Beachlands

Beachlands is a seaside settlement,  bound on two side by the sea, north facing, with  spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf. The settlement was first developed in the 1920s, subdivided into 870 sections,  marketed as the "Marine Garden Suburb", and its initial development was mainly that of weekend baches (holiday cottages).
The west facing lookout at the southern end of Puriri Road provides exciting views of the comings and goings from Pine Harbour Marina and looking beyond the shallow waters of the inlet controlling the waters of the Mangamangeroa, Turanga and Waikopua Creeks you see the beaches and coastal housing of Howick with the highrise of Auckland City offering a backdrop in the distance.
A look to the right presents Motukaraka (Flat Island) guarding the western end of Beachlands.  At low tide you can have a easy walk to the Island. and if the vegetation allows, a climb to the top and a stroll out to the northern end presents an uninterupted panoramic view of the Tamaki Strait and many islands of the magnificent Hauraki Gulf.  The Beachlands’ coastline supports many Pohutukawa trees, three small but very safe swimming beaches - Sunkist Bay, Shelley Bay and Green Bay - along with a jetty, boat ramp and children's playground at Sunkist Bay

  Adjacent to Pine Harbour, the sleepy seaside town of Beachlands basks in a year-round ambience of lazy days at the beach. The lookout at the end of Puriri Road provides spectacular views of the marina and the sparkling waters of the harbour. Around the coast at Sunkist Bay you can swim in safe waters or take a short trek across to Motukaraka Island and enjoy unobstructed, panoramic views of the entire southern gulf. Motukaraka (Flat Island) was once a Māori pa (fortified village) of traditional importance where a fine crop of kumara was grown. Other traditional crops cultivated by the Māori were bracken fern (rauaruhe), taro gourd (hue), yam, ti hore (edible cabbage tree), karaka, poroporo, parafern and renga renga. Kai moana (food from the sea) was a mainstay for people living along the coast, particularly the Māori, and fishing remains a popular recreational activity today. Have a go at fishing of Schnapper Rock or, if you prefer a more secluded spot, try View Bay or Shelly Bay off Pohutukawa Road.