Medlands Beach, Beach in Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
Medlands Beach is a long white sand beach stretching along the eastern coast of Great Barrier Island, with Memory Rock marking its midpoint. Residential homes and holiday cottages sit behind protective sand dunes that line the shore.
Settlement at this location grew from early Māori occupation into a mixed community with permanent homes and holiday dwellings built behind the dunes. The layered development shows how the beach evolved from indigenous use to modern vacation residences.
St John's Community Church is the only traditional church building on the island and serves people from different faiths. It remains central to the spiritual life of the local community.
Access to the beach requires taking a ferry from Auckland to the island, with shops located several kilometers away in nearby Claris. It helps to bring supplies since facilities are not immediately convenient to the beach itself.
The southern section contains Shark Alley, a designated safe swimming area where brown teal ducks gather near a small stream. This local feature shows how wildlife and visitor use share the same beach space.
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