Walk status: Off-lead once on the main beach
Bethalls Beach is wild and rugged. It's very popular with surfers, but also families and horse riders so you're not often alone here. You need to keep a close eye on your dog as there are birds nesting in the sand dunes and lots of activity.
Bethalls Beach forks at the lifeguard tower. Head right and you're heading to where the surfers tend to go. Head left and you're heading to the main part of the beach, and generally where most people walk their dogs and horses.
The beach is rough, so if your dog is like George and not super confident in big waves, they are unlikely to want to swim in the surf. At the beach entrance there is a shallow flow of water and dogs of all shapes and sizes enjoy swimming here.
Be warned that in summer, the black sand gets incredibly hot in the heat of the day. There have been times ive had to pick George up and walk him across the dry sand to reach the wet cooler sand. The beach is best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat. Remember if you can't hold the back of your hand on the pavement or hot sand for 7 seconds, then don't subject your dog's sensitive paws to the heat either.
Location: Bethalls Road, Waitakere
Large carpark, but can often fill up during busy summer days.
Things to know:
There are toilets here
Parking can be limited during busy summer days
Summer hours for dogs on beaches apply
