Bethells Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

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

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

Also known as Te Henga (which means “sand”), Bethells Beach is an isolated beach situated 18 miles (30 kilometers) northwest of Auckland at the mouth of the Waitakere River. Black sand and wild surf are surrounded by sand dunes and native bushland, creating the perfect habitat for birdlife.

The dunes of Bethells Beach have recently been part of a successful breeding program of the threatened New Zealand dotterel. This bird nests in holes in the sand above the waterline, so it’s at risk from ground-dwelling predators. Bethells Beach is one of the few places you can see them in the wild. Many other bird species, including harriers, pukekos, warblers and petrels inhabit the area, and blue penguins sometimes visit at night.

There’s evidence that humans have lived at Te Henga for more than 1,000 years. Shell middens, a cave shelter at the south of the beach, and an inland "pa" (fortified village) used for food storage are indicators of the past inhabitants that relied on the plentiful resources of this beach and surrounding forests.

Swimming and surfing conditions can be very dangerous at Bethells, as there are often rips. Only confident swimmers should tackle the waves. You can stroll along trails that branch in different directions through the sand dunes and bush. Take a picnic lunch on the 2.5-hour return walk to Lake Wainamu, or explore the Waitohi falls. The hiking trails here are also a part of the longer Hillary Trail, which winds for almost 47 miles (75 kilometers) through the rain forest and coastline of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.

There’s a food truck at Bethells Beach on fine days, but it’s a good idea to pack your own food, as the beach is quite isolated. You’ll need to rent a car to visit the beach. There are ample free parking spaces behind the dunes and at the entry 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 Rp1.645.459 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
Rp1.645.459
Rp1.892.278 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! (1,362 reviews)
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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
The price is Rp1.926.537 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
Rp1.926.537
Rp2.215.518 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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! (1,746 reviews)
Good place to stay
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Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
SkyCity Hotel

SkyCity Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Corner Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland
The price is Rp1.714.231 per night from 8 Sept to 9 Sept
Rp1.714.231
Rp1.971.366 total
8 Sept - 9 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! (1,766 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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,754 reviews)
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Barclay Suites
Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland

Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland

4.5 out of 5
206 Victoria Street West, Auckland, Auckland
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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 Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
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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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