policy (which sets out
regulations around owning dogs and taking them out in public). The changes came
into effect on 1 September 2004.
They state that:
- dogs can have off-leash access to city beaches between 4pm and 10am from
the Tuesday after Easter Monday until the Friday before Labour weekend
- dogs can have on-leash access to city beaches between 7pm and 9am from
Labour weekend Saturday through to Easter Monday. The exception is Mission
Bay beach where dogs can have on-leash access any time before 9am and after
9pm during the summer months
Drinking on beaches
Eight new suburban alcohol
bans and an extended CBD alcohol ban came into force on 18 October 2004.
The alcohol bans operate between 10pm and 6am on Thursday, Friday and
Saturday nights in the shopping and business areas of Avondale, Glen Innes,
Onehunga, Otahuhu, Panmure and Mission Bay beach, and between 10pm and 6am on
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights in Parnell and Newmarket.
The CBD
alcohol ban operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The ban has also
been extended to cover a wider area that includes Albert Park, Nelson and
Symonds streets, The Strand and Beach Road.
Sandy plans for harbour's beaches
Eight beaches around Auckland’s harbours are being considered for sand
replenishment, as part of a citywide coastal management plan being prepared by
Auckland City. The eight beaches were chosen for rebuilding using criteria such as the beach’s
popularity, recreational use, environmental benefits and the impact on the city's
infrastructure.
The beaches are Pt England Reserve, Pt Chevalier, Herne Bay, Home Bay,
Sentinel Reserve, St Heliers, Blockhouse Bay and Taylor's Reserve. The estimated cost of rebuilding the eight beaches is $5 million.
Sand has already been pumped onto Kohimarama Beach, which was identified in
2002 as needing urgent work to protect the seawall. St Heliers has been made a
priority for similar reasons.
