There are 4 electric BBQs and 2 wood fired BBQs available for casual use but you need to supply your own wood or charcoal. There are an additional 4 electric BBQs on 3 of the bookable sites. These BBQs are able to be used if the site has not been booked. All BBQ's are free to use.

Long Bay has 1 km of sandy beach a short walk across the parkland from all of the main car parks. Further north along the Coastal Walk there are two more bays which are suitable for swimming. The first is Grannys Bay which is about a 20 minute walk along the track and then Pohutukawa Bay which is about another 10 minute's further along. Be aware that you may encounter nude bathers at Pohutukawa Bay. The return trip can be made around the coast on a low tide only, but be aware of slippery rocks.

There is no boat ramp at Long Bay. The nearest boat ramp is at Waiake Beach approximately 5 minutes drive south.

Are not allowed in the general picnic areas, but are allowed on bookable sites. Conditions apply and the site must be booked. For details go to bookable sites on this page.

Good coverage over most of the park.

Are allowed in the general picnic areas, any pegs must be less than 300 mm long to ensure water and sewage pipes are not hit or broken. Over 3 meters x 6 meters are only allowed on bookable sites. Conditions apply and the site must be booked. For details go to bookable sites on this page.

The historic Vaughan Homestead can be found exactly where it was built in 1863, sitting on a small hill overlooking the north end of the park. It is available for small weddings and functions or for a casual stroll around its grounds.

A number of informative interpretation panels can be found dotted around the park providing information on park history, historic buildings, trees and restoration work. The area surrounding the Vaughan Homestead has many informative panels detailing the history of the Vaughan Homestead and family. Other nature focused interpretation can be found around the sand dunes and the Vaughan Stream.

There are accessible car parks near each of the 3 toilet blocks. North ground: Grass car parks are flat and accessible. Playground: Marked mobility car park on tarmac. South Ground: Marked mobility car park on tarmac. These car parks are monitored for unauthorised use and unauthorised vehicles are towed.

There are three sets of toilets in the park with limited mobility accessible toilet cubicles. ● Central Block: A limited mobility cubicle in each of the male and female toilets. ● The South Ground: A limited mobility cubicle in each of the male and female toilets. Assistance may be required to get across grass to reach the toilet block. ● The North Ground: A limited mobility cubicle in each of the male and female toilets. Assistance may be required to get across the grass to this toilet block.

Long Bay has a great deal to offer people with limited mobility. There are gently sloping access ways to the beach and the grassed areas are all on gently rolling slopes. There is a limited mobility accessible BBQ and shelter site and the Variety Children’s Charity Playground is designed for limited mobility access. The Coastal Walk is partially accessible for those of limited mobility.

No amplified music is allowed. This includes bluetooth speakers and Amps

The Vaughan Bush is a significant area of mature coastal forest with a canopy of pohutukawa, puriri and taraire that exists on the northern slopes of the Vaughan Stream. A fringe of pohutukawa forest extends north from Vaughan Bush to the Okura Estuary. Mixed manuka/kanuka shrub land also occurs on the cliffs in patches. An area of young and regenerating bush exist in the area behind the Vaughan Bush and adjacent to Grannys Bay.

There are 2 notice boards located on the park. The main notice board is found in front of the ranger office and the other is at the southern beach access of the park. The notice boards contain park maps, brochures and information for park facilities, activities, codes and rules and tides. There is also a picnic notice board just past the main entrance gate that informs visitors of the location of the bookable sites and the name of the party who has the site booked for the day.

There are approximately 1625 car parking spaces located within 7 separate car parking areas. There is a bus parking area with 10 bus parking spaces. Some parking areas are seasonal and open depending on the ground conditions. Expect delays entering the park and finding parking spaces on weekends and public holidays over the summer months.

There are several casual use picnic tables located around the park with six of those associated with the casual electric BBQ areas. There are also picnic tables associated with our designated bookable picnic sites.

There are 19 drinking fountains located throughout the picnic and activity areas. All water on the park is from a town supply.

The picnic area and the beach are pram friendly.

Located outside and to the right of the ranger station front door.

Located on the east side of the Centre Ground approximately 300 metres along the road from the main gate.

All roads leading to Long Bay are sealed as are all the main vehicle accessible roads located within the park.

An automatic gate is located at the park entrance at the end of Beach Road, Torbay (southern end of park at the end off the access bridge). This gate opens and closes automatically. See “about this park” for details. It will automatically open for vehicles exiting the park at all times.

Surveillance cameras are in place at various locations around the park and overlooking many car parks.

Are not allowed in the general picnic areas, but are allowed on bookable sites. Conditions apply and the site must be booked. For details go to bookable sites on this page. All other generators are prohibited at all times.

(For limited mobility options see the “Limited Mobility Toilet” Icon) There are 3 toilet blocks on the park. All have separate male and female changing rooms. ● North Ground: located just north of the Northern car parks. ● Centre Ground: Located next to the playground ● South Ground: Located in the centre of the south ground car park.