Playa Linda en Takapuna is a beach on the Takapuna side of the North Shore, Auckland, about 10 minutes from the city centre. The Takapuna guide describes a white sand beach with views across the Hauraki Gulf to Rangitoto Island, and a historic lava trail that runs along the foreshore.
Visitors can paddle board or kayak off the beach, or relax beside Lake Pupuke, which the guide describes as Auckland's only freshwater lake. Takapuna has a Sunday market, and a row of cafés, restaurants and bars along the streets behind the beach. Our pick in Takapuna for a swim and a coffee after.