Red Beach is a sandy surf beach on Auckland's Hibiscus Coast, a short walk from Orewa, rated 4.5 from 68 reviews. Visitors mention safe swimming, surfing, surf lifesavers on patrol and a playground, with shops close by yet a relaxed, quiet feel.
Surf beaches reward a little know-how. Swim between the flags where lifesavers patrol, because rips on an open coast can be stronger than they look and shift with the tide. The rocks at either end are worth exploring when the water drops, leaving pools for children to investigate. Mornings are often calmest before the sea breeze arrives, and a beach with shops and a campground within walking distance makes for easy, unhurried days.
Handy to Auckland yet a proper escape, it is the sort of place people return to — one reviewer was so taken they bought a crib in the campground.