Exploring Beachlands
Beachlands, a coastal suburb on the Pōhutukawa Coast of Auckland, lies between Whitford and Maraetai. Known for its dramatic cliffs and pōhutukawa trees, Beachlands features two inviting beaches and a large tidal estuary formed by the Mangemangeroa, Tūranga, and Waikopua creeks. The Leigh Auton Reserve is another highlight, with expansive views across the Tāmaki Strait towards Waiheke Island from this clifftop reserve.
Beaches and Natural Attractions
Beachlands has two main beaches, Sunkist Bay and Shelly Bay, both nestled between cliffs on the suburb's western end. These beaches are ideal for relaxation and exploration, particularly at low tide. Shelly Bay is especially appealing for its scenic charm. At the northwest corner of the coast, Motukaraka Island presents an intriguing destination, accessible at low tide via a shell bank.
The eastern end of Beachlands is dominated by the Leigh Auton Reserve. This area, along with the Beachlands to Maraetai Walkway, offers excellent walking and cycling routes along the coast, connecting to Ōmana Regional Park and Maraetai. Pine Harbour, located within the estuary on the west side, features a marina and a ferry terminal with services to Downtown Auckland.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Historically known as Kahawairahi, this area was significant to the Ngāi Tai people until the early colonial era. The headland between Sunkist Bay and Shelly Bay was once the site of Te Kawau pā, surrounded by extensive gardens. Remnants of middens, pits, and terraces are still evident in the region. Motukaraka Island also hosted a pā and kūmara gardens, with the surrounding waters crucial for shark fishing. The area was once covered by a large kauri forest called Kauriwhakiwhaki, with Māori using kauri for waka construction and kauri gum for traditional chewing gum, kapoa.
Development and Modern Beachlands
From the 1830s to the 1860s, land sales and government actions led to the loss of traditional resources for the Ngāi Tai iwi. Settlers cleared the forests, expanding farmland. Beachlands remained primarily farmland until the 1920s when Richard Kipplewhite subdivided the land to create a "new marine garden suburb" of Auckland. Initially a holiday community, Beachlands has since evolved into a modern coastal town.
How to get to Beachlands
To reach Beachlands, drive southeast from Downtown Auckland on the southern motorway. Take the Redoubt Road exit and follow Redoubt Road east to Murphys Road, heading north to Flat Bush. Then, turn east onto Omiston Road, which becomes Sandstone Road, leading to Whitford Park Road and Whitford. From Whitford, continue east on Whitford-Maraetai Road until you arrive at Beachlands. This journey covers approximately 36 km and takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Downtown Auckland to Pine Harbour.
While exploring the Pōhutukawa Coast, other nearby attractions include Ōmana Beach, Waiomanu Beach, Magazine Bay, Umupuia Beach, and Duder Regional Park.
