Beaches near New Zealand ports

[LadyPemberley]

Are there any good swimming beaches within walking distance from the New Zealand ports where the cruise ships dock? I'd like to have at least 1 relaxing, non-excursion day while in NZ.

[Keith1010]

Might be good to provide a list of the ports you will be visiting.

 

Keith

[MMDown Under]

Are there any good swimming beaches within walking distance from the New Zealand ports where the cruise ships dock? I'd like to have at least 1 relaxing, non-excursion day while in NZ.

 

Also weather could be a factor. What time of the year are you cruising?

[cjm66]

Depends what you are prepared to give up. Mt Manganui, which is the docking wharf for Tauranga has a lovely beach, an easy flat walk across the spit, nice cafes too, but that would mean no excursion to thermal parks and other Rotorua attractions. You can also get a laid back day at Akaroa or Napier just mooching around. Napier has an ace water park and all that art deco architecture and Akaroa has a pebbly harbour beach, could be a little cool?

 

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[room010]

Also bear mind mind that the sea temps are usually quite, er, "bracing" :)

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Tauranga is your best bet.

Turn left at the bottom of the gangway and just walk through the port gates and there you are at Pilot Bay. Calm tranquil water on the Harbour side of Mount Maunganui. If you want the Ocean Beach just walk a little further.

Between the two you will pass the Hot Pools. If you find the sea water or the "clime" too cool you could just pop in there.

Textile free bathing can also be found on the Ocean Beach , but be warned it is several miles walking to get to that spot ... :eek: ..... you would really need a vehicle to get there.

 

[MrYellowDuck]

In Auckland from the cruise terminal it's very easy, cheap and 100% safe to get a bus to Long Bay. This is a great beach for swimming (probably the best beach in Auckland) and this area is also a marine reserve and so there is plenty of wildlife to see too.

[Waihekean]

Another option if you are in Auckland is to take the ferry to Waiheke Island.

Ferry is just on the opposite side where your ship docks (approx 3min. walk). The ferry ride itself is 35 minutes and a very pleasant ride with beautifull views. Once arrived you could take the local bus to Onetangi Beach and just relax there for the day. There are some cafe's to get lunch, coffee's etc.

Or you could just walk (approx 10-15min) from the Waiheke ferry terminal to Oneroa (sort of the main village) and have a wander around the shops and cafe's from there you can walk down to Oneroa Bay to swim.

This bay is not as large and beautiful as Onetangi Bay, but still very nice.

 

Besides Long Beach there are several beaches in Auckland itself like Mission Bay and St.Heliers. These are on the waterfront of the Hauraki Gulf close to the dock. For these you could just hop on a taxi or take one of the local buses or even walk if you would be so inclined. These beaches will be busier then Waiheke, but still good for swimming and sunbathing.

 

There are many more options, but these are the closest and easiest to do. Enjoy your time in N.Z.:)

[LadyPemberley]

Thanks for the beach suggestions. I will be cruising NZ in mid-February. Unfortunately I already have plans for Tauranga and Auckland, where it seems the beaches are. :( Other ports will be Dunedin, Akaroa, Picton and Wellington.

[Waihekean]

Thanks for the beach suggestions. I will be cruising NZ in mid-February. Unfortunately I already have plans for Tauranga and Auckland, where it seems the beaches are. :( Other ports will be Dunedin, Akaroa, Picton and Wellington.

 

Not to worry, wherever you are in NZ you never far from a beach. Also all the above places are on the coast. Akaroa and Picton are small townships, so probably your best bet for a relaxing day.

You could try to ask the locals for a good swimming spot or keep researching.

[erewhon]

In Dunedin you would have to get transport to St Clair beach.