Te Henga (Bethells Beach) — Attraction in Waitākere Ranges

Te Henga, also known as Bethells Beach, is a stunning spot on Auckland's west coast that's perfect for a day out! Just a short drive from the city—about 45 minutes to an hour—you'll find yourself at this beautiful black sand beach surrounded by lush scenery. What to Expect Beach Vibes: The beach stretches nearly 2 kilometers and is less crowded than some other popular spots like Piha, making it a great place to relax. The black sand is unique and adds to the beach's charm. Activities: There’s plenty to do here! You can swim (just stay between the flags), surf, or take a leisurely walk along the shore. The large sea cave at the south end is a fun spot to explore during low tide, and you can even walk around to Wigmore Bay if you’re feeling adventurous. Nearby Attractions: Don’t miss Lake Wainamu, which is just a short walk away and offers stunning views along with some great walking tracks. The Te Henga Walkway is also worth checking out for breathtaking coastal views. Facilities There’s limited infrastructure, with a small café and toilet facilities available near the car park. It’s best to bring your own food and drinks for a picnic on the beach! Tips for Visiting Parking: Make sure you park in the designated area and enjoy the short walk along the Waitākere River outlet to get to the beach. Safety: Be mindful of the water conditions, especially if you’re swimming or surfing. Lifeguards are on duty during peak seasons. Footwear: The black sand can get hot, so don’t forget your sandals! Overall, Te Henga (Bethells Beach) is a beautiful escape from the city with plenty of natural beauty and activities to enjoy. Whether you're looking to surf, relax, or explore, it's definitely...

Te Henga (Bethells Beach) review Here's a review for Te Henga (Bethells Beach):

Rating: ★★★★☆

I visited Te Henga, also known as Bethells Beach, in 2013, and it was an amazing experience! The beach is a stunning stretch of black volcanic sand, offering a unique and beautiful landscape. The long, wide beach is perfect for a peaceful walk, and the views of the Waitakere River meeting the Tasman Sea are breathtaking.

The beach has a bit of a "Jurassic Park" feel as you wander along the shoreline, and the surrounding scenery is truly picturesque. I enjoyed exploring Bethells Cave, which is accessible during low tide, and the nearby Lake Wainamu added to the beauty of the area.

While the beach can be quite popular, especially during the summer, it's still possible to find a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings. Just be mindful of the strong currents and rips, and always swim between the flags for safety.

Overall, Te Henga is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and beautiful beaches. I highly recommend it to anyone traveling...

We stopped by Bethells on the way back from the Te Henga walk to O'Neill Bay. We went through the path that connects O'Neill Bay to Bethells Beach. It was interesting that there looked like there was a house on the Island at Bethells. We rested here a bit by the cliff close to the island. There wasn't much shade on the beach though so it would be wise to bring something if you were planning on staying a while. The beach itself was quite nice and large and there were lifeguards on duty. You do need to cross some water to get to the island side of Bethells but it wasn't very deep. The water was also quite warm, compared to the sea. The caves around the cliff by the river was quite interesting, some were big enough to easily walk in. The sand did get quite hot, particularly away from the beach so just be wary of that as you...