Maraetai Beach

Distance: 
40 kms from Auckland City : 12 kms from Whitford : 7 kms from Pine Harbour

Approximate time: 
45 minute drive from City : Spend all day here – the beach is spectacular with safe swimming and some grassed and shady areas

Date: 07/09/2020

Author: Senthil Natarajan

The white sandy beach has safe swimming, a pier and spectacular views across the Hauraki Gulf.

A delightful drive through the Pohutukawa Coast from Whitford and past Beachlands with views that will take your breath away.  Maraetai, as you arrive, welcomes you with a sense of relaxation where it feels like time has stood still, living up to its name of “meeting place by the sea”.  Families from far and wide have enjoyed time at Maraetai.  Perfect for safe swimming in shallow waters, where you can spread out your picnic, play volleyball on the beach or take a stroll along the shore and check out the rocky outcrops.  This beach is a picture postcard.  So close to the hustle and bustle of the city and suburbia, this is a fantastic place to relax.

With grassed and treed areas at both ends of the beach, this is a perfect place to spend a whole day.  Some shops available for dining and takeaways.

A memorable day for an outing with family and friends.

Our Tip:
Be prepared for a great day at the beach with suitable clothing, water to drink, picnic and sunscreen.

Things to do nearby:

En route is Whitford Village, with its pub sited at the main roundabout. The Stables Whitford should you want to stop for something to eat or drink.  Right next door is Whitford Merchants, a delightful shop filled with very different gins and whiskeys, as well as other unusual chutneys, chocolates etc.  Great for gifts.   For garden lovers private Ayrlies Garden is world renowned, and you are able to walk through the garden and explore its paths and ponds and admire the views (Sorry but no children allowed at Ayrlies due to water and other hazards : entry fee applies).  Pop into Pine Harbour and enjoy the marina while sipping a cold drink at Pepperjacks.  Golfers will enjoy a visit to Rydges Formosa Golf Resort.  You can stop here for a meal too, and they have great accommodation.  Omana Regional Park extends through to Maraetai by way of a walkway around the headland.