Bethells Beach

Travel Guide

Bethells Beach featuring a beach, landscape views and tropical scenes
Bethells Beach showing a beach and general coastal views
Bethells Beach showing general coastal views as well as an individual femail
Bethells Beach featuring rocky coastline, general coastal views and a sandy beach
Bethells Beach showing landscape views and general coastal views
Walking trails through coastal forest and sand dunes, and waves made for surfing characterize 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 ¥12,821 per night from Oct 26 to Oct 27
¥12,821
¥14,744 total
Oct 26 - Oct 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star spa hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,404 reviews)
"great room size, pool warm and inviting, staff friendly and helpful"

Reviewed on Oct 16, 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 ¥16,736 per night from Oct 27 to Oct 28
¥16,736
¥19,655 total
Oct 27 - Oct 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 11 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,854 reviews)
"I left my mobile in the uber the reception staff were super helpful and within ten minutes i had my phone back with me and a nice cold bottle of water to drink during what was a very stressful time. I would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Oct 17, 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
Horizon by SkyCity

Horizon by SkyCity

5 out of 5
85-93 Hobson Street,, Auckland, Auckland, Auckland
The price is ¥14,944 per night from Oct 23 to Oct 24
¥14,944
¥17,550 total
Oct 23 - Oct 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions SkyCity Casino and Sky Tower ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (564 reviews)
"N/a"

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2025

Horizon by SkyCity
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.
Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart

Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart

4.5 out of 5
2 Tapora Street, Auckland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,125 reviews)
"Was a great location. Easy walk to Queens wharf and 10 minutes to eateries and shopping. Waited 40 minutes after calling twice for extra towels and floor mat as water runs out of shower. Shower pressure slow although do understand eco friendly."

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2025

Adina Apartment Hotel Auckland Britomart
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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (3,787 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Oct 15, 2025

Barclay Suites
Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland

Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland

4.5 out of 5
206 Victoria Street West, Auckland, Auckland
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,046 reviews)
"Clean room balcony was a bonus with the view Glass windows floor to ceiling Would stay here again"

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2025

Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Cities near Bethells Beach