Highlights of the Day
We explored Auckland’s west coast black sand beaches, visiting four out of five. First was Muriwai Beach, with smooth black sand and a mirror-like water effect, though it lacked facilities. Bethells Beach, a surfing hotspot, had lifeguards and a small café. Piha Beach, reached via winding roads, offered a breathtaking viewpoint and lively atmosphere. Karekare Beach required a long walk on hot sand and was less impressive. On the way back, we encountered a police alcohol checkpoint. Back in Auckland, we enjoyed a lamb rack at Soul Bar and Bistro before ending the day with a beautiful harbor sunset.
Logistics
Accommodation: JW MARRIOTT AUCKLAND (highly recommended)
Transportation: Rental Car
Auckland’s west coast has several black sand beaches, formed by volcanic eruptions over time as black rocks eroded into sand. There are about five beaches in total, and today, we planned to visit four. The fifth one was too far.
Our first stop was Muriwai Beach, the closest one, about a 40-minute drive from Auckland. The black sand stretched all the way to the shoreline, with some areas mixing yellow and black grains. The sand was fine and smooth, perfect for walking barefoot. A thin layer of water on the sand created a mirror effect, making it an ideal spot for photography.
Facilities here were minimal—only a restroom and nothing else, not even a place to rinse off. We left with our blackened feet and legs, but the sand dried quickly during the drive to the next beach, so it wasn’t a big issue.
The second stop was Bethells Beach, known as a family-friendly destination with a small café nearby. It’s also a surfing hotspot. Many surfers were out in the water, while lifeguards kept a close watch on the waves. It was impressive to see such a service provided for a free beach.
Next, we headed to Piha Beach, about a 40-minute drive away. The winding mountain roads made the journey challenging, with many sharp turns at 35 or even 25 degrees. Fortunately, the long stretches between turns allowed time to adjust. At one point, we encountered a rare 10-degree right turn, but traffic was light, making it manageable.
Halfway there, we saw a lookout point where many cars had stopped. The view was breathtaking. Under the sunlight, Piha Beach seemed to merge with the horizon. White waves crashed freely against the shore, while hills and rock formations added a dynamic touch to the scene.
This beach was noticeably livelier than the previous ones. People lounged in small groups, sunbathing, while surfers continued to enjoy the waves.
The last stop was Karekare Beach, reached via even trickier roads with sharp and frequent turns. Driving felt like a constant series of twists.
From the parking lot, a long stretch of sand led to the shore. Walking on the hot sand in flip-flops was a real test. Halfway there, we realized the beach wasn’t particularly stunning, so we took a few photos and turned back.
The drive back was just as challenging. Along the way, we encountered a police checkpoint. Every car had to stop for an alcohol test. When it was our turn, an officer asked my husband to count from one to ten into a breathalyzer. After a quick check, we were cleared to go.
This was our first time experiencing a roadside alcohol test. Across the road, a police car was parked with a few private vehicles and some people standing outside—likely those who had exceeded the alcohol limit.
One thing we suddenly noticed was that we had driven all over New Zealand without encountering a single toll road. It felt unusual.
Back in Auckland, it was dinner time. We found a well-rated restaurant on Google called Soul, known for its lamb dishes. We ordered a lamb rack and a fish dish. The lamb was incredibly tender and delicious, while the fish was slightly overcooked but still well-prepared.
After dinner, we headed to the harbor to watch the sunset. 🌅 😊
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