Karaka Bay Beach — Attraction in Ōrākei

Karaka Bay is on the eastern shoreline of Auckland, in the suburb of Glendowie. From here, you can see the Waitematā Harbour, Rangitoto island, Motutapu, Motukorea (Browns Island), Motuihe and Waiheke islands. Access is by walking down a steep bitumen sealed path that winds down the hill from the end of Peacock Street. There is no vehicle access to the bay itself, and the very reason Karaka Bay is not overly crowded, which gives it a unique sense of peace that is rare in Auckland beaches. An ideal place to grab some food and drinks and have a picnic or read a book in relaxed mood. If you want to swim, high tide is the ideal time, but you need to check the water quality on the Council's website before, because the water often gets contaminated by sewage disposal pipelines in surround areas.

Karaka bay has a historical significance. It is the place where the final part of the Treaty of Waitangi was signed on the 4th March 1840. On that day, 17 Tāmaki rangatira (chiefs), mostly from Ngāti Pāoa and Ngāti Maru, signed the Waitangi sheet of the Treaty of Waitangi at Karaka Bay. It has been recorded that Captain Nias representing the Crown were present too. Four months later, on 9 July 1840, another six chiefs signed the treaty, with Governor William Hobson present.

Please note that there are no facilities here such as toilets, picnic benches or...

It's okay! It's a lovely, quiet little beach that's very calm and uncluttered. There are no facilities - it's literally just a strip of land against the cliff - but that makes it very serene and peaceful. The sand is super coarse and gritty and shelly, though, so going barefoot is awful, and there's quite often a sea lice outbreak in the water. That said, it really is a lovely little hideaway if you just want a retreat from people for a while. Steeeeeep switchback walk down to the "beach", and only 3 parking spaces off Riddell Rd, so either park near Churchill park and be prepared to walk, or get a bus. Not great for those with accessibility concerns. Very...

It takes me about 20 minutes to run from my place to Karaka Bay. I went for my first swim of the year yesterday. It’s the most secluded paradise with very few people which is great. Very private and the water is clean and beautiful to swim in. The views are stunning when you catch your breath from the steep climb back to the road. St Heliers is a lovely beach but it’s too crowed. I am so lucky to be able to run/walk to Karaka Bay. From an adoring Karaka Bay Beach fan, Angie Wilkin,...