New Zealand's Best Beaches: A Detailed Guide

blog author By Johanna Hansen shield verification Verified Expert

New Zealand, a country known for its diverse landscapes, is also home to some of the world's most stunning beaches. From the black sands of Piha Beach to the geothermal delights of Hot Water Beach, New Zealand's beaches offer an experience like no other. Whether you're a keen surfer, a beach lounger, or an intrepid explorer, there's a piece of coast just waiting for you.

New Zealand - A Beach Lover’s Paradise

With over 15,000 km of coastline, New Zealand beaches are renowned for their sheer beauty, unique features, and the range of activities they offer. From north to south, the beaches in New Zealand are dotted with stunning natural wonders and are rich in local culture and history. This guide aims to help you discover and explore some of the best beaches in New Zealand.

North Island Beaches

Piha Beach: Surfing and Scenic Wonders

Located on the west coast of the North Island, just an hour's drive from Auckland, Piha Beach is a haven for surfers and nature lovers alike. With its rugged beauty, iconic Lion Rock, and pounding surf, Piha provides a wild retreat from urban life.

Cathedral Cove: A Unique Seaside Cathedral

A gem on the Coromandel Peninsula, Cathedral Cove is a must-visit on any North Island beach itinerary. This picturesque spot features a massive stone archway connecting two secluded beaches. It's the perfect location for snorkelling, swimming, or simply lounging on the soft, white sand.

Mount Maunganui: Family-Friendly Fun

Lively yet relaxed, Mount Maunganui Beach is a favourite among families, surfers, and sun-seekers. The suburb itself is a bustling hub with a range of cafés, restaurants and shops. If you’re looking for an active outing, the trek up Mauao (the mount) rewards with panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty.

Oriental Bay: Urban Beach Getaway

Located in the heart of Wellington, Oriental Bay is an urban beach offering stunning city and harbour views. Its proximity to the city centre, calm waters and the attractive cityscape make it a unique spot among the North Island beaches.

Hot Water Beach: Nature’s Very Own Spa

Nestled within the stunning Coromandel Peninsula, Hot Water Beach is a geothermal marvel that attracts visitors from around the globe. This unique beach gets its name from the underground hot springs that filter up through the sand between the high and low water tidal reaches.

Armed with a spade, you can dig your very own hot pool on the beach. The juxtaposition of the cool ocean waves on one side and your self-made hot tub on the other makes for a one-of-a-kind beach experience. A trip to this beach is incomplete without this seaside soak, so don't forget to bring along a spade!

South Island Beaches

Abel Tasman National Park: Golden Sands and Clear Waters

Abel Tasman National Park, known for its golden sand beaches and clear turquoise waters, is a South Island treasure. Kayak, hike or take a water taxi to explore this stunning coastline.

Koekohe Beach: The Mystery of Moeraki Boulders

Koekohe Beach, on the Otago coast, is famous for its large spherical stones known as the Moeraki Boulders. Created by natural processes over millions of years, these geological formations offer a unique photo opportunity. Make sure to visit at low tide to fully appreciate these wonders.

Gillespies Beach: Where the Forest Meets the Sea

Located on the wild West Coast of the South Island, Gillespies Beach offers an untamed landscape of dense rainforest meeting a rugged coastline. The remnants of an old gold mining settlement add a touch of history to this remote beach.

Tunnel Beach: Dramatic Landscapes and Whimsical History

Near Dunedin, Tunnel Beach is named for the hand-carved tunnel leading to this secluded beach. Surrounded by dramatic sandstone cliffs, it's a perfect spot for those seeking solitude and scenic beauty.

Hidden Gems: Less Explored Beaches

New Chums Beach: Secluded Splendour

Considered one of the world's top untouched beaches, New Chums Beach in the Coromandel Peninsula is a testament to the untouched beauty of New Zealand beaches. Accessible only by foot or boat, its isolation contributes to its serene charm.

Wharariki Beach: Wild and Windswept

At the northern tip of the South Island, Wharariki Beach is a world away from city life. Known for its windswept landscape, vast sand dunes, and iconic Archway Islands, it's a paradise for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Castlepoint Beach: Lighthouse Lookouts and Reef Adventures

Castlepoint Beach, on the Wairarapa coast, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. Visit the historic lighthouse, explore the reef and enjoy the stunning vistas.

Te Henga (Bethells Beach): Escape into Wilderness

Just a short drive from Auckland, Te Henga (Bethells Beach) is a magnificent black sand beach. It offers breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea, rugged cliffs, and serene lake - an ideal escape into nature. Te Henga Bethells beach

Beach Activities and Water Sports

Surfing Hotspots in New Zealand

New Zealand beaches are a surfer's paradise. The West Coast beaches like Piha and Raglan in the North Island, and Dunedin's St Clair in the South Island, are renowned for their surf breaks.

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

The marine reserves around Goat Island and the Poor Knights Islands provide excellent opportunities for scuba diving and snorkelling.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding

New Zealand's beaches and surrounding waters offer wonderful kayaking and paddleboarding experiences. Abel Tasman National Park, with its sheltered bays, is a top choice for kayaking adventures.

Family Fun: Safe Beaches for Swimming and Picnicking

For a family-friendly outing, try the calm, warm waters of the Bay of Islands or the Coromandel's iconic Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own natural spa in the sand.

Protecting New Zealand's Beaches: Sustainable Travel Tips

As a visitor, you have a part to play in preserving New Zealand's natural beauty for generations to come. Follow the Tiaki Promise, a commitment to care for New Zealand while travelling. Stick to marked trails, respect wildlife, and remove all litter. Always check the local regulations, as some areas are tapu, or sacred to Māori, and access may be restricted.

Beach Exploration with a Campervan: Freedom and Flexibility

Touring New Zealand beaches in a campervan provides an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves, being able to enjoy a sunset barbecue on a beach, and having the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Advantages of Beach Camping with a Campervan

Beach camping with a campervan allows you to make the most of the coastal locations. You can easily move from one beach to another, bringing along all your beach essentials, in the comfort of your mobile home. Whether you want to surf at Piha Beach or dig your own spa at Hot Water Beach, a campervan offers flexibility, convenience and a closeness to nature that other forms of accommodation can't match.

Tips for Campervan Travel

It's important to be a responsible traveller when enjoying New Zealand's beaches. Make sure to only camp in designated areas and follow local camping rules. Some popular coastal locations offer campsites with facilities like power, water, and waste disposal points.

Check our website for more tips on hiring a campervan, rules for freedom camping, and suggested routes for beach exploration. We also recommend booking in advance during peak season to secure a spot at popular beach campsites.

Enjoy the Beach, Respect the Environment

Exploring beaches in New Zealand with a campervan is a fantastic experience, but it's crucial to ensure we minimise our impact on these beautiful landscapes. Respect all 'No Camping' signs, use public toilets or your campervan's self-contained facilities, and never leave waste behind. This way, we can all contribute to keeping New Zealand's beaches beautiful for future generations.

Your New Zealand Beach Bucket List

Exploring the best beaches in New Zealand takes you on a journey through diverse landscapes, from the black sands of Piha Beach to the golden shores of Abel Tasman National Park. Each beach, whether on the North or South Island, offers unique experiences and breathtaking views that will enrich your travel experience and leave lasting memories.

Pack your sunhat, your togs and plenty of sunscreen, and set out to explore these stunning coastal gems. Whether you're a surfer, a beach bum, or a nature lover, you'll find a slice of paradise on a New Zealand beach.