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.
Location: Auckland Region
GPS coordinates: -36.88963,174.45029
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:41
Auckland sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea on a narrow isthmus marked by roughly 50 extinct volcanic cones. Mount Eden and One Tree Hill rise above the neighborhoods and offer views across the harbor, while Rangitoto stands as the largest volcanic island in the region and can be reached by ferry. The coastline shifts between the sheltered eastern beaches such as Mission Bay and Takapuna Beach and the black sand western shores at Piha and Bethells Beach, where the Pacific meets the Waitakere Ranges directly. The Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland Domain holds Polynesian collections and New Zealand military history, while Auckland Art Gallery displays European and indigenous art. Viaduct Harbour serves as a dining precinct and departure point for harbor cruises, and the New Zealand Maritime Museum documents the country's seafaring past. Karangahape Road gathers alternative shops and nightlife, Ponsonby draws an older crowd with cafés and boutiques. Britomart clusters restaurants and design stores in converted waterfront buildings. Waiheke Island hosts wineries such as Mudbrick Vineyard and Man O' War Vineyards scattered among vineyards and bays, while Tantalus Estate operates in West Auckland. Auckland Botanic Gardens present native plant species across 158 acres, and Auckland Zoo keeps over 1,400 animals. Queen Street runs through the center from the harbor to the University of Auckland, and Sky Tower stands 1,076 feet (328 meters) above the city. This selection covers the main sites for understanding Auckland's geography and range.
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