Auckland

Beaches in Auckland

Keep your distance from other people

Practicing social distancing is still essential. Only go to the beach if you are able to keep 6 feet or 2 meters away from others. Follow the instructions provided by your local health authorities. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter our efforts to curb the virus’s spread. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Photo by Adam About Auckland, NZ The Auckland region is named after the city of Auckland, which is the largest metropolitan area in the country. The region is composed of the city’s urban area, surrounding towns, and charming countryside, as well as the islands in the Hauraki Gulf. The coast of Auckland is home to over 50 scenic islands. To the east of Auckland is the Hauraki Gulf of the Pacific Ocean. To the southeast are the Hunua Ranges, and to the west is the Tasman Sea. West and northwest are the Waitakere Ranges, known to the Maori as ‘The Great Forest of Tiriwa’. The city of Auckland is on an isthmus, meaning that it lies on a thin piece of land linking two bigger land masses across a body of water. In fact, it’s one of the only cities that has a harbour on two entirely different major water bodies. In Auckland, you’ll find a number of breathtaking sights. The region has everything: white and black sand beaches, islands, rainforests, vineyards, thermal springs, and volcanoes. Plus, it’s one of the few places in the world where you can swim in off the east coast in the morning and the west coast in the afternoon. Swimming Water Quality in Auckland In total, there are 113 monitored sites in this region, including 105 coastal beaches, 2 lakes, and 6 rivers. Water is monitored daily all year. Safeswim monitors beaches in Auckland. This program emerged from a partnership between Auckland Council, Surf Life Saving Northern Region, and Auckland Regional Public Health Service. Safe swim uses predictive modelling to forecast water quality at 84 beaches and 8 freshwater locations around Auckland and provides real-time public health alerts and safety risks. Water Sports and Activities in Auckland This region is a popular destination for swimming, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, wakeboarding, kitesurfing, sailing, and island hopping. Piha Beach in Auckland is one of the top surfing beaches in the world. Hot Water Beach is a must-visit spot for beach-lovers. During the two hours before and after low tide, hot water bubbles through this beach’s golden sand when hot springs spill into the ocean. Weather in Auckland Auckland’s climate is warm and coastal, with few temperature extremes. Auckland is one of the sunniest regions in the country. December through February see the highest temperatures, which range from 23-24 °C (73-75 °F). The water will be warmest during these months as well, at 20 °C (68 °F). Although Auckland is the largest urban area in New Zealand, a peaceful beach getaway or a rejuvenating dip in a lake is never too far away from the city centre.

Have you noticed pollution at your local beach? Let us know.