Discover Sandspit

Sandspit is considered the gateway to the islands of Kawau Bay. Local activities include walking, nature watching and getting out on the water. The Sandspit to Brick Bay Walkway passes through coastal forest and along the estuary; you can also travel to Kawau Island from Sandspit. If you’re looking for a holiday rental in Sandspit, considering whether walking trails, scenery or boat trips matter most to your holiday can help you choose where to stay.

Nature, trails and tides

At Sandspit Harbour, an intact ecological sequence of mangroves, salt marshes and tidal flats extends to regenerating kānuka and broadleaf bush and forest. These different landscapes give the area its distinctive character. Birdlife is also part of the natural experience: seabirds, including Cook’s petrels and white-fronted terns, are common at Sandspit and the ferry terminal. If you enjoy birdwatching, you can take these places into account when planning your trip.

The Sandspit to Brick Bay Walkway is accessible at low tide. The tide level is therefore a practical point of reference when planning to walk this route. In addition, existing walking tracks in the Sandspit and Horseshoe Bay area connect inland to Brick Bay Drive and Puriri Place Reserve. Alongside the walkway, these connections offer another option among the local trails. The routes described pass through different settings: the walkway runs through coastal forest and beside the estuary, while the other tracks lead inland.

Green spaces and local history

At Sandspit Reserve, you’ll find a playground, toilets, walking trails, parking and picnic facilities. If you’re visiting with children, these offer practical ways to spend time outdoors, combining play with a picnic break. The historic Sandspit school buildings are also located in the reserve. Leisure facilities and part of the area’s history therefore come together in one place, without needing to add separate destinations to your itinerary.

Green Point Reserve has picnic facilities, an access track and a small ramp. It offers another spot for an outdoor break, complementing the facilities described at Sandspit Reserve. Brick Bay is also close to Sandspit. It has calm, shallow water for swimming and a large grassy area. If you’d like to include swimming in your trip, you could consider a separate visit to Brick Bay.

Boat trips and activities on the water

The Sandspit Yacht Club promotes recreational boating, sightseeing cruises and keelboat racing. Various types of boats are available to hire from the club. A tide-independent boat ramp is located at 1287 Sandspit Road; it is owned and operated by the Sandspit Yacht Club. Non-members may also use the ramp. These offer different options for travellers who want to include boating in their stay, from using the ramp to joining activities promoted by the club or hiring a boat.

From Sandspit, you can take the Royal Mail Run Cruise to Kawau Island and explore the island. Another ferry connection is available from Sandspit Wharf: you can walk to the wharf from Sandspit Holiday Park and take the ferry to Kawau Island. Guests at Sandspit Holiday Park can also swim, fish and kayak from the park.

Sandspit brings together a range of travel interests without requiring them to fit into the same day’s itinerary: you can explore trails and landscapes, spend time in the reserves or choose activities on the water.

More local pages: Snells Beach, Algies Bay, Mangatangi, Silverdale, Helensville, Parakai, Papakura and Dairy Flat.

For the wider travel overview: Auckland.