Cheltenham Beach

Cheltenham Beach is a beautifully sheltered bay perfect for families with young children, offering calm, shallow waters ideal for toddlers taking their first dips and early swimmers building confidence. The surrounding grassy areas provide plenty of space for picnics, ball games, and outdoor play, while the protected location means less wind and gentler waves than Auckland's ocean beaches.

• ✓Extremely calm, sheltered waters perfect for nervous or beginning swimmers
• ✓Spacious grassy picnic areas with shade trees right beside the beach
• ✓Gentle sandy bottom with gradual depth increase, ideal for toddlers
• ✓Stunning views across to Rangitoto Island and the Auckland harbor
• ✓Safe, family-friendly atmosphere popular with local parents

1. 1.Arrive by mid-morning to secure parking along Cheltenham Road or nearby streets, as this popular local spot fills up on sunny weekends and school holidays.
2. 2.Bring sand toys and buckets as the calm water creates perfect conditions for building sandcastles and moats that actually hold water.
3. 3.Pack a full picnic as there are no cafes directly on the beach, though Devonport village is a short 10-minute walk away for supplies.
4. 4.The grassy reserve behind the beach has shaded spots under pohutukawa trees, perfect for setting up base camp on hot summer days.
5. 5.Low tide reveals more beach area and creates shallow pools perfect for toddlers to splash in safely, so check tide times before visiting.

Visit on weekday mornings during the New Zealand summer (December to February) for the warmest weather and fewer crowds. Early morning or late afternoon provides softer sun for young skin, and weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends when local families flock here.

This is a free public beach with no facilities beyond public toilets, so bring all food, drinks, and beach gear. Street parking is free but limited. The beach has no lifeguards, so adult supervision is essential.

Best visited during New Zealand summer (December to March) when water temperatures are warmest (18-21°C). Winter months (June to August) are quite cool for swimming but lovely for beach walks. The pohutukawa trees bloom brilliant red in December, adding to the scenic beauty.

Walk 10 minutes to Devonport village for family-friendly options like Devonport Stone Oven Bakery & Cafe (excellent pies and pastries) or The Patriot pub with a kids menu and outdoor seating. Many families grab fish and chips from one of the village takeaways to enjoy as a beach picnic.