Nestled on the coast of the North Island in the Auckland Region, Snells Beach is a charming town with a namesake beach that offers fun and adventure. You can spend your time sunbathing and checking out the views of Kawau Island and the bay, take the kids to the shallow spots to swim and wade, or venture into the water for activities like fishing, surfing and diving. You’ll find an array of attractions in town as well, including winery tours and art attractions. Discover the best activities in the region and Snells Beach accommodation to plan your holiday with friends or family.
Snells Beach accommodation
From family resorts to sprawling holiday homes and charming beach baches, Snells Beach offers an endless array of accommodation options for your trip. Find out more about accommodation in Snells Beach to see what you can expect.
Family holiday homes
Family holiday homes are one of the most versatile options for your holiday, especially if you’re bringing the kids. You’ll find a range of holiday homes with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, bunk beds, toys and games, entertainment systems, backyards, beach access and other exciting features to keep the kids happy and entertained. Many holiday homes also offer water sports equipment, kayaks and other gear for you to take out on the water for more convenience. Places like the Bach offer kid-friendly amenities like a seaside playground, watersports equipment and fascinating wildlife.
Beach baches
If you’re planning to spend a lot of time on the water or resting in the sun, a beach bach is the best choice for your stay. You can book beach baches right on the sand for sunrises over the water and early days surfing the big breaks. Beach baches are also convenient if you have the kids because you can head out to the beach without packing a bunch of gear. If you’re on a couple’s retreat, you can enjoy the sunset over the water and the starry night skies while you have an intimate dinner at home. Beach baches come in a range of options, whether you want affordable or luxurious. One of the best options is secluded Bach 78 on the beach on Rangitoto Island, which offers walking tracks, wildlife and outdoor adventure.
Hotels and resorts
Hotels and resorts offer the most conventional stays in Snells Beach. Hotels give you a comfortable unit for your solo trip, couple’s retreat or family stay, and you’ll have access to amenities and services like concierge service, room service, on-site pools, on-site dining and organised tours and activities. Many resorts offer kid-friendly amenities such as play areas, splash areas and kiddie pools. You’ll find hotels and resorts close to town or right on the beach, so you’ll be near all the attractions that matter most.
Activities in Snells Beach
From food and wine experiences to pottery classes and glass-bottom boat tours, Snells Beach offers a range of unique experiences for an unforgettable holiday. Check out the best activities and attractions in Snells Beach for families, adventure and sightseeing.
Family fun
If you’re bringing the family to Snells Beach, you’ll find a lot of fun activities for the kids. You can spend time on the beach and let the kids play in the tide pools or enjoy a horse trek on the coast to see the views. You’ll find plenty of easy bush tracks to see wildlife as well, even for the littlest legs or kids in strollers. Kids will also like the farm and sheepdog displays at Sheepworld and the Reptile Park, which is home to a variety of species like tortoises, sea turtles, Komodo dragons and alligators.
Arts and culture
The arts and culture scene in Snells Beach offers a lot of fun experiences for a memorable trip. You can take the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail to see seaside sculptures from prominent artists. Another highlight is visiting Morris & James, a pottery studio where you can watch artists at work, purchase your own treasures and learn some pottery skills yourself. You’ll find numerous galleries and shops near the beach as well. If you want to experience the culinary culture, Snells Beach is close to some of the top wineries in the region and boasts many farmers markets with local produce.
Outdoor adventure
Snells Beach is a haven for outdoor adventure. You’ll find beautiful beach areas for swimming and sunbathing, or you can take the ferry to Kawau Island for more beach fun and wildlife sightings. Another highlight is the Goat Island Marine Reserve, where you can dive or snorkel among sea life or take a glass-bottom boat cruise to see it all from the surface. Snells Beach also has incredible fishing spots and top-notch golf courses for playing a few rounds.