This Takapuna Beach Hotel Is the Perfect Base for Exploring Auckland’s Quiet Side

My mantra for traveling to major cities is to “experience the city by staying outside the city.” It may sound counterintuitive, but avoiding dense urban centers in favor of peripheral neighborhoods often proves to be the best way to avoid the mayhem, and peek under the hood at what gives the city its character. That’s why, on my last trip to New Zealand, I decided to forgo hotels in Auckland’s city center and stay in Takapuna Beach.

About a 15-minute drive north from the center of Auckland, Takapuna Beach is a small beach community that feels like a different city entirely. New Zealanders are generally known for their relaxed vibe, even in major cities, but Takapuna Beach is like New Zealand meets coastal California. The beach neighborhood has trendy restaurants and cafes, a thriving arts scene, and a scenic coastal walkway. Staying at the Emerald Inn on Takapuna Beach, I was ideally located to experience it all.

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What it’s like to stay at the Emerald Inn on Takapuna Beach

Photo courtesy Emerald Inn

Just a block from the water, the Emerald Inn on Takapuna Beach feels like a beach hotel and a lush garden retreat all in one. Rooms start just over $100 per night. The property’s courtyard is dotted with trees, surrounding the pool and outdoor seating area. If you’re lucky enough to have a second-story room (like I was), you’ll almost feel like you’re in a treehouse while standing on your balcony, with views of the ocean. Strolling through the hotel’s garden instantly puts you in a vacation mindset – a welcome feeling, after a flight to New Zealand that was – well, “long” is an understatement. This is especially true if you’re in the Emerald Penthouse, a luxurious two-bedroom cottage with a full kitchen, tons of natural light, and a beachy aesthetic.

A relaxing beach community on the outskirts of the city

Photo: Stargrass /Shutterstock

You might find yourself on the other side of the world, but Takapuna has a walkable neighborhood feel that makes you feel right at home. Just a few blocks away from the Emerald Inn, there’s a beach conducive to some of Auckland’s most popular water sports, and the rentals to make it all happen. That includes jet skis, paddle boarding, and even windsurfing. You’ll also be treated to views of Rangitoto Island across the water. If you’d rather enjoy the coast at a more leisurely pace, there’s a walking path that begins just around the corner from the Emerald Inn, and winds along the beach to the Milford Reserve. Weaving through neighborhoods, paved wooded trails, and actual beach terrain, it’s the perfect stroll to get acquainted with the area.

Culture-seekers will find more art galleries than you’d probably expect for a community of such unassuming size. Art By the Sea, Art Collective, and Lake House Arts Center are all great places to discover local artists. The Lake House Arts Center – housed in a beautiful old cottage – even offers classes for those bold enough to wade into artistic waters themselves. They also host live music and outdoor markets.

Takapuna is also the perfect base for exploring the islands off the coast of Auckland. From nearby Devonport, you can take a ferry to Rangitoto Island. The island is home to a dormant volcano, and the world’s largest forest of pohutukawa trees (known as the New Zealand Christmas Tree). Adventurous travelers can choose to hike to the summit on their own or on a guided tour, or opt for shorter walking trails.

Photo: patjo /Shutterstock

Eating and drinking in Takapuna Beach

Sure, you could drive 15 minutes into Auckland’s city center for tons of restaurants, bars, and cafes, but then you’d be missing out on Takapuna Beach’s distinct local vibe. Right around the corner from the Emerald Inn, you’ll find the Takapuna Beach Cafe, a cozy, casual restaurant overlooking the water. It seems like everyone in Takapuna Beach – tourists and locals alike – gathers here for early morning coffee and breakfast. They’re also open for lunch and dinner.

If you’re looking for dinner and drinks in a place that combines a city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere with the chill vibes of a beach community – you’re in luck, because the Takapuna Surf Club just opened a few months ago. No, you can’t catch waves here, but you can catch a delicious pizza and craft cocktails in a rooftop setting with pretty epic views. Much like the Takapuna Beach Cafe, it seems like the whole beach community congregates here for after work drinks, and on weekends for late-night revelry.

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