Point Chevalier Beach — Attraction in Albert-Eden

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A peaceful, local gem tucked into Auckland’s west — Point Chev Beach is pure serenity

Point Chevalier Beach is one of those rare places in Tāmaki Makaurau that feels like a well-kept secret. Nestled on its own peninsula in the Waitematā Harbour, Point Chevalier — affectionately known as “Point Chev” by locals — offers a quiet, laid-back atmosphere that’s worlds away from the hustle of central Auckland. It’s not somewhere you just pass through. You come here with purpose: maybe you live nearby, maybe you’re delivering something, or maybe, like me, you’re seeking a slice of peace and quiet.

The beach itself is wonderfully serene. On my last visit, there were fewer than 20 people scattered along the shore — a stark contrast to the crowds you’d find at Mission Bay or Browns Bay. That’s part of its charm. You won’t see tourists here. You’ll see locals walking their dogs, families enjoying a swim, and neighbours catching up over coffee. It’s a community beach, and it feels like it.

Swimming is best at high tide, but the beach is inviting at any time of day. The water is calm, the views across the harbour are soothing, and the atmosphere is unhurried. While West Auckland beaches often get overlooked compared to the dramatic surf of the west coast or the pristine sands of the North Shore, Point Chev Beach holds its own. It may not have the turquoise clarity of eastern beaches or the golden stretch of Orewa, but what it offers is something more subtle — a sense of stillness, of belonging, of being tucked away from the world.

The Point Chevalier Path connects the beach to Coyle Park, offering a lovely coastal walk with glimpses of the city skyline peeking above the harbour. The park itself is a great spot for families, with a flying fox and playground, and it really comes alive in March during the Big Gay Out — a vibrant celebration of music, markets, and community spirit.

Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby headland reserve, formed from Auckland’s longest lava flow. It’s a peaceful spot for walking, and the off-leash dog area is a hit with furry locals. Whether you’re biking, strolling, or just sitting with a coffee, the whole area invites you to slow down.

Speaking of coffee — Pt Chev Beach Café is the go-to for early risers, and Francesca’s wood-fired pizza is a local favourite (get in early, it’s popular!). The food scene here is small but satisfying, with cosy cafés and bistros that reflect the neighbourhood’s character.

And here’s a quirky bonus: Point Chev has a surprising number of eccentric letterboxes scattered through its residential streets. It’s a fun little treasure hunt for kids — and adults — to spot them all.

In short, Point Chev Beach isn’t flashy, and it doesn’t try to be. It’s not a tourist magnet or a trendy hotspot. It’s a quiet, local beach in an isolated corner of Auckland that rewards those who make the effort to visit. I like it here. I’ll be back again — not for the spectacle, but...

Point Chevalier Beach is a lovely local beach in central Auckland. Being our local beach it is fairly busy especially when the tide is in; people from surrounding areas coming to catch the high tide. Tide times are in the local paper and onine of course. We have lived in the area for over 5 years but have not made use of the beach as much as this last summer. Nb: On another level the beach is at its height of golden hues, at sunset. The greens and blues of the water and being able to see the lights on the shore from the neighbourhood houses; while in the sea - is such a picturesque scene. Quite different to how the beach is during the day, with the steady stream of swimmers, sunbathers, dog walkers, locals and the odd tourist. The beach at sunset becomes a cinematic kaleidescope of colours, best seen from the water looking to the shore. Point Chev at sundown is a great setting to showpiece what great local beach it is. I discovered only by chance this summer that there are many faces to our local beach, similarly to the people there, sharing vino, canoodling by phone lit or not, and the beach is scant of people at this time. From the far left corner of the beach down a stone staircase there is a spot that is a great private part of the area. It is in the corner of the beach some stairs lead down to the rocks. A beaut spot to get away from the crowd, or for a quick skinny dip with no enquiring eyes. We frequent our fav spot the area directly infront of the beach houses right on the beach. The friendly locals here are a mixture of families, sole owners, professionals who all share a love...

Take a stroll through Point Chevalier, exploring Coyle Park, quiet residential streets and the picturesque beach. Start your walk in Coyle Park, an open environment covering nearly 5ha which has fantastic harbour and city views. There's dedicated car parking, and Coyle Park is easy to access on the local bus route. Follow the access path which leads from the car park area down to Point Chevalier Beach. Walk down the beach, the views are best when the tide is in, so try to time your visit! Splash around in the water with the kids, or pack a picnic to enjoy under the large pōhutukawa trees. Either way, you'll feel a million miles away from the city. Head back to Coyle Park up Harbour View Road, Joan Street and Pt Chevalier Road. The large playground and flying fox at Coyle Park are favourites with local children. There's heaps of room to run around and have an adventure with the kids. There is a great off-leash dog exercise area in Coyle Park. The main grassy area provides plenty of space for dogs to run around, while you take in views of the harbour. Changing rooms and toilets are available...