Activities

Takapuna is a beautiful vibrant beachside destination with a city rhythm, only 10 mins from Auckland’s CBD. Its Auckland’s ultimate lifestyle destination and has the best of everything – a relaxed beach atmosphere, designer and high-street shopping, airconditioned shopping centre, lots of activities and a thriving hospitality scene with a huge variety of cafés, restaurants and bars, many of which take in views of our beautiful beach overlooking the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf to iconic Rangitoto Island.

You can download a handy guide to all things Takapuna, including a map which includes key landmarks, a Top Ten list of things to do and see, and a list of some of our fantastic businesses, right here! print it off, send it to family and friends, and have the best time in Takapuna!

There are so many things to do and see in Takapuna – we are home to Escape HQ, New Zealand’s best escape room and team building event venues where you can challenge friends, family or colleagues to hours of fun and puzzles no matter the occasion. Thrillzone Takapuna offer a fantastic range of indoor and outdoor VR games, adventures, simulators and more, perfect for kids of all ages (including the kids at heart!).

Takapuna Beachside Cinemas are a new addition to Takapuna – with a great new refurbished look, they bring a little style and luxe to the cinematic experience in Takapuna. Relax on a comfy couch seat, enjoy a treat or snack from their new range and indulge with your favourite drink – all while enjoying a classic, or a new release movie!

If you’re searching for something a little more ‘real-life’ – Takapuna is also home to the Bruce Mason Centre. Featuring some fantastic live shows, plays, concerts and performances, the Bruce Mason Centre has just the thing for every taste. With loads of options for kids, right down to toddlers with their Pick’n’Mix shows (including FREE weekend performances and workshops), to the big kids, from live music performances to comedy shows to local and international theatre productions.

Or if it’s cost-free entertainment you’re looking for – look no further than our crown jewel, Takapuna Beach. Voted Aucklanders favourite beach (2018), with beautiful white sand, large grass beachside reserves, changing facilities and a large playground – it’s a popular place all year round. Add to this its clear ocean waters, many activities and natural beauty – no wonder Takapuna Beach regularly features in New Zealand’s top 10 Instagram spots!

The breathtaking coastal beachside walk from Takapuna north to Milford – known as the ‘lava’ trail – can be walked at any tide (allow 45 minutes each way), winding its way over rocks, along beaches, and interesting pathways, overlooking the Hauraki Gulf and out to Rangitoto Island the entire way. The Takapuna-Milford walk is included in the Te Araroa Trail, a continuous 3,000 km walking track spanning Cape Reinga in the tip of the North Island and Bluff in the South Island. Setting off from Takapuna beach you will see at low tide, by the boat ramp, parts of a fossilised kauri forest, a very rare sight anywhere in the world. These fossils were formed by lava flowing from the nearby freshwater volcanic crater lake Lake Pupuke, and engulfing a kauri forest.

As well as Takapuna Beach the nearby lake is a great windsurfing spot where MadLoop can get you going on a board, or give Stand UP Paddleboarding a go with Girls Get Out There NZ. Or you can head to the indoor heated swimming pool at the Takapuna Pool and Leisure Centre in Killarney Street, they also offer swimming lessons and aqua group fitness activities.

Takapuna Beach is also home to numerous sports clubs. The Takapuna Football Club in Taharoto Drive and the Takapuna Rugby Club in Akoranga Drive, just in front of the YMCA North Shore Recreational Centre. You can also find the Takapuna Tennis Club and Bowling Club in Bracken Avenue and the Croquet Club in Auburn Street. For those into golf, the Takapuna Golf Course is in Northcote Road.

With over 100 places to eat and drink, Takapuna has so many options! From seaside restaurants and bars, to Melbourne-inspired eatery laneways, ice-cream parlours and cafes – there is something to satisfy whatever you’re craving.

If shopping is your thing, head down Hurstmere Road or into the airconditioned Shore City Shopping Centre where you will find a huge variety of shops from designer fashion and jewellery, to department stores, to gifts and homewares and boutique collectables.

Don’t forget to try some of our Top 10 things to do, and take some time to explore our beautiful Takapuna.