Long Beach
White sand, pohutukawa shade, zero commercial fuss
About
Long Beach sits on the ocean-facing side of the Russell peninsula in the Bay of Islands, a quiet 400-metre sweep of white sand backed by a canopy of pohutukawa trees. The blue water is calm and safe for swimming, and the absence of any commercial development keeps the atmosphere unhurried and genuinely relaxed. A gravel road winds down to the northwestern end, where informal parking lines the verge and the trees lean out over the sand. It's the kind of beach that feels like a local secret even when others have found it — dogs welcome, families at ease, phones optional.
How to get there
From Russell township, it's a five-minute drive along a gravel road or a pleasant ten-minute walk. Informal free parking is available along the road near the northwestern end — generally spacious, but it can fill on busy summer weekends and public holidays, so arrive early. There is no entry fee. The gravel road and soft sand mean wheelchair access is limited.
Who it's for
For couples
The lack of commercial development and reliably quiet atmosphere make Long Beach an easy choice for a slow morning together — spread out under the pohutukawa, swim in calm blue water, and walk back into Russell for lunch without the noise of a resort beach.
For families
Safe, calm swimming, a dog-friendly policy, free parking, and a short drive from Russell village make this a low-stress family day out. The pohutukawa canopy provides natural shade when the summer sun is strong, and the beach is quiet enough that you'll actually hear the kids.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
No lifeguard, no café, no surf hire shack — Long Beach is deliberately unpolished, and that's the point. The white sand and blue water are genuinely appealing, but swim cautiously: there is no patrol, and you should stay out of the water for two to three days after heavy rain. Skip the winter months of June, July, and August, when northerly swells make swimming unsafe. Come between December and March, arrive before the weekend daytrippers, and you'll have a pohutukawa-shaded beach that feels far removed from the Bay of Islands tourist circuit. It won't suit everyone — there's nothing to buy and nothing to do except be at the beach. That's exactly the appeal.
What to do
The beach itself is the main event, but a short walk brings you to Te Matairangi (0.8 km) and Flagstaff Hill Lookout (0.9 km), where panoramic views stretch across the Bay of Islands. Flagstaff Hill (Maiki), about 2.5 km away, carries real historical weight from the Flagstaff War and rewards the climb. Tapeka Point Beach, roughly 3 km along the peninsula, offers a walk-in cove with snorkelling. Back in Russell village, the historic Kororāreka settlement — New Zealand's first European town — has a museum and heritage buildings worth an hour of your time.
The pohutukawa canopy arching over the white sand is the defining shot — frame it from the tree line with the blue water behind for maximum impact.
Flagstaff Hill Lookout, 0.9 km away, gives you an elevated view of the Russell peninsula and the bay that puts the whole setting in context.
Where to eat
All the dining options are a short 0.7 km away in Russell village. Diggers covers the casual end, while Tuk Tuk Bangkok Thai and Greens (Indian and Thai) give you solid sit-down options. Island Girl and Hank's Sushi are both on hand if you want something quick to carry back to the sand.
Where to stay
Seaport Village and Commodores Lodge are both 0.7–0.8 km from the beach, putting you squarely in the village. For more privacy, Tapeka Del Mar Vacation Rental (1.6 km) and Seascape Bay of Islands (1.7 km) offer self-contained stays with Bay of Islands surroundings.
Photography
The pohutukawa canopy framing the white sand is at its best in the soft morning light — position yourself at the tree line looking toward the open blue water for the strongest shot. Late afternoon, when the sun drops toward the peninsula, casts warm tones across the sand and silhouettes the pohutukawa branches beautifully.
Good to know
No fires are permitted on the beach — pack a picnic instead of a barbecue. There is no lifeguard patrol, so swim within your limits and keep a close eye on children. Avoid swimming for two to three days after heavy rain, as water quality can deteriorate. Dogs are welcome; keep them on a lead near families.
Map
Nearby places
Diggers
Tuk Tuk Bangkok Thai
Greens
Island Girl
Hank's Sushi
Seaport Village
Commodores Lodge
Tapeka Del Mar Vacation Rental
Seascape Bay of Islands
Pioneer Apartments
Things to see around Russell
Russell (Kororāreka)
Historic first European settlement in New Zealand with museum and heritage buildings.
Flagstaff Hill (Maiki)
Panoramic viewpoint above Russell with historic significance from the Flagstaff War.
Tapeka Point Beach
Walk-in cove on the northern tip of Russell peninsula with snorkelling.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Sgroey · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 2 — Henry Winkelmann · source · Public Domain
- Photo 3 — Henry Winkelmann · source · Public Domain
- Photo 4 — Henry Winkelmann · source · Public Domain
- Photo 5 — Sids1 from New Zealand · source · CC BY 2.0