Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Step onto Herne Bay Beach, where soft sand meets endless blue sky and sea breeze whispers away your stress. This isn’t just a sun-kissed escape—hidden along the shore are cozy cafés serving perfect coffee with ocean views, making it the ultimate urban retreat for slow living.
Everything you need to know about Herne Bay Beach
Stay at Herne Bay Beachside Apartments, just a 5-minute walk from the beach, offering private balconies and sea-view rooms with stunning sunrise and ocean views. The apartments feature fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and a relaxed, homey atmosphere—perfect for families or long-term visitors. Located steps away from Herne Bay Village, guests enjoy local cafés, boutique shops, and waterfront dining. Nearby attractions include Auckland Domain and the Auckland War Memorial Museum, all accessible by foot or short transit ride, making it an ideal base for exploring South Auckland’s charm.
It takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes by car from Herne Bay Beach to downtown Auckland, depending on traffic. The route follows Great North Road and State Highway 1, both well-marked and efficient. For public transport, take the One Service or Southern Cross Bus Route from Herne Bay Station, transfer to the Metro Rail at Britomart, and reach the city center in about 30 minutes. This corridor is a key commuter route with reliable service, offering a convenient and cost-effective alternative for travelers.
Herne Bay Beach offers peaceful sands and calm waters perfect for family picnics, sunbathing, and morning jogs along the scenic coastal path. The trail overlooks the Cook Strait, providing panoramic views and opportunities to spot native seabirds. During summer, the area hosts community music festivals and beach markets, adding vibrant local flavor. Nearby Herne Bay Park features playgrounds, basketball courts, and open green spaces ideal for kids and families. In the early mornings, locals gather for Tai Chi sessions, blending wellness with the serene seaside environment—truly capturing the spirit of South Auckland living.
Yes, Herne Bay Beach is well-served by public transit, including the One Service and Southern Cross Bus Route, connecting directly to downtown Auckland, Newmarket, and Ponsonby. The Herne Bay Station provides access to the Metropolitan Line rail network, enabling seamless transfers across the city. Bike-sharing stations are also available nearby, offering eco-friendly short-distance travel. With frequent services and integrated routes, the area is highly accessible for commuters and tourists alike—ideal for those preferring sustainable or car-free travel.
Stay at Herne Bay Beachfront Apartments, directly steps from the shoreline. These beachfront suites offer panoramic views of the Tasman Sea and private balconies perfect for sunrise watching. The area features scenic bike paths and walking trails ideal for morning exercise. Nearby, The Seagull Café serves fresh seafood and locally roasted coffee, offering a true taste of coastal living. Conveniently located just 15 minutes from downtown Auckland, bus route 370 connects directly to the beach.
Take Bus 370 from the city centre—approximately 15 minutes with frequent departures. The route passes through Māngere Bridge and Puketāpapa, offering scenic views of the urban-to-suburban transition. Alternatively, use an e-scooter (like Lyft Bike) or ride-share service along the Auckland Eastern Ring Route for a breezy, active journey. Upon arrival, clear signage leads directly to the beach entrance—just a 3-minute walk from the stop.
Herne Bay Beach is renowned for its shallow, safe swimming waters, making it perfect for families. Join a local guided intertidal zone tour to discover starfish, hermit crabs, and small fish. On weekends, the beach plaza hosts a vibrant farmer’s market selling handmade crafts and local produce. The eastern end features a birdwatching platform, ideal for spotting black shags and Australian wrens. At sunset, the sunset promenade offers stunning photo opportunities with golden skies reflecting off the water.
Yes, Herne Bay Beach features a playground, picnic lawns, and public showers, complete with shade structures and benches—ideal for family gatherings. The adjacent coastal walking trail spans 1.5 km, perfect for parent-child strolls. Nearby, the Herne Bay Community Centre offers free outdoor yoga classes and children’s art workshops every Saturday morning. There’s also a pet-friendly section of the beach where dogs are welcome in designated zones—great for dog lovers.
See what other travelers say about Herne Bay Beach
This is my third stay at Gamma Hotel, and I’m still thoroughly impressed. The room was spotless and well-maintained—cleanliness is clearly a priority here. Located just a short walk from Queen Street, it’s incredibly convenient for accessing Auckland’s main business district, shopping areas, and dining spots. I especially appreciate the small kitchenette; while compact, it’s extremely clean and rarely used by other guests, making it ideal for preparing your own meals. A quick trip to a nearby supermarket lets you pick up fresh ingredients and enjoy a change of pace from eating out. Public transit access is also excellent—getting around the city is seamless. For comfort, convenience, and value, this hotel truly delivers. I’ll definitely be back.
We booked a three-bed room for our business trip, and the Kiwi International Hotel had exactly what we needed—one room with two beds and another with a single bed. The rooms were spacious and comfortable for all three of us, with no feeling of crowding. The hotel’s location is fantastic—just a short walk from the Sky Tower and close to public transit, making it super convenient for exploring Auckland. We also appreciated the free parking, which was a big plus since we drove in. Everything about the stay was top-notch: clean rooms, friendly staff, and excellent value. I’d definitely stay here again on future visits to Auckland. Highly recommended!
One of my top hostel picks in Auckland! The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, making the stay feel more like home. Right outside the door is a bus stop—super convenient for getting around the city without needing to walk far. The dorm rooms are spacious, spotlessly clean, and each comes with a locker, fridge, air conditioning, and windows that open for fresh airflow. I also stayed in a private room, and it was just as impressive—clean, well-equipped with a fridge, AC, and a dedicated desk and chair, perfect for working or relaxing. Great value, great vibe, and an excellent choice for travelers who want comfort, convenience, and a friendly atmosphere.
Staying at Newton Lodge Auckland was an absolute delight! The location is perfect—just a short walk from the city center and easily accessible by public transit. The staff went above and beyond with their friendly and helpful service, making our visit feel truly welcoming. The room was clean, modern, and well-equipped, especially appreciating the included hairdryer—no need to worry about renting one or forgetting it. Every detail felt thoughtfully considered, from the comfortable bed to the quiet ambiance. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this hotel offers excellent value and a relaxing stay. I’d definitely choose Newton Lodge again on my next trip to Auckland.
Staying at Epsom Motel was an absolute delight! The place is spotlessly clean and well-maintained, with a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you arrive. The staff went above and beyond—personally escorted me to my room, showed me how to operate the heating and air conditioning, and gave a thorough rundown of nearby supermarkets, shops, and public transport options. What really stood out was the availability of Chinese-speaking staff, making communication seamless and stress-free. It’s clear they care about guest comfort and convenience. With excellent value for money and a prime location in Auckland, this motel is a top choice for any traveler. I’d definitely book again and highly recommend it!
Staying at Albion Hotel was an absolute delight. The location is perfect—just a short walk from the city center and close to public transit, making it easy to explore Auckland without hassle. The hotel itself feels clean, modern, and thoughtfully designed. Staff were friendly and attentive, offering genuine hospitality throughout my stay. My room was cozy with all the essentials—great bed, quiet space, and excellent Wi-Fi. I appreciated the little touches that made the experience feel personal. For the comfort, convenience, and value, this place truly deserves a 10 out of 10. I’ll definitely be back on my next visit to Auckland.
The room was incredibly quiet and clean, making it a perfect retreat after a day of exploring Auckland. The location is fantastic—just a short walk to the metro station, which made getting around the city super easy. I loved how close it was to local cafes, restaurants, and attractions. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the overall vibe was welcoming and relaxed. It’s clear they care about guest comfort. I’d definitely stay here again on my next trip to Auckland—highly recommend for travelers who want a cozy, well-located base with great value.
My colleague raved about this place, so I gave it a try — and honestly, it exceeded my expectations! This was my first time staying at a hostel-style accommodation, and the location couldn’t be better — right in the heart of Auckland. Just steps from the door, there’s a big supermarket, and major attractions like the iconic Sky Tower are only a 5- to 10-minute walk away. The best part? There’s a shared kitchen on one floor where guests can cook their own meals using fresh ingredients from the nearby store. It’s perfect for travelers who want flexibility and a bit of home comfort while exploring the city. I came alone, and this place made my trip feel personal, safe, and fun. If you’re looking for a great mix of convenience, affordability, and social vibes, this is definitely the spot. I’ll be back — no doubt.
I stayed here for two weeks and honestly, I’d come back in a heartbeat. I booked a four-person bunk room, and to be honest, the bed was one of the most comfortable ones I’ve ever slept on during my travels—definitely a top priority for me when choosing a place to stay. The room had shelves for storing personal items, which made things much more organized and convenient. The only real downside was the limited number of power outlets—fine when staying alone, but it would definitely get tight if the room was full. Bathroom facilities were clean and modern, and both kitchens were well-maintained. That said, there’s only enough space and utensils for two people to cook at once, so you might have to wait your turn on busier evenings. Location-wise, it’s super convenient—right next to shops, restaurants, and bars. But that also means nightlife gets loud on weekends, especially Fridays and Saturdays. My tip? If you’re planning to go out, just embrace it—sleeping will be tough anyway, so why not make the most of it? Overall, I’d give this hostel an 8/10—great value, friendly vibe, and a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers.
A wonderful place to return to! I was genuinely surprised by the quality of our room—far better than I expected for a 3-star property. The bathroom was clean and spacious, with excellent water pressure in the shower. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the pillows made for a restful night’s sleep. The staff were welcoming and attentive, going the extra mile to make us feel at home. Located just steps from the subway, it’s super convenient for getting around Auckland. With great dining options nearby and fantastic value, this motel is definitely on my list for future visits.
Staying at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour was an absolute delight. Located right by the waterfront, the views from the room were stunning—especially in the morning when the sun hit the harbor. The area is bustling with great dining options, so you never have to go far for a good meal. I’m actually planning to compare it with Park Hyatt on my next trip, but this stay already left me thoroughly impressed. The service was attentive without being overbearing, the room was elegant and spacious, and the overall atmosphere felt luxurious yet welcoming. It’s rare to find such a perfect blend of comfort, location, and style. If you’re visiting Auckland, this hotel is definitely worth considering—it’s not just a place to sleep, it’s an experience.
Staying at the Auckland City Hotel on Hobson Street was a fantastic experience. The layout is unique—two-story rooms with a kitchen and living area downstairs, plus two bedrooms upstairs and one bathroom located on the second floor. It’s not your typical hotel setup, but it works really well for families or groups who want more space and privacy. Being in the city center, having free parking is a huge plus—just let the front desk know when you arrive, and they’ll open the gate for you. The breakfast buffet is generous and delicious, offering a great start to the day. Plus, the location is unbeatable—walking distance to shops, restaurants, and attractions. I’d highly recommend this place if you’re looking for comfort, convenience, and a little bit of local charm in central Auckland.
Explore more amazing destinations