Auckland Beaches: Bethells (Te Henga)

Bethells: The southern headland at Te Henga - Gerri Eller/NZ.Com 1998

Deja vu may creep up on you here: this is the beach down which Xena and Hercules stride. Many cast and crew on the US television productions, notably the warrior princess herself, were New Zealanders.

But the beach has another, definitively local heroine. A point to the north is named for legendary Erangi. Forbidden to see her lover, she strapped their child onto her back, dove off the point and swam north to reach him.

The Maori named this beach Te Henga. for the way the sand dunes formed, like the upturned hull of a canoe.

Bethells: Simple batches line the slopes. - Gerri Eller/NZ.Com 1998

Bethells is the preserve of a national icon, the classic kiwi batch. In other places these modest cottages, often passed down for generations, are giving way to expensive, modem homes; but here they still hold their own.

Bethells: Kathy and Kent at Bachelor's Rest, which is now acclimatising to coupledom. - Gerri Eller/NZ.Com 1998

Behind the beach a trail leads into the shady reserve of Lake Wainamu, where there are swimming spots and walking tracks.

The Way

50 mins drive from central Auckland. From the suburb of Henderson take Swanson Road, then Scenic Drive North, Te Henga Road, and Bethells Road,

Bethells: Cheeky plots his break into Here and Xena stardom with trainer John. - Gerri Eller/NZ.Com 1998

A caution: These beaches are inviting but rough. Be careful in the water and on the rocks - see The Rules.