Red Beach Surf Life Saving Club has patrolled this coast since 1953, based at 10 Ngapara Street on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, about 40 km north of Auckland. It rates 4.6 from 330 reviews, with visitors praising the friendly staff, family-friendly feel and lovely views; the clubrooms have hosted weddings, and summer and winter club meals get a mention too. Clubs like this run on volunteers: members train for their lifeguard awards and patrol the beach through summer, keeping swimmers safe between the flags. Most run junior surf programmes, teaching children ocean skills and confidence from a young age, with pathways into surf boats, board and ski racing or pool rescue that can lead to national teams. Clubrooms commonly double as function venues, with the proceeds helping fund patrols. Founded after a drowning at nearby Orewa Beach, the club has grown into one of New Zealand's premier surf clubs, still family-rooted on this headland-fringed corner of the Hibiscus Coast.