Waterfront Living

For decades, the Mahurangi East peninsula was Auckland’s holiday playground. Today, with the new motorway connection reducing the commute, it is fast becoming a permanent home for those who want the ocean at their doorstep without the exorbitant price tag of the North Shore.

Whether you are a keen boatie, a retiree, or a family looking for a safe swimming bay, the “Kawau Bay” coast offers three distinct neighbourhoods. Here is how to choose the right one for you.

1. Snells Beach: The Practical Choice

Snells Beach is the largest of the three communities and offers the best balance of lifestyle and convenience.

The Vibe: A flat, easy-walking community. The beach itself is over 2.5km long, safe, and generally calm—perfect for paddleboarding and young children.
Amenities: unlike the smaller bays, Snells Beach has its own shopping centre (The Warehouse, doctors, pharmacy, Four Square) and a local primary school. You don’t need to drive to Warkworth for a litre of milk.

The Property Market: You will find a mix of original 1970s baches and large modern brick-and-tile family homes.

Insider Tip: The beach is very tidal. At low tide, the water goes out a long way, exposing mudflats. If “all-tide swimming” is a non-negotiable for you, check the specific location or look towards Algies Bay.

2. Algies Bay: The Boatie’s Haven

Just over the hill from Snells Beach lies Algies Bay. If you own a boat over 5 metres, this is likely where you want to be.

The Boat Ramp: Algies Bay boasts one of the best boat ramps in the district. It is sheltered from the prevailing wind and offers much better tidal access than Snells Beach.
The Views: Because the suburb is built on a steeper incline, a higher percentage of homes here have panoramic sea views looking out to Kawau Island.
The Trade-off: The terrain is steeper. Walking to the beach can mean a serious calf workout on the way back up!

3. Scotts Landing: The Hidden Gem

At the very tip of the peninsula is Scotts Landing. This is a special, tightly-held enclave that feels worlds away from the bustle of Warkworth.

The Lifestyle: It is quiet, historic, and lush. You are surrounded by the Mahurangi Harbour on one side and Te Kapa Inlet on the other.
The Access: There are no shops here. It is a 20-minute drive back to Warkworth. This isolation is exactly why locals love it—it retains a true “holiday” atmosphere year-round.
Burton Wells: A local secret, this reserve offers a deep-water anchorage and is a stunning spot for a picnic or high-tide swim.

4. Due Diligence: What Waterfront Buyers Must Know

Buying coastal property requires specific checks that don’t apply to standard residential homes.

The “Shoreline Adaptation Plan”

Auckland Council has recently released Shoreline Adaptation Plans (SAPs) for the Snells Beach to Ōrewa coastline. This documents how the council plans to manage coastal erosion and sea-level rise over the next 100 years.

Why it matters: It can affect your insurance premiums and future development potential. We can help you access these maps to see if a property you are eyeing is in a “Managed Retreat” or “Hold the Line” zone.

Esplanade Reserve vs. Riparian Rights

Esplanade Reserve: Most beachfront properties in Snells Beach have a 20m strip of council land (the “Queen’s Chain”) between the boundary and the water. This is public land.
Riparian Rights: A few rare properties (often in Scotts Landing or older titles) own the land right down to the high-tide mark. These command a significant premium for the privacy they offer.

Materials Matter

The salt air in Mahurangi East is corrosive. When viewing homes, we look closely at:

Fastenings: Are the nails/screws on the deck stainless steel? (Galvanised will rust).
Cladding: Cedar and brick withstand the coastal environment well; some older plaster systems need careful inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I launch my boat at Snells Beach?
A: Yes, but it is best for smaller tinnies, kayaks, or tractors. For larger trailer boats, the concrete ramp at Algies Bay is the superior option, or the deep-water ramp at Sandspit (a 15-minute drive away).

Q: What are the schools like?
A: Snells Beach School (Primary) is well-regarded and sits right in the heart of the community. For high school, the area is zoned for Mahurangi College in Warkworth, with school buses running daily from all three suburbs.

Q: Is it safe to swim?
A: Kawau Bay is protected by the Tawharanui Peninsula and Kawau Island, making it one of the safest swimming spots in Auckland. It rarely gets large surf, making it ideal for families.

Dreaming of a Sea View? Whether you want a renovation project on the ridge at Algies Bay or a flat section in Snells Beach, we know which streets offer the best protected views.