Best Beaches in New Zealand – An Insider’s Guide!
Growing up in Dunedin, I was lucky enough to be living a stone’s throw from the beach my entire childhood. Later, I moved to Gisborne and Auckland where I was surrounded by fantastic beaches once more. It’s no wonder then, that the beaches of New Zealand are close to my heart.
There are few other places in the world where you can be completely alone in nature – free to enjoy the powerful sound of the waves crashing against an untarnished shoreline, and the feel of the fresh sea air hitting your lungs. Fewer still where you can grab a spade and dig your very own thermal hot pool in the sand!
After living in Europe for several years, I was reminded how blessed New Zealand is when it comes to its unique shoreline. So I decided to share some of my favourite hideouts with you.
BEST BEACHES IN NEW ZEALAND’S NORTH ISLAND
The beaches on New Zealand’s North Island are among some of the most famous in the world. Hot Water Beach is renowned for its natural hot springs, and Ohope Beach is often cited as NZ’s most loved beach. But there are plenty of hidden gems among their ranks too.
NINETY MILE BEACH
Ninety Mile Beach, located in the far north, is actually around 88 kilometres long. Despite the misnomer, its vast expanses make it perfect for long walks and driving among the dunes. The beach is officially a highway, so it’s not uncommon to see cars and buses cruising on the sand (although I wouldn’t recommend giving it a go yourself if you lack the experience, or if you’re in a hire car – take a tour instead).
Surfing enthusiasts will love the world-renowned left hand break, while others surf the sanddunes on bodyboards! One of the best experiences here is witnessing the breathtaking sunsets, painting the sky with bright brushstrokes. It’s ideal for those who appreciate natural beauty and wide open spaces.
PIHA BEACH
Piha Beach is famous for its black sand and surf. Located about 40 kilometres west of Auckland, it’s a popular day trip from the city, and a haven for surfers due to its powerful waves and consistent swells. For less experienced surfers, caution is advised, as the currents can be strong – as proven time and again on the popular New Zealand reality television show, Piha Rescue.
Lion Rock, known in Māori as Te Piha, is an iconic volcanic formation that stands proudly in the centre of the beach, offering adventurous hikers a chance to climb for a panoramic view. Besides surfing, the surrounding area features lush native bush walks and waterfalls. Or you can simply relax with a flat white at the ever-popular Piha Store.
MISSION BAY, AUCKLAND
Mission Bay in Auckland provides a welcoming atmosphere with its calm, shallow waters perfect for young swimmers. The expansive sandy beach is ideal for building sandcastles, and the nearby playground offers more fun for children – as does the Mission Bay Promenade which is a popular spot for skateboarding, cycling, and roller skating!
The beach offers views of Auckland Harbour and beyond, but to really appreciate the scence, take a walk up to Bastion Point, to the west of the beach.
Tamaki Drive is lined with cafes and ice cream parlours, making it easy to enjoy a meal or treat without straying too far from the beach. And parking is relatively convenient, though you can still expect queues in the height of summer.
HOT WATER BEACH
Hot Water Beach, on the Coromandel Peninsula, is one of the country’s most famous beaches. Why? Because it offers visitors the chance to dig their own hot pools in the sand! Bring a spade (they’re available to hire from the nearby Hotties Cafe) and aim for the two hours on either side of low tide. The naturally heated mineral water bubbles up through the sand, creating a spa-like temperature once mixed with the fresh seawater.
It’s a lot of fun searching for the “hot spots” on the beach, and once you find one, you’ll probably be joined by other eager diggers! It’s all part of the experience though, so team up and make a giant, albeit temporary, hot pool!
Aside from soaking in your self-made spa, the beach also features great surfing opportunities. Nearby cafes and art galleries add to the appeal of this seaside spot, making it a great destination for a Coromandel day trip.
NEW CHUM BEACH
Located on the Coromandel Peninsula, New Chums Beach is a pristine haven, accessible only by foot or boat. The walk to the beach takes about 30 minutes through native bush and across a shallow estuary, rewarding visitors with spectacular views along the way. Birdwatchers can keep their eyes peeled for tui and bellbirds as they wander.
Once you arrive, the unspoilt golden sands and turquoise waters stretch along the coastline, creating a blissful scene. There are no facilities here, so it’s important to bring essentials like water, food and sun protection with you. And make sure you take any waste with you when you leave.
The lack of development preserves its natural charm, making it ideal for those seeking solitude in a natural setting.
WHANGAMATA BEACH
Whangamata Beach is a well-loved destination for surfers. Known for its powerful waves, it’s ideal for experienced surfers looking for a challenge. The beach also hosts annual surfing competitions, further showcasing its status as a surfing hotspot.
Bodyboarding is also a popular choice. Local surf schools provide lessons for newcomers, making it accessible even for beginners. The beach’s unique blend of challenging and beginner-friendly conditions makes it a favourite among water sports fans.
For those interested in kayaking, the nearby estuary offers calm waters and stunning natural surroundings.
MAIN BEACH, MT MAUNGANUI
Mount Maunganui is a picturesque seaside town with activities for all ages. Its main beach is well-known for its soft white sand and reatively calm waters – although the beach is also patrolled for your safety. Popular with families, there are plenty of eateries nearby, and facilities such as toilets and showers.
There are an abundance of activities to keep you busy on and off the sand too, such as the nearby hot pools, volleyball courts, surfing schools, playgrounds, and bike rental.
For those keen on walking, the scenic trails around the Mount provide stunning views and opportunities for gentle hiking (expect to work up a sweat though!).
OHOPE BEACH, BAY OF PLENTY
Nestled in the sunny Bay of Plenty region on the North Island, Ohope Beach has been voted “New Zealand’s Most Loved Beach.”
Stretching along 11 kilometres of beautiful New Zealand coastline, Ohope Beach offers opportunities to walk, surf, swim, and stand-up paddleboard. Two nearby walks include Tauwhare Pa and the well-known Nga Tapuwae o Toi track.
Take “Toi’s Track” for breathtaking views of Whale Island, a protected wildlife sanctuary, and White Island, an active marine volcano. Visitors can visit these beautiful, otherworldly gems by booking a tour with local operators. This track will also lead to Otarawairere Bay, a secluded and peaceful beach surrounded by the bright red blooms of Pohutakawa trees.
After a day at the beach, head towards the shops near West End. Grab a coffee or a meal at the eateries, or browse the boutiques and galleries showcasing NZ talent. Whether slipping into a wetsuit, soaking in the sunshine, or exploring some of the nearby walking trails, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a small slice of paradise at Ohope Beach.
WAINUI (& OKITU) BEACH, GISBORNE
Gisborne is blessed with an amazing coastline, so it’s hard to choose just one spot to feature among New Zealand’s best beaches. For low-key beach days and easily accessible walks, head to Waikanae Beach in town. For a secluded surfing spot, you can’t go past Sponge Bay. And for an epic right-hand point break head to Makorori Point.
But there’s one beach that combines all the best bits beautifully together. The Gisborne beach I’m referring to? None other than the iconic Wainui Beach.
Wainui Beach is a long stretch of pure gold coastline that stretches out from the Wainui settlement at one end, right through to the Makarori headland. The northern end is officially called Okitu Beach but it’s often bundled up with Wainui, as the two are only separated by the trickling Te Rimu Stream.
The Wainui end of the beach is a popular spot during the summer months, with several houses having direct access to the shoreline. The other end, at Okitu, is quieter and backed by grass-clad dunes, offering a more serene experience.
FITZROY BEACH, NEW PLYMOUTH
New Plymouth often gets overlooked as a beach destination in New Zealand, but this west coast town offers several family-friendly beaches to enjoy. Fitzroy Beach is the most popular, due to its easily accessible location and semi-rural feel. But another favourite with our family is Back Beach, which is a little more wild and secluded – it’s also the perfect place for sand dune climbing competitions!
Fitzroy Beach is widely regarded as one of the best surf spots in New Zealand. But you don’t need to be a keen surfer to enjoy this long stretch of fine black sand. Kids and adults alike will love spending the day building sandcastles, swimming, and bodyboarding in the waves.
In the summer school holidays, the beach is patrolled and safe swimming spots are clearly marked. Do take note of these and swim between the flags – as rips are frequent in this part of the world!
On the town end of the beach, you’ll find the large East End reserve which is a popular spot for local events and shows. On other days it’s the perfect place to set up your picnic rug and enjoy a beachside game of rugby or cricket!
BEST BEACHES IN NEW ZEALAND’S SOUTH ISLAND
The South Island of New Zealand is a place of diverse landscapes and incredible natural beauty. From the idyllic sun-drenched bays of the Abel Tasman National Park to the wild and remote beaches of the Catlins, the South Island beaches are showstoppers!
ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK BEACHES
Abel Tasman National Park is renowned for its golden beaches and crystal-clear waters. One of the standout beaches is Anchorage Bay, ideal for swimming and kayaking. Don a mask & snorkel here, as the tranquil waters make it perfect for spotting marine life!
A day spent walking the coastal track can lead you to several beautiful spots such as Anapai Bay, Torrent Bay and Bark Bay. The beaches here are family-friendly, with plenty of sheltered spots for picnics. But be aware that the remote beaches aren’t serviced by lifeguards.
Water taxis and kayaking tours are popular for those wanting to explore more remote areas of the park. And there are camping facilities nearby for those who want to experience some of the best stargazing in the country!
WHARARIKI BEACH
Wharariki Beach is famed for its untamed coastal environment and captivating rock formations which attract photographers – especially at golden hour. It’s a vast beach, with many caves and an undulating coastline to explore.
Significant conservation efforts are in place at Wharariki Beach due to its status as a sanctuary for New Zealand fur seals. You’ll often encounter these seals basking along the shores, or bathing in the tidal pools.
Educational programmes are in place to raise awareness among visitors about the importance of preserving the seal’s natural habitats, and dedicated paths have been put in place to help protect the dunes and coastal vegetation. This helps ensure that both local and rare species continue to flourish here.
KAIKOURA BEACH
Kaikoura Beach is situated against a backdrop of the rugged mountains of the Kaikoura Range. Known for its marine life, the beach offers opportunities for whale and dolphin watching (bring your binoculars if you’re not going on a whale-watching cruise), but you’re more likely to spot seals sunbathing on the rocks.
The pebble shoreline sets it apart from many other beaches on this list, and it creates a stark contrast against the turquoise sea. The beach is also a gateway for coastal walks that provide panoramic views of the ocean.
For culture enthusiasts, Kaikoura holds significant Māori heritage. Artefacts and storytelling give insight into local history. For those seeking a diverse experience involving both land and sea, Kaikoura Beach is a must-visit.
TAYLORS MISTAKE, CHRISTCHURCH
Despite many visits to Christchurch, Taylors Mistake is a recent discovery for me. And I suspect it’s this low-key reputation that keeps it a special retreat for locals and visitors in the know. Situated just over the hill from the ever-popular Sumner Beach, Taylors Mistake has all the trappings of a traditional Kiwi holiday hangout, while being super easy to get to from the city.
The Māori name for the beach, Te Onepoto, means ‘little beach’, and measuring in at around 400m, it’s an accurate name for this short but surprisingly wide beach. The bay is the perfect spot to seek shelter when the wind is battering the more exposed northern beaches, and it’s also a popular surfing spot.
Taylors Mistake is also one of the launching points for one of Christchurch’s more popular walks, the Godley Head Walk. It’s a 3-hour loop, or you can simply walk part of the way, drop into a pebbled cove for a breather and then continue back to the beach the same way you came.
Related Reading: Best Day Trips from Christchurch
WANAKA LAKEFRONT, WANAKA
World-famous for That Wanaka Tree, this sublime stretch of pebbled shoreline has more to offer than photo opportunities. Sit back and soak up the gorgeous lake views from the most central beach in Wanaka. A short stroll from the shops will deliver you to the Wanaka Lakefront where you can relax in this treasured part of Central Otago.
A firm family favourite, I still try to visit Wanaka as often as I can. Unlike Queenstown, which is also stunning, Wanaka has managed to retain more of the laid-back charm of yesteryear, while handling the ever-increasing numbers of visitors with aplomb.
For kids, there’s a great little playground right near the water’s edge, and for big kids, there are kayaks and paddleboards available to hire right on the beach. Hire one for an hour or two and explore some more of the lake’s amazing beaches at leisure.
MOERAKI BOULDERS BEACH
Moeraki Boulders Beach (otherwise known as Koekohe Beach) is mostly known for its ethereal rock formations which punctuate the sand in a haphazard manner and invite intrigue as to how they got there. These iconic boulders are known to be around 65 million years old!
Beyond the geological wonders lies a shoreside habitat rich in birdlife. Species such as the yellow-eyed penguin can sometimes be spotted around the area, though seeing them requires a keen eye and a good deal of patience.
The beach is part of a protected zone, with efforts invested in maintaining these bird sanctuaries, by stabilizing the sand dunes and restoring native plant life.
GILLESPIES BEACH
Situated on the West Coast near Fox Glacier, Gillespies Beach is a wild and rugged destination. Known for its black sand and dramatic views of the Southern Alps, it provides a distinctive west coast experience.
The beach is steeped in gold mining history, with remnants from the mining era still evident. Visitors can explore old dredge remains, visit miner’s tunnels, or simply enjoy the raw beauty of the landscape. Seals can often be found here too, further enhancing the wild landscapes.
There’s a DOC campsite here for those wanting to stay a little longer to explore the beach, enjoying the walking trails and wild swimming.
ST CLAIR & ST KILDA BEACH, DUNEDIN
Dunedin’s most famous beach duo – St Clair and St Kilda beaches run in succession along the southern shores of my former hometown in New Zealand’s South Island. Together, they offer some of the best surfing in New Zealand. This popular pastime sees surfers and bodyboarders flock to the beaches at all times of the year. But the sheer size of this stretch of sand means it’s never overcrowded here.
At the St Clair end, the beach is bordered by a raised promenade which was once fairly rudimentary, but has undergone an upgrade in recent times and is now a pleasant place for a stroll and a spot of coffee. The iconic St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool sits at the end of the beach and is an underrated, but in my opinion, must-do activity while in Dunedin.
Down the beach towards St Kilda, you’ll be rewarded with more sand (the St Clair side can be scarce at high tide), and a more rural experience at the far end where the dunes get higher, and the dwellings further recessed. Take the kids to the Marlow Park Playground near the middle of the two beaches, and ride the Ocean Beach Railway for a truly unique experience!
FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK BEACHES
While most know Fiordland National Park for its fiords (most notably the Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound), lakes, and valleys, there are some stunning beaches hidden around its coastline too. Hidden beneath dramatic cliffs and among lush rainforests, its a nature-lovers dream!
While most of the park’s beaches are only accessible by boat, there are a few gems that can be tramped to on foot – if you’re up for an adventure! The remote Martins Bay can be reached via a rewarding 4 day tramp on the Hollyford Track. And you can arrange for an airlift from the bay, so you don’t have to backtrack to the starting point!
Due to the park’s size, guided tours are beneficial. They provide valuable insights into the park’s ecology and wildlife. In my experience, the untouched landscapes of the Fiordland National Park have always left a profound impression on everyone visiting.
CURIO BAY
Curio Bay stands out with its fossilised forest, which dates back to the Jurassic Period (one of only three such fossil forests accessible in the world!). Come at low tide to explore the ‘forest’ and the treasures it reveals.
This bay is also notably a nesting ground for the Hoiho, or yellow-eyed penguin, one of the world’s rarest penguin species. Seeing these penguins can be a highlight, but please be aware to respect the distance guidelines.
Keep your eyes on the water too, and you may be lucky enough to spot the resident pod of Pahu Hector’s dolphins – a breed that resides only in the south island of New Zealand. Nearby, waterfalls and walking trails make this a destination not to be missed.
Whether you’re after the best surfing spots in the country, a perfect golden cove, or a dramatic cliff-backed beach, New Zealand has something for everyone up its sleeve.
So, the next time you’re heading out for some fun in the sun, why not add one of the best beaches in New Zealand to your itinerary!
