New Zealand Surfing West of Auckland

Bethells Beach

New Zealand surfing on Bethells Beach located on Auckland’s west coast. The Beach is also known under the Maori name Te Henga.

Bethells lies just outside the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Behind the beach large sand dunes and dammed waterways created wetlands with several small lakes. The result is a quite distinctive scenery.

The middle beach has its best surf on a mid to high incoming tide depending on swell size. To the left of Waiti Stream is the surf life guard tower. At low tide the tower looks lost on the vast sandy beach.

Are conditions unsuitable O'Neill Bay is for many surfers a good alternative. You reach this bay by continuing to walk northwards along the beach for another 10 minutes. This part has no life guards patrolling. So it is good to be sure about your abilities and the surf conditions.

Still unsure? There is always the option to book at GoDo a New Zealand surfing lesson by a professional surfing instructor at Auckland's west coast.

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Facilities at Bethells Beach

• Surf life guards patrol on weekends during summer months
• Toilets
• A caravan cafe serves during summer on weekends and public holidays
• Before the beach a lagoon promises water fun for younger children. The link to more on water quality at West Auckland's beaches is found under the New Zealand government websites.

Write an e-card with NZ beach sunset photos.

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Shortly before the beach car park start two wonderful tracks.

The Goldie Bush Walk features natural sights like bush trails followed by coastal trails with magnificent views all along the west coast. Steep up and down hill tramping ask for a good level of fitness.

Surrounded by wetland and bush Lake Wainamu Track leads to an enormous inland sand dune that borders a lake. For young and old it is a fantastic playground to do some sand dune sliding and swimming. This track is suitable for average to good level of fitness. It lets you decide whether you would like to climb up the dune or to follow the river bed.

Though the beach is close to Auckland, only about an hour drive. One thing is true. Bethells/ Te Henga is best reached by car. Did you get curious about the west? Then it might be a good idea to Ace rental cars and set off to explore the region.

Skin care on beach outings

Do it the kiwi way while enjoying the great outdoors:

"Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap!"

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