A mere 40 minutes out of Auckland, Clarks Beach is a little beauty, a delightfully rural enclave right on the edge of the Manukau Harbour and, although there's not a lot to "do", that's part of the charm.
If you're a fan of golf, the Clarks Beach Golf Club welcomes visitors on Sunday afternoons — Sunday mornings are reserved for members — and the pohutukawa-lined fairways and proximity to the water all combine to ensure the links are held in high esteem.
The beach is great for swimming with kids. It's very safe for paddling as there's no surf, and bird watchers will find plenty to distract them in the mangroves and mudflats — a kayak and a fishing rod can also come in handy if you're that way inclined.
And don't worry if you haven't packed your lunch, because eating at Chin Wags is absolutely delightful, that's if you fancy five-star food combined with heavenly views, at least. For more low-key eating there's a takeaway bar and a dairy or, if you time your trip to coincide with low tide, you might get lucky and dig up a few scallops.
