Location
New Zealand
Status
Unofficial / Tolerated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
December to March
About Pohutukawa Bay
Pōhutukawa Bay is a small, secluded beach on Auckland's North Shore, just north of Long Bay Regional Park and south of Piripiri Point and the Ōkura River mouth. It is cut off from the Long Bay beaches by a rocky headland, with Granny's Bay immediately to the south, and is backed by steep bush-covered slopes with pōhutukawa trees overhanging the sand. It is one of Auckland's best-known clothing-optional beaches and has been used for nude bathing for decades without any formal designation. The beach is short, with sand running to rocks at each end; the seabed shelves fairly quickly, so it is good for swimming at mid to high tide. There are no toilets, bins or other facilities, and visitors are expected to take everything out with them. The local naturist community has held events here, and nudity is accepted on the beach itself but not on the coastal walkway or bush tracks around it.
Getting there
Drive or take a bus to Long Bay Regional Park (Auckland Council; large car parks, toilets and showers by the main beach). Walk north along the beach to the rocks at its end. At low tide you can follow the shore around the rocks into Granny's Bay and Pōhutukawa Bay; otherwise take the marked coastal track over the headland, about 20 minutes and with some steep steps. The coastal walk continues north to the Ōkura River. Check tide times and track status before going, as sections have been closed after slips. Not wheelchair accessible.
What visitors say
Regulars describe a quiet, friendly beach with a long naturist tradition and a mostly respectful crowd, busy on fine summer weekends. The main practical points are the tide and the walk: coming around the rocks only works near low tide, and the track over the hill is steep. There are no toilets or bins, so people use the facilities at Long Bay first and take rubbish home. Some recent visitors reported track or road closures, so checking access beforehand is a common tip. Etiquette advice is to dress before using the walkways.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
New Zealand has no officially designated nude beaches, but nudity in a public place is not in itself an offence; indecent exposure under the Summary Offences Act 1981 requires intent to insult or offend, as the High Court confirmed in Ceramalus v Police (1991). Pōhutukawa Bay is widely accepted as a nude beach but has no official status; nudity is expected to stay on the beach and off the regional park's walking tracks (2026).
Naturism at Pohutukawa Bay sits under New Zealand's rules for de facto tolerance — usually left alone if you keep it non-sexual and low-drama.
Full country law: New Zealand public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. -36.6686, 174.7467
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in New Zealand
Frequently asked questions
Is Pōhutukawa Bay an official nude beach?
No. New Zealand has no official nude beaches, but this bay has been accepted for nude bathing for decades and nudity is not an offence unless intended to offend.
How do I get there?
Park at Long Bay Regional Park and walk north around the rocks at low tide, or take the coastal track over the headland (about 20 minutes).
Are there facilities?
None at the bay. Toilets, showers and parking are at Long Bay.
Can I walk the tracks nude?
No. Keep nudity to the beach and dress on the walkways.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…