Takapuna is the ultimate summer sanctuary where parents and whānau can confidently spend quality time with the kids.
Everything in Takapuna is concentrated within a few safe, accessible blocks.
Beach, bathrooms, playgrounds and cafés are all within walking distance – you won’t have to get in a car from the moment you arrive until it’s time to pack up and go home.
Happy kids, zero stress.
Coastal calm and convenience
Takapuna Beach is the main event! It offers a pristine setting for families. The water is clean and wonderfully calm. It’s the perfect, gentle ocean playground for tiny swimmers and relaxed adults.
Beach and safety
The slope of the Takapuna Beach provides a safe swimming area, perfect for young families and people who prefer to stick to the shallows.
Make sure you stay sun safe: slip, slop slap and wrap – and stick to the shade where you can (luckily we’ve got lots of big shady trees near the beach).
Always keep a close eye on kids around water, even in the shallow parts.
Parking and access
Easy parking is essential when transporting buckets, spades, and multiple children. Takapuna has over 4000 carparks, which means less time circling and more time relaxing.
The Strand is tailor-made for beach dropoffs: get the gear and passengers out and onto the sand while you find a convenient parking spot.
There are tons of roadside parks near the beach and along the nearby roads, as well as several car parking lots and buildings nearby. If you’re going shopping, Shore City Shopping Centre has its own free car parks.
Parks and amenities
Takapuna Beach has fantastic facilities for everyone. This area is designed for convenience, especially when dealing with sandy, wet kids.
Shore-side upgrades
The amenities have been upgraded: modern, clean bathrooms and showers so you can rinse off the salt and sand before getting back in the car or heading indoors.
Playground
Our play areas are epic. Right beside the beach is a wide, safe grassy park and a dedicated playground. Bust out the rugby ball and play passes, or let the kids run themselves ragged on the awesome equipment.
Entertainment
When the sun gets too hot or when it’s time to switch up the scenery, Takapuna offers indoor options for family fun.
Thrillzone: Time to level up the fun! For families with older kids and teens. Thrillzone has a serious line-up of VR, race car simulators and immersive experiences.
Escape room: Ready for a challenge? This is a fantastic bonding activity where the whole family must use strategy and puzzle-solving prowess to earn their freedom.
The classics: Beachside Cinema is ideal for catching a blockbuster, offering comfortable seating. Or check out The PumpHouse Theatre and Bruce Mason Centre for live entertainment.
Sweet conclusion
You’ve earned it! No family day trip is complete without a sugary reward.
Takapuna’s walkable shops make the final treat simple. Grab an ice cream at the Takapuna Beach Café or Movenpick, or check out KiwiYo (frozen yoghurt) that lets kids choose their own toppings.
If you’re looking for a lunch spot right next to the beach, we can’t recommend enough Rosie’s Red-Hot Cantina for a fun family time.