Coasties can now track the health of their beaches with a new online tool from Auckland Council.

The Coastal Monitoring Portal, launched this week, gives the public access to live and historical data from popular beaches across the region.

You can now explore sand level surveys, wave and water levels, camera imagery, and marine forecasts up to seven days in advance.

“Council staff collect so much useful data from Auckland’s beaches – like sand levels before and after storms as well as camera imagery and wave conditions. The data is used to inform a range of research as well as allow our teams to better understand the current state of and the impact of climate change on our coastline,” says Cr Richard Hills.

“Now, volunteers, community groups, students, researchers and general members of the public who are interested can also access this data.”

The Environmental Evaluation and Monitoring Unit collects coastal data using GPS surveys, drones, tidal gauges and wave buoys.

There are currently eight coastal cameras operating, with a new one coming to Onetangi.

The latest cameras have been installed at Long Bay, Te Arai and Mairangi Bay.

Paul Klinac says, “Data is collected from a wide range of Auckland’s beaches, and we continue to look at growing this list and expanding our scope of monitoring sites across the entirety of Tāmaki Makaurau.”

Beaches like Orewa and Red Beach face seasonal sand shifts and storm damage.

Now Coasties can watch changes in real time and access the same data used for emergency planning and climate resilience.

“We encourage anyone who loves and uses the coast – whether you’re a surfer, fisherman, ocean swimmer, or a beach goer to access Auckland’s Coastal Monitoring Portal to check the current and likely future conditions at your local beach and learn more about changes along our coastlines,” says Klinac.

Visit knowledgeauckland.co.nz to view the data or email [email protected] with questions.

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