St Heliers

Enjoy a day out at St Heliers Beach, the heart and soul of the suburb’s pretty village. With harbour views including Rangitoto Island, families and beachgoers flock to its golden sands all year round.  

Walk along the pōhutukawa-lined boardwalk to scope out where to build a sandcastle or spread out a picnic. Take the kids around the rock pools at low tide or hit the beachside playground. Nearby, enjoy views at the coast-hugging Glover Park (fit with a playground for the kids) or visit the jungle gym at Madills Farm Recreation Reserve. 

Feeling peckish? Grab a smoothie, sushi or a beachside cocktail at St Heliers village, home to a cluster of eateries and cafés along the waterfront and St Heliers Bay Road. Enjoy an upscale brunch at St Heliers Bay Bistro or keep things breezy with an ice cream on the sand.   

Walkers, cyclists and runners can clock up their kilometres along Tāmaki Drive to Mission Bay, which takes about 60 minutes to walk one way (and be sure to take your togs). Raise the stakes with a 3-4 hour walk through bush, mangroves and farmland on the Point-to-Point Walkway, which connects St Heliers and Point England. The Dingle Dell Reserve is another natural gem – and perfect for a picnic. Wander through the quiet bush of an urban park with meandering trails and plenty of birdsong. 

Want to get out on the water? Kayak out to Rangitoto Island at sunset with Auckland Sea Kayaks, which launches its guided half-day and multi-day sea kayaking trips from St Heliers Beach.  

St Heliers is a quick drive to Mission Bay and Ōrākei. When in the area, don’t miss the penguins, sting rays and sharks at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium and the impressive park surrounds at Michael Joseph Savage Memorial Park.