Medlands Beach: Aotea’s Surfing Gem
Medlands Beach lies on the eastern coast of Aotea Great Barrier Island, on the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland. South of Kaitoke Beach and known for its sweeping white sand and consistently good surf, it’s one of the island’s most accessible and scenic beaches, yet remains blissfully uncrowded. Whether you're drawn by the waves or the feeling of being far from the bustle, Medlands is a compelling place to slow down.
Wild East Coast Beauty and Surf Appeal
The beach arcs for nearly 1.5 km in a crescent shape, fringed by pōhutukawa and low dunes. Facing east, it catches the full energy of the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the island’s best surf beaches. Swells break cleanly along the beach and reef, especially at the southern end near Shark Alley, a popular spot with local surfers.
The sand is pale and soft, reflecting the quartz-rich geology of the island’s eastern slopes. At low tide, exposed rock platforms and tide pools provide places to explore.
Short Walks and Headlands
Though there are no formal tracks directly on the beach, the southern end leads to a short walk towards Shakespeare Point. At the north end is the prominent conical shape of the Sygar Loaf.
Quiet Settlements and Coastal Simplicity
The Medlands Beach area has a small residential community, with scattered baches and holiday homes around the hillsides and access road. A DOC campsite sits just behind the dunes at the southern end.
Claris, just 10 minutes away, is the island’s main service hub with a general store, café, art gallery, and fuel station. For those staying longer, Medlands is well-placed as a base for exploring the rest of the island, from Tryphena in the south to Port Fitzroy in the north.
How to Get to Medlands Beach
To reach Medlands Beach from Claris Airport, drive six minutes along the sealed main road south, which becomes Medland Road. Turn left into Oruawharo Lane to access Sandhills Road, which runs behind the beach dunes. There are several access points through the dunes. From Tryphena, it is a 20-minute drive northeast on Medland Road.
Kaitoke Hot Springs, Awana Bay, and Windy Canyon provide distinctive experiences within a short drive of Medlands.
