With more than 15,000 kilometres of coastline, New Zealand has some of the worlds most diverse beaches in the world.
Here are our picks for the top beaches in New Zealand. did we miss your favorite beach? Let us know in the comments below.
1 Ninety Mile Beach, Far North
Officially Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē, Ninety Mile Beach (actually 55Miles) is on the western coast of the far north of the North Island and stretches from just west of Kaitaia towards Cape Reinga along the Aupouri Peninsula. In 1932 the beach was used as the runway for some of the earliest airmail services and is officially a public highway.
2 Raglan, Waikato
This is really cheating, there is actually four beaches in Raglan, honestly, they are a package deal. Ngarunui Beach is where you’ve most likely visited. Locals are proud of Manu Bay and Whale Bay, and we’ve seen phosphorescent plankton while swimming there at night.
3 Karekare, West Auckland
One of Auckland’s most spectacular beaches and wilderness areas, and part of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park.
4 Hahei, Coromandel
Come and visit the amazing Hot water beach! A unique experience of digging your own natural spa pool. There are two fissures at Hot Water Beach issuing water as hot as 64C.
5 Mt Maunganui, Bay of plenty
A holiday paradise! You can surf, swim, play golf, shop, dine or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. There’s no pressure here, just take your time to enjoy the pace of life you want.
6 Porangahau, Hawkes Bay
Found in Central Hawke’s Bay, Porangahau is home to one of the world’s longest place names (Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu). Porangahau is 55km southeast of Waipukurau and easily accessible via a fully sealed & picturesque road, Route 52.
7 Rabbit Island, Nelson
Its limited access makes it particularly attractive. But the beach is hugely popular with families because it’s safe for swimming, ideal for games, and has the largest selection of agreeable picnic spots anywhere in the region.
Apart from heading for the ‘far end’ of Tahunanui Beach, the nearest beach for Nelsonians is Rabbit Island.
8 Oriental Bay, Wellington
In summer Oriental Bay becomes a hive of activity. The beach is consumed with swimmers, party goers and families. The Carter Fountain is a distinctive feature in the Bay, as is the wooden barge which is often covered in swimmers.
9 Waihi Beach, Bay of plenty
Waihi Beach is a place where you can get away from it all but still enjoy a morning latte and freshly-baked pastries. This small beachside town sits at the northwestern tip of our coastal region and exudes a laid-back holiday atmosphere while still offering all your modern-day comforts, including boutique shopping and delicious food.
10 Coopers Beach, Far North
300km north of Auckland, this beach is a reasonable drive and it’s worth the trip. Coopers Beach is our pick for the area.
11 Oreti Beach, Southland
The central bay of three lying on the Foveaux Strait coast of Southland. Twenty-six kilometres in length, the bay lies between the town of Riverton and the outflow of the Aparima River.
12 Pohara Beach, Golen Bay
Pohara is one of the main NZ holiday centres of the Bay with a beach that must rank among New Zealand’s safest. It is also a popular centre for windsurfing and kayaking.
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13 Paraparaumu Beach, Kapiti
Even if you haven’t been here, you’ve probably eaten the ice-cream. The gingernut flavour (our favourite) tastes even better when looking out at the island that gives the area its name.
Did we miss something? Tell us in the comments below 🙂
