DETAILS
I parked on Hauraki Rd nearest to the beach. - easy access to the Southern end of Takapuna beach.
Weather was beautiful. Sunny and clear blue skies. A little chill in the light wind but warm enough for some swimmers and paddle boarders. Lots of people out running, walking and strolling up and down Takapuna beach. Also lots of dog walking on the beach. I saw a couple prams so definitely doable for mums with littlies if you have a capable pram and don't mind some sand on it.
Low tide was at 8:44 (NZ Tides iPhone app) and I left my car at 9:30-35. The water was already up enough to make it necessary to walk over the rocks. I'm not sure if the tide ever goes out far enough to make access around the rocks possible.
That rocky access is not too bad but I wouldn't suggest it if you aren't confident or if you have very small children or you're pregnant- BEWARE OF SLIPPERY UNEVEN SURFACES.
From there you can progress all the way to Narrowneck beach it seems. I would suggest this walk on an outgoing tide close to low tide time. I decided not to walk along the beach at the other side as the tide was incoming and I was unsure of my ability to climb up the rocks from that side.
There are toilets on Hauraki Rd and also at Narrowneck beach (as I recall from a previous visit). Both sets of toilets are pretty decent and provide changing areas. Take along hand sanitizer as there is no soap or handtowels provided.
There is a cafe on the beachside and also a kids playground, picnic area and fields (across the road) at Narrowneck if you want to make a day of it. There are many cafe/dairy/restaurant options in and around Takapuna even the foodcourt and mall or supermarket is available if you prefer. Personally I'm off to Little & Sunday on Eversleigh Rd. YUM!
Also note there are great views of Rangitoto etc. There is also a rock that juts up out on its own at the end of Takapuna beach. There is a Maori legend that goes with it. Apparently there used to be 2 and they are said to have been twins who were turned into rocks as punishment. For more detail see 'A Field Guide to Auckland'. I'll post more details of this book later.
ENJOY.
My suggestion: check the tide (and the weather) and plan a Saturday or school/public holiday day. Get hold of the field guide mentioned and find out more about the legend mentioned. Park at Narrowneck (a little more parking available there) and set off for a walk. Make sure you have togs, towels, walking shoes and gear on. Get round the rocks checking out pools, shells, rocks etc (and some of the lovely homes). Walk over rocks and even in the water when it gets hot. Show the kids the rock and tell them the story then head back (swimming, walking or running) set up lunch or let the kids play/swim
Take along a football or frisbee, picnic lunch or money for the cafe, picnic blanket and a change of clothes if you want to head into Devonport or Takapuna afterwards. Lots of shelter at Narrowneck but an umbrella/gazebo for out on the beach could be good.
Also important of course is hats, sunscreen, basic first aid (maybe a mobile for any big emergencies), hand sanitizer, wet wipes and LOTS OF WATER for drinking.
Sounds like a plan to me.
