It’s no secret, the Hibiscus Coast is a beach lover’s heaven. Visitors travel from far and wide to visit our coastal paradise, sunbathe on sandy shores, and swim in pristine oceans.
Following a decade living in Sydney, and a year travelling around the world, Forty Thieves owners; Shyr & Brent found themselves right at the heart of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula. With no money, no car and a notebook full of ideas, the couple were able to focus on getting Forty Thieves off the ground. When they weren’t making nut butter or selling it at the local farmers’ markets, they spent all their spare time swimming, running and enjoying the abundance of beaches on the Coast.
Need some advice on where to dip your toes this summer? We’ve collated the 8 best beaches on the Hibiscus Coast PLUS where to grab a bite to eat nearby.
1. Tindalls Bay
The beach: Picture blossoming Pohutukawas, white sand, and the occasional pontoon in the middle of the bay; perfect for penguin dives and cannon balls. Tindalls Bay is an underrated beauty. Launch your boat, or SUP with the occasional dolphin, and relish the peace.
Where to eat: Dart up to Manly Shops, 5 minutes away by car and enjoy a coffee from Hello Manly or cold beverage from Manly Bar & Grill. If you’re after a scoop of ice cream head, grab a scoop of Charlies Gelato from Cafe Manly or alternatively get wood-fired Pizzas from Due Amici.
2. Arkles Bay
The beach: Arkles Bay is a sheltered scoop of beach, the ultimate spot for a group gathering or family get-together on the grassy verge. Investigate the rocks to the right, or even launch your kayak and travel upstream along the Weiti River.
Where to eat: Take your pick from a selection of healthy sandwiches, salads, raw treats, and Kokako Coffee from Two Spoons Café. Check out the selection of locally made gifts on offer, including knitted hats, teas, and keep cups. You’ll find Forty Thieves stocked here too!
3. Stanmore Bay
The beach: Some say Stanmore Bay is their reason for moving to the Hibiscus Coast: no surprises there! Stanmore Bay is known for its magnificent sunsets, skate park, playground, soccer fields, and boat club. It literally has everything you need for a memorable Summer’s day.
Where to eat: Check out the revamped Coast Plaza. Find plenty of spots to eat and drink like The Beer Spot, a local food truck that changes weekly and a small outdoor area for kids to play. Alternatively, head to Woolworths or New World Whangaparaoa for a loaf of fresh bread, juice, and your favourite jar of Forty Thieves Nut Butter for a relaxed picnic at the beach.
4. Red Beach
The beach: Grab your boogie board, and head to Red Beach! Acquiring its name from the red sea shells that turn the beach red, Red Beach is a hot spot for families who come out of the city for a breather and break from the hustle and bustle. It’s accessibility from the city makes it ideal for a day trip.
Where to eat: Stop off at Silverdale Village and visit Ground Control Cafe for the most mouth-watering treats including mini cakes, slices, and pastries.
5. Orewa Beach
The beach: Explore the three-kilometre coastline and experience Orewa Beach come alive with joggers, families, kite-surfers, and wind-surfers. Orewa Beach is the most well-known beach on the Hibiscus Coast, known for its flat surface and top quality campground. Relax on the beach, and let the kids go crazy over the massive playground.
Where to eat: Enjoy a meal with a view ats ome of our fav spots; Oliver’s Cafe, Beachhouse Eatery, Good Hub or Cheek and Chong.
6. Army Bay
The beach: Tucked away at the end of the peninsular, Army Bay is an idyllic getaway. Sit up on the hill and dine on the public picnic tables, lie on the beach in the sun, or bring your fishing rod and try your luck at catching dinner. The facilities at Army Bay are also said to be impeccably clean and well looked after.
Where to eat: We love Ripples Café at the marina, or Cherry Cafe and Main Sail in the village.
7. Little Manly
The beach: Famously known for dolphin and whale spotting, thousands pass Little Manly on their daily commute, but most don’t know the hidden gems of the bay. Jump off cliffs to the left, uncover rock pools to the right, and wander up to scrumptious restaurants and cafes at the Manly shops. If you’re not local, stay at the Whangaparaoa Lodge across the road from Little Manly, to enjoy a morning swim right on your doorstep.
8. Manly Beach
The beach: The big brother of Little Manly, Manly Beach is the heart of Whangaparaoa. Manly Beach has always been a holiday destination, filled with holiday homes for seaside vacations in the summer. Now, it’s home to several permanent residents, who couldn’t bear to leave the soft white sandy beach, accessibility to shops, prickle-free grassy bank, tennis courts, bustling surf club, popular boat ramp, and peaceful atmosphere. Walk your dog along the beach during summer before 10am or after 5pm, or waltz through the lush Manly Park- an ideal space for a game of Bat Down Cricket.
Where to eat: If you’re heading to the Manly beach or Little Manly on a weekend, grab a cone of real-fruit ice cream and great coffee from the Big Manly ice cream truck. They’re parked on the beach by the sailing club.
The Hibiscus Coast comes alive in summer time. With so many beaches to choose from, you can’t really go wrong. Which is your favourite beach on the Hibiscus Coast? Let us know in the comments below 🙂
Looking to take home a beautiful seascapes of the Hibiscus Coast for your home or bach? Check out more of Stephen’s wonderful photography here.
One Response
My favourite is Tindalls! It will always hold a place in my heart as the beach I grew up on.