Shakespear Regional Park is an invitation to enjoy a summer rite of passage, collapse on a beach under an umbrella. For families there are farm animals with walks across sheep paddocks and through native bush to panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf and islands.
Situated at the end of a narrow Whangaparaoa peninsula, Shakespear Regional Park offers sweeping cliff top views and a beach along either side.
The Park has sheltered bays, wetlands, regenerating native forest, cliffs, historic places and lookouts. Most of the Park has recently been established as a sanctuary for native wildlife and plants, with a 2km pest-proof fence to keep pests out. Pets are prohibited within the sanctuary fence, including pets within a vehicle. Please check your vehicle for any other unwanted stowaways.
Shakespear Regional Park is part of a portfolio of Auckland Regional Parks for visitors to enjoy.
BEACHES
The three main beaches are:
- Te Haruhi: Gentle surf makes this an ideal beach for swimming and kayaking. The most popular of the beaches, as a result, it is often referred to as “Shakespear Beach.”
- Army Bay: used for swimming, boat launch, and occasionally military exercises (this will be well signposted). It is a great place to watch the sunset.
- Okoromai Bay: a very tidal beach, most often used for kite surfing at high tide or collecting cockles at low tide. In fact, Okoromai Bay is one of the few remaining places in Auckland where people can collect cockles to eat. As a result, tight restrictions with huge fines for violation protect the waters from overfishing. Also, there is a sunken ship in Okoromai Bay that is visible during low tide.
One of the more difficult to reach low tide beaches is Pink Beach. Located on the north side of the park, it takes a bit of hiking to get here, so plan ahead based on tide charts.
TE HARUHI BAY
Te Haruhi Bay has the largest and most popular beach. Wide grassed areas studded with large, shady trees lead down to the water’s edge. It’s a perfect place to spread a rug and relax with a book. Te Haruhi Bay which is located inside the Open Sanctuary pest proof fence, at the south western end of the Open Sanctuary area.
At Te Haruhi Bay there are 3 electric BBQs available for casual use and 2 wood fired BBQs associated with bookable sites. They are able to be used if the site has not been booked. All BBQ’s are FREE to use.
This is most certainly the greatest beach within Shakespear Park and ranked one of the best within the greater Whangaparoa area. This is a sandy beach which is very popular for swimming, boating, windsurfing, kite surfing, or just relaxing on the beach and enjoying the sun, sea and sand.
The beach can be quite busy during peak season as it is located alongside most of the main facilities of Shakespear Park i.e. the camping site, self contained campground, and the information office where several sites within Shakespear Park can be booked from (Te Haruhi Bay is one of these sites). The beach itself was relatively quiet during the time me and my travel colleague visited the park.
ARMY BAY
Army Bay which is located at the park entrance on the north western side of the park. This beach got its name from the army exercises that used to be conducted on the beach.
The boat ramp and the gentle slope of the beach make this a popular spot to launch boats, start kayaking or SUP activities. The location being across the road from the main entrance to the park is an added attraction for boaties.
Parts of the park continue to be New Zealand Defence Force land and are off limits. Look for military remains such as ditches to indicate former land use.
OKOROMAI BAY
Okoromai Bay is usually quiet due to the fact that many vessels i.e. jet skis and boats cannot access the beach because of the shallow waters and large number of sand banks as the tide goes out.
This can make the Bay a more tranquil spot than some of the more popular beaches in the area. At high tide Okoromai Bay is a safe paddling beach for young children. The main activity at Okoromai Bay is collecting cockles at low tide.
The marshy ground is a fertile home for the shellfish. There is a strict policy of a maximum of 50 cockles per gatherer.
Ministry of Fisheries is known to undertake regular spot checks.
Okoromai Bay which is located outside the Open Sanctuary pest proof fence, at the south western end of the park. This is a very tidal beach where cockles can be gathered. The beach offers stunning views of Auckland central with the sky tower marking the horizon. There are BBQ facilities and enormous pohutukawa trees providing shade.
Okoromai Bay has 1 casual wood fired BBQ and 4 wood fired BBQs associated with bookable sites. They are able to be used if the site has not been booked.
At Okoromai Bay the old wood BBQs are slowly being replaced with electric BBQs. All BBQ’s are FREE to use.
PINK BEACH
There is a steep set of stairs to the beach which is accessible only at low tide. The beach is the known haunt of shorebirds so it is probably a good idea that the beach is largely left for the birds. And this beach is not a relative of the Omaha beach also called Pink.
WALKING TRAILS
The heritage trail passes native regenerating bush, wetlands and farmland to historic sites including a World War II gun emplacement.
The TiriTiri Track is spectacular for its views of Tiritiri Matangi Island sanctuary in the Hauraki Gulf. Native birds have easily identified another refugee with birdlife now increasing in the park.
For more information about walks check Travel Pack Section for park brochure.
All walks are colour coded for easy identification.
ACCOMMODATION
Forward bookings are essential
- How to access Shakespear Regional Park – Accommodation options
- Shakespear CSC campground at Shakespear Regional Park
RANGER RECOMMENDATIONS
Tips on how to make the most of your visit to Shakespear Regional Park. If you have two hours… Don’t miss the magnificent 360-degree views from the lookout at the top of the Lookout Track, before heading down to Te Haruhi Bay for a beach walk.
If you have half a day… As well as the lookout views and Te Haruhi Bay, you will have time to see much more of the park – walk the heritage trail, mountain bike around the park or take time out for a picnic.
If you have a full day… Explore the park at your leisure, find your own spot for a picnic and indulge your passion for fishing, snorkelling, diving or windsurfing. For something different, end the day with a walk through the Waterfall Gully where the glow worms put on their evening display
Shakespear Open Sanctuary is a not for profit organisation. The Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society Incorporated (“SOSSI”) is an incorporated society established in 2004 for the purpose of assisting the Regional Council (now Auckland Council) with the establishment and development of a sanctuary at Shakespear Regional Park.
SOSSI’s broad aim is “the conservation and enhancement of the natural, recreational, historic and cultural features and values” of the Sanctuary. Currently our focus is to create an environment in which native birds and plants can thrive and absent species can be safely introduced.
The Society is a charitable organisation and relies on volunteers and donations to thrive.
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