Te Henga, Black sand beach in West Auckland, New Zealand
Te Henga stretches for about two kilometers along Auckland's west coast with dark volcanic sand and steep cliffs that frame the shoreline. The beach sits within a valley where sand dunes rise behind the waterline and rocky outcrops interrupt the sandy expanse.
The area took its dual name from the Bethell family who settled there in the early 1900s, while the Māori name refers to the dune landscape. Archaeological remains show the valley held settlements and landing sites long before European arrival.
The name reflects both Māori heritage and European settlement, with the local area holding cultural importance for Te Kawerau ā Maki. Today, visitors walk through a place shaped by both traditions, where the shoreline remains connected to ancestral practices and knowledge.
Strong currents and rips make swimming hazardous without caution, and lifeguard patrols only operate during warmer months from late spring to early autumn. The best time to visit is when conditions are calmer and supervision is available.
Behind the coastal dunes lies Lake Wainamu, a freshwater lake surrounded by large sand formations that offer a calmer swimming alternative when ocean conditions are rough. Walkers often discover this sheltered spot while exploring the back trails through the valley.
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