Tindalls Beach is a peaceful, 750-metre, family-friendly beach northeast of Big Manly Beach on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, just over an hour’s drive north of Downtown Auckland. The beach is on the north side of a narrow strip of the Peninsula, and Matakatia Bay is on the south side of the strip. There is a large rocky flat platform, exposed at low tide, and a point that separates Tindalls from Big Manly. At the north end of the beach, the cliffs are topped by one of the few remaining significant rural areas on he north side of the Peninsula.
The beach is sheltered and northeast-facing into Waiau Bay and the Hauraki Gulf, with relatively calm water in a relaxed residential setting. It is popular for swimming, paddleboarding, and low-key beach days. The beach is backed by homes, which helps preserve its peaceful atmosphere. At low tide, rock pools at either end offer fun for kids, and the gentle gradient of the beach means there’s plenty of safe shallows to wade and swim in. You can walk around the base of the cliffs for some distance at low tide, which is popular for fishing, but be sure to give yourself time to get back.
This area was once home to Ngāti Kahu and later Ngāti Whātuai, with seasonal fishing settlements taking advantage of the abundant kaimoana in nearby bays. The name Tindalls is believed to come from an early European farming family who settled in the area.
There are no shops or facilities at the beach itself, but Big Manly and Gulf Harbour are nearby for supplies. Camping is available at Shakespear Regional Park, less than 10 minutes away, where you’ll also find native bush, farm walks, and panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf.
To reach Tindalls Beach from Downtown Auckland, take the Northern Motorway and exit at Silverdale. Follow the Twin Coast Discovery Highway, then turn off onto Whangaparāoa Road. Continue along the peninsula, then turn onto Tindalls Bay Drive. There is parking at the end of Hadley Avenue next to the beach. Otherwise, park on Tindalls Bay Drive and walk from there.
