Mission Bay Beach, Auckland, New Zealand

Standing: Notable
Rank: Rank 2,727 of 10,103

Reviewed by Elena Voss · Roavina Travel Editor

About Mission Bay Beach

Mission Bay Beach is the beach of the seaside suburb of Mission Bay, about seven kilometres east of central Auckland, alongside Tamaki Drive between Ōrākei and Kohimarama. Between the road and the sand lies Selwyn Reserve, often called Mission Bay Reserve, and together the reserve and beach are one of Auckland's most popular waterfront spots. The bay takes its name from the Melanesian Mission that Anglican Bishop George Augustus Selwyn set up here at the end of the 1840s; from 1915 a flying school also used the bay for years as a landing area for its seaplanes.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

What's inside

The centrepiece of the reserve is the Trevor Moss Davis Memorial Fountain, a waterfront landmark whose jets rise as high as 12 metres, with a light show at night; in summer young children use it as a paddling pool. The stone Melanesian Mission buildings of 1858, built of scoria from Rangitoto, are a Heritage New Zealand property now leased as a restaurant. Along the waterfront, the Mission Bay shopping precinct has about 44 retailers, including a four-screen cinema, and the area has a wide range of places to eat. In summer the reserve hosts music, arts and sports events.

Checked 2026-11-10 · Source

Place details and sources

Surface: Sand OpenStreetMap · Checked 2026-09-09

Common questions

How far is Mission Bay from central Auckland?

About seven kilometres east of the city centre.

What is the fountain at Mission Bay?

The Trevor Moss Davis Memorial Fountain, whose jets reach up to 12 metres, with a light show at night.

Where does the name Mission Bay come from?

From the Melanesian Mission founded there by Bishop George Augustus Selwyn at the end of the 1840s.

Where it is

Open directions in Google Maps

Nearby

Within 17 min on foot

45 min
7 min walk
Savage Memorial
- Must see
- Historic site
1 hour
15 min walk
Kohimarama Beach
- Notable
- Nature site
1 hr 30 min
17 min walk
Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium
- Must see
- Family attraction