If you’re looking for the perfect family getaway, with a safe beachside place for little ones to play, Clarks Beach and Waiau Beach fit the bill exactly.
Back in 2002, when I was looking for a waterside home, a safe beach was high on the priority list, for the first four of my seventeen grandchildren (mokopuna) had arrived. Because I’d enjoyed many happy beachside holidays as a child, I wanted them to also have happy memories of sand, safe waters and beachside play.
Dreams can come true. My beautiful waterside property at Waiau Beach, where the Waiuku River joins the Manukau Harbour at Clarks Beach, fits that description exactly.
Since building the house and moving here in 2004, it’s been the playground for many visiting children, including small guests from all over the world.
Imagine this scene.
Parents are relaxing on the big deck. Someone says, ‘Where are the kids?’
A quick scan of the foreshore, and sure enough, small figures are bent over rockpools, lifting rocks on the beach out in front of the house, or busy with toys on the sand.
For little adventurers, crab hunting among the rocks and sandy nooks is a favourite pastime. Armed with buckets and plenty of curiosity, children can spend hours discovering tiny treasures in the shallows. The beach's quiet, sheltered waters make it an ideal spot for such simple joys.
The strip of sandy beach right by the seawall is another favourite. Forts, sandcastles, small pools turned into dams—the children’s imagination is the only limit. The water's edge is just right for paddling and digging moats, while parents can unwind knowing their children are in a safe and welcoming environment.
When the tide gently slips across the tidal mudflats and is lapping at the seawall, it’s time to swim, or get out the kayaks. I have two available for you, and you’re most welcome to bring your own water toys. There’s even room to park a boat on the lawn.
Whether it's a small inflatable boat, stand-up paddleboard, or a few beach games, this serene spot invites everyone to play, relax, and soak up the coastal charm.
At Clarks Beach Accommodation, we love seeing families enjoying nature's simple pleasures. With its safe swimming, a relaxing atmosphere, and endless opportunities for child-safe adventures, this truly is a family paradise waiting to be explored.
Pack the buckets and spades, grab your sun hats and beach shoes, and come experience the magic of Clarks Beach — where every day is a beach day!
