Going to the beach is an important part of summer for many people in Aotearoa, but it can be a challenge for our disabled community who use mobility aids. We know regular wheelchairs aren’t designed to be used on sand, and people who use walking sticks or frames for balance can find the terrain challenging. Beach wheelchairs make all the difference!
Beach wheelchairs designed to be used on sand can be hired, and some beaches even have mats so people with mobility aids can get to the beach more easily.
Read Kimberly Graham's blog about going to Hot Water Beach with a beach wheelchair. (external link)
Where to find beach wheelchairs in Aotearoa?
Beach wheelchair hire is available across beaches around the country, thanks to the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation, the Flight Centre Foundation, and Wellington City Council and other communities across New Zealand. These are the locations and details of the beach wheelchairs:
Northland
Located at Tutukaka Surf Experience Shop, Marina Road, Tutukaka, Whangarei
Contact details: Simon Eggington on 021 227 0072 or email simon@tutukakasurf.co.nz
Waipu Cove beach
Visit the Waipu Cove Website (external link)
Or ring Waipu Cove Camp on 09 432 0410 or email info@campwaipucove.com
Auckland
People in Auckland who want to hire a beach wheelchair can contact Beachwheels and hire a beach wheelchair for $50 per half day.
Hire beach wheelchairs in Auckland from Beachwheels (external link)
Whangamata
Located at: Toes in the Water, Whangamata
Visit the Toes in the Water Facebook page (external link)
or phone the team on 021 088 589 39
Waihi
Located at: Tasman Holiday Park, Waihi
Visit the Waihi beach website (external link)
Phone the team on 0800 924 448
Mount Maunganui
Located at: Hibiscus Surf School, Mount Maunganui or
Visit Tauranga beach access mats (external link)
Contact details: 07 575 3792 or email info@surfschool.co.nz
Whakatāne
Located at: The Disabilities Resource Centre Trust, 141-143 King St, Whakatane
Visit the DRC website (external link)
Phone the team 07 307 1447 or email information@drct.co.nz
Taranaki
Located at: Oakura Board Riders Club, Oakura Beach or
Vist Oakura Boarders Club website (external link)
Contact details: oakuraboardriders@gmail.com
Wellington
Located at: Freyberg Pool, 139 Oriental Parade, Wellington at Oriental Bay.
You can visit Wellington City Council website (external link)
Phone 04 801 4530
Christchurch
Located at: North New Brighton down Marine Parade
Visit their North Beach Surf Life Saving website for more information (external link)
Give them a call on 03 388 1045 or email northbeachslsc@gmail.com
Where can I find beach mats?
Many beaches across the country offer beach access mats during the summer, making it easier to enjoy the sand and surf! Perfect for a sunny day at the beach...Check it out below.
Mount Maunganui
The Tauranga City Council provides beach access mats at three locations at Mount Maunganui: Pilot Bay, the Cenotaph, and Cutter’s Cove.
Find out more about Tauranga City Council's beach access mats (external link)
Waihi
Waihi Beach offers Access Mats allowing people to explore the beach safely! The community came together to fundraise and implement this project over the year 2021.
The Access Mats were laid down on Labour Weekend and will remain out until Easter weekend.
If you have any queries about the mats contact hello@waihibeachinfo.co.nz
Wellington
The Hutt City Council provides beach access mats at Days Bay Beach over the summer period. Outside of this period, the Council will make the mat available for groups to hire out if needed to improve access to programmes, activities or events.
Find out more about the Hutt City Council's beach access mats (external link)
Last updated on Wednesday, 18 December 2024