Mission Bay Travel Guide

Auckland

Mission Bay featuring a coastal town and a beach
Mission Bay showing a sandy beach and general coastal views
Mission Bay which includes a coastal town and general coastal views
Mission Bay
Mission Bay which includes vehicle touring and general coastal views

Relax on golden sands or dine in some of the city’s best restaurants at this pretty beach escape, just a 15-minute drive outside of central Auckland.

Swim, kayak or paddle board in the safe, clear waters at Mission Bay or join the joggers and walkers keeping fit along the promenade. Place your towel in the shade of a pohutukawa tree and enjoy an afternoon’s rest then head for a drink or meal in one of the many cafés and bars along the oceanfront.

Located on the southern shores of Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, Mission Bay is the most popular of the city’s eastern beaches. The cafés, restaurants and bars here have a great atmosphere year-round. Visit Mission Bay for a tasty breakfast, great coffee or a romantic dinner, all with stunning views across the water.

Relaxing in the sun is the favoured pastime on the beach, and on any day of the week you will see locals enjoying the calm waters and soft sands. Buy an ice cream, lay down your towel and spend a few peaceful hours by the water.

If you’re feeling active, jog or walk along the promenade and take in the ocean views. Keep walking east and you will discover more pretty bays, with Kohimarama and St. Heliers beaches a short distance away. For a more challenging walk, climb to the Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Garden, which has superb views across the harbour and Rangitoto Island. To explore the bay by water, rent paddleboards, kayaks and sail boats from stores nearby.

Behind the beach you’ll see the Trevor Davis Memorial Fountain, carved from fine Sicilian marble. Come here during the hot summer months to cool off beneath the jets of water that spurt from the mouths of the carved sea monsters.

Mission Bay is located just 5 miles (8 kilometres) from central Auckland. Regular buses connect the beach to the city. If driving, you will find parking just behind the beach.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Mission Bay

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 Rp1.623.653 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp1.623.653
Rp1.867.201 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star spa hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,361 reviews)
"Great hotel, well presented and grest breakfast."

Reviewed on 16 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 Rp1.901.006 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
Rp1.901.006
Rp2.186.157 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 11 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,751 reviews)
"Breakfast was amazing!"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport

Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
14 Airpark Drive, Auckland
The price is Rp1.461.288 per night from 23 Aug to 24 Aug
Rp1.461.288
Rp1.680.481 total
23 Aug - 24 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,416 reviews)
"Had a great stay, best pillows ever!"

Reviewed on 15 Aug 2025

Heartland Hotel Auckland Airport
Novotel Auckland Airport

Novotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
35 Tom Pearce Dr, Auckland International Airport, Auckland
The price is Rp2.614.414 per night from 6 Sept to 7 Sept
Rp2.614.414
Rp3.006.576 total
6 Sept - 7 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,941 reviews)
"Great service. Nice and clean room."

Reviewed on 13 Aug 2025

Novotel Auckland Airport
Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG

4 out of 5
Corner Wyndham & Albert Streets, Auckland
The price is Rp1.373.860 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp1.373.860
Rp1.579.939 total
24 Aug - 25 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (884 reviews)
"Another excellent stay at Holiday Inn Express Auckland City. This is a really convenient place to stay at a great price - right in the heart of the city and with car parking literally next door. Buffet breakfast is a bonus too. We will be back."

Reviewed on 17 Aug 2025

Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre by IHG
SkyCity Hotel

SkyCity Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland
The price is Rp1.691.513 per night from 15 Sept to 16 Sept
Rp1.691.513
Rp1.945.240 total
15 Sept - 16 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 11 restaurants and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,769 reviews)
"Spot is perfect"

Reviewed on 14 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.

Other neighbourhoods around Mission Bay

Devonport which includes street scenes

Devonport

Shopping, restaurants and waterfront views highlight some of the noteworthy features of Devonport. Make a stop by Cheltenham Beach or Mount Victoria while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Devonport
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Remuera

Remuera is noteworthy for its bars, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Ellerslie Racecourse and Ellerslie Events Centre.

Remuera
Auckland Domain which includes a garden

Parnell

5/5(8 area reviews)

Visitors often come to Parnell for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Parnell Rose Gardens and Auckland Museum. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at The Strand Station.

Parnell
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Newmarket

Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Newmarket. You might consider stopping by Westfield Newmarket while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Newmarket
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Ellerslie

Restaurants, shopping and spas highlight some of the notable features of Ellerslie. Make a stop by Ellerslie Racecourse while you're exploring.

Ellerslie
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Grafton

If you're spending some time in Grafton, Grafton Bridge and Symonds Street Cemetery are top sights worth seeing.

Grafton

Mission Bay Travel Guide