Marsden Point Beach is a beautiful and all-year dog-friendly beach located in the lee of Whangarei Heads, New Zealand.
The beach is situated on the southern head of the Whangarei Harbour entrance on the east coast of Northland, approximately 30 kilometers southeast of the city of Whangarei. The beach is part of the Greater Marsden Point Area, which extends from One Tree Point, within Whangarei Harbour, to just south of the Ruakaka township on the open coast, covering an area of some 2,500 hectares.
Marsden Point Beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, offering an impressive selection of attractions and experiences, making it well worth a visit. The beach is surrounded by high-quality heavy infrastructure, including roading, deep water port, marina, and a rail link development. The area is also home to the Marsden Point Oil Refinery, the country's only oil refinery, which opened on the tip of the point in 1964, with its jetty in the harbour entrance channel. Northport, the main cargo port for Northland, is further up the channel, beside the refinery, and opened in 2002.
Marsden Point Beach is a broad, flat peninsula that offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. The beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing, and sunbathing. The beach is also a great place to take a walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The beach is easily accessible, with ample parking available for visitors. The tangata whenua Maori people are the Patuharakeke hapu, whose rohe (area) stretches on the seaward side from a point at the north of Mangawhai Heads to the mouth of the Mangapai River, just south of Whangarei. The area is rich in cultural heritage, and visitors can learn about the history and traditions of the local Maori people.
In conclusion, Marsden Point Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Northland, New Zealand. The beach offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern infrastructure, making it an ideal place to relax, explore, and enjoy the best that New Zealand has to offer.