Location
New Zealand
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Mixed
Best season
December to March
About St Leonards Bay
St Leonards Beach is a small cove on Auckland's North Shore between Takapuna and Narrow Neck, tucked beneath high white and golden cliffs on the Devonport peninsula. The cliffs and the single steep staircase keep it secluded, and it has been Auckland's best-known skinny-dipping beach for decades. It is a narrow strip of sand and rock shelf that almost disappears at high tide, so it is really a low-tide beach; at low water you can walk along the shore to Takapuna Beach or Narrow Neck as part of the North Shore Coastal Walk. Nude use is governed by a 2003 police-brokered understanding with the council: nudity is accepted more than 50 m from the bottom of the access steps, and not within 30 m in front of clothed people walking past. Naturist use declined after complaints around 2001-2003, and today the beach also sees walkers and families, so the crowd is mixed. There are no toilets, showers, bins or food, so bring water and take rubbish out.
Getting there
From Lake Road in Takapuna or Devonport, turn into St Leonards Road (beside Takapuna Grammar School) and park on the street at its end, where a long, steep staircase leads down the cliff to the beach. The climb back up is strenuous and not wheelchair accessible. At low tide you can also walk along the shore from Takapuna Beach or Narrow Neck. Check tide times: the beach is very small at high tide.
What visitors say
Guides and visitors describe St Leonards as a scenic, secluded cove whose nude tradition is well known but less active than it once was. The main practical points people raise are the tide, since there is little sand left at high water, and the steep stairs. Visitors stress following the 50 m rule from the steps and covering up for passing walkers. Some describe it as a quiet family beach now, while others still treat the far end as Auckland's classic nude spot. There are no facilities, so bring supplies.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
A 1992 North Shore council bylaw bans exposing the pubic area to others aged 12 or over, but under a November 2003 police-brokered agreement nudity is tolerated more than 50 m from the access steps and away from passing clothed walkers; the council accepts reasonable compliance. The beach is not formally designated as nude. The Summary Offences Act 1981 applies a reasonableness test.
Naturism at St Leonards Bay sits under New Zealand's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
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. -36.7991, 174.7899
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 nudity allowed at St Leonards?
It is tolerated under a 2003 agreement: more than 50 m from the access steps, and not within 30 m in front of passing clothed people. It is not an officially designated nude beach.
When is the best time to go?
Around low tide. At high tide the beach is very narrow.
How do I get down to the beach?
By the steep staircase at the end of St Leonards Road, or along the shore from Takapuna or Narrow Neck at low tide.
Are there toilets or a café?
No. The nearest facilities are at Takapuna Beach.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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