Bethells Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Bethells Beach featuring tropical scenes, landscape views and a beach
Bethells Beach
Bethells Beach
Bethells Beach
Bethells Beach which includes general coastal views and landscape views

With plentiful trails through coastal forests, amid sand dunes and alongside dramatic waves, this isolated beach is the perfect place to get back to nature.

Located 30 kilometres north-west of Auckland at the mouth of the Waitakere River, Bethells Beach, or Te Henga to give it its Maori name, offers a vast, wild landscape teeming with birdlife and tramping trails.Black sand, high surf, sand dunes and bushland provide the perfect environment for the proliferation of birdlife. In fact, the area is so well-suited to our feathered friends that there is an ongoing breeding programme here involving the New Zealand dotterel – a threatened species of bird which nests in the dunes above the waterline. Bethells Beach is now one of the rare places this bird can be seen in the natural environment.However, these are not the only birds in the area there's actually a wealth of birdlife that call Te Henga home, including harriers and petrels. Sometimes blue penguins even put in an appearance on the beach at night time.While the beach is quite an isolated location nowadays, there is plentiful evidence to suggest that humans have lived at Bethells Beach, and made use of its significant attributes, for over 1,000 years. Such evidence includes cave shelters and an inland "pa" (or fortified village) used for crop storage.While the water may seem appealing, particularly on a fine day, it's important to note that swimming and surfing conditions along the beach can be dangerous, with frequent riptides. On the other hand, this is a great spot for tramping at any time of year. So, bring a picnic and hit the trail to Lake Wainamu or Waitohi Falls. The trails here also form part of the well-known Hillary Trail covering 75 kilometres of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.In good weather, there's often a food truck at the beach, but it's best to bring your own supplies as, once you get here, it's quite a journey to get anywhere else. To reach Bethells Beach, you'll need to rent a car. Fortunately, there's more than enough free parking at the beach, mostly behind the dunes.

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 NZ$195 per night from 24 Aug to 25 Aug
NZ$195
24 Aug - 25 Aug
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! (1,346 reviews)
"Crowded. Long waits for service."

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 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 NZ$207 per night from 28 July to 29 July
NZ$207
28 July - 29 July
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,726 reviews)
Great location
"Check in was quick and easy. The room is a great size, with lots of things literally at your door step. There’s a heated pool, spa, sauna and gym. There’s lots of cafe/restaurants near the precinct that you can charge to your room. Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

The Grand by SkyCity
JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport

JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport

4.5 out of 5
63 Westney Road, Auckland
The price is NZ$169 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
NZ$169
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the restaurant and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,305 reviews)
"Great venue in a handy location."

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

JetPark Hotel Auckland Airport
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.
Bethells Beach Cottages

Bethells Beach Cottages

4 out of 5
267 Bethells Road, Bethells Beach
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly vacation home in Bethells Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Bethells Beach ...
9/10 Wonderful! (32 reviews)
"I absolutely loved my stay at this property. It had everything we needed plus one of the best views of Bethel's beach! It was paradise!"

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

Bethells Beach Cottages
Ramada Suites By Wyndham Victoria Street West

Ramada Suites By Wyndham Victoria Street West

4 out of 5
147 Victoria Street West & Graham Street, Auckland
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified aparthotel in Auckland. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (511 reviews)
"Great!"

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2025

Ramada Suites By Wyndham Victoria Street West
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Tidy Property with good value for money. Walking distance to CBD"

Reviewed on 20 Jul. 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

Activities

Cities near Bethells Beach