Ladies Bay
St Heliers, Auckland · New Zealand
Auckland's tolerated clothing-optional cove below the cliffs of St Heliers. Mixed, with a few of the boys, and a harbor view.
Updated
- Status
- Tolerated
- Crowd
- Naturist
- Country
- New Zealand
- City
- Auckland
- Water
- Sea
- Best time
- December to March
- Confidence
- Low
Find it
36.8505° S, 174.8510° ECrowd A clothing-optional beach with no particular gay crowd. Families, couples and regulars. Go for the sun and the swim, not the scene.
Getting there
Bus or drive to St Heliers, then the path down from Cliff Road. Best at low tide.
The rules
Tolerated. Not designated, but going without swimwear has been the custom for years and is left alone. Rules and patrols can change, so read the signs when you arrive.
No photos of anyone, sunscreen everywhere, cover up the moment you leave the clothing-optional stretch, and head home with the light. Sunbathe, swim and keep the beach respectful for everyone.
Questions people ask
Beach questions
Where exactly is Ladies Bay?
St Heliers, Auckland, New Zealand. The map pin is 36.8505° S, 174.8510° E.
What is Ladies Bay like?
Auckland's tolerated clothing-optional cove below the cliffs of St Heliers. Mixed, with a few of the boys, and a harbor view.
How do I get to Ladies Bay?
Bus or drive to St Heliers, then the path down from Cliff Road. Best at low tide.
Method
Status says what the law and the locals allow; crowd says who is on the sand. Both come from gay-travel guides, the national naturist federations and members who were just there, scored on sources, recency, crowd, legal footing and safety. How we rank. Pins mark the beach; the gay end is described above. Last reviewed September 2026.