Best Beaches of New Zealand

In New Zealand a trip to the beach is often nearby and never too far away. Most people never think about New Zealand when it comes to beach escapes however New Zealand is home to some of the most pristine shorelines in the world. Here are our picks for some of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches

Kaiteriteri Beach

Kaiteriteri Beach

Located in the South Island in the Abel Tasman. This golden sand beach offers calm waters to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, kayak or eat some delicious seafood. This beach is also the departure point into Abel Tasman National Park and from here you can hike the area's well-known walking tracks

Awaroa Beach

Awaroa Beach

Also located in the Abel Tasman National Park, this beach is enclosed by deep green native bush, turquoise waters and a perfect stretch of sand. This is easily one of the best beaches to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. Keep an eye for some of the bird life found in the backdrop of the native bush.

Check out our Abel Tasman Sailing Adventure

New Chums Beach

New Chums Beach

This is one of those untouched beaches and located near Wainuiototo Bay on the northeast coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. With no road access, you will either need to catch a boat or you will need to walk 30 minutes through the native bush, which also serves as the perfect backdrop for this idyllic curved beach. New Chums Beach has also been voted as one of the top 10 best beaches in the world, so a must see.

Rarawa Beach

Rarawa Beach

Head far north to this gorgeous and less visited, Rarawa beach is the perfect hidden beach. This is one of those white sand beaches that will take your breath away. The delicate dunes near the beach and route to the beach is home to nesting birds and you are advised to keep to the track and avoid troubling the birds and their environment.

Hahei Beach

Hahei Beach

Located in the Coromandel Peninsula and only a short drive from Cathedral Cove where you find the limestone rock arch that splits two white sand beaches. Hahei is a beautiful beach with a fringe of pohutukawa trees and drifts of pink shells at the northern end. The Te Pare historic reserve is the site of an ancient Maori pa can be found at the Southern end of the beach.

Ninety Mile Beach 

Ninety Mile Beach

Located in the far north of the North Island Ninety Mile Beach begins just north of Kaitaia and stretches 88km towards Cape Reinga along the Aupouri Peninsula.  Four-wheel drive across the sands on a beach that seems almost endless. Best accessed from Ahipara township at the southernmost point of the beach, or via Te Paki stream at the very northern end. The Te Paki sand dunes are also a fantastic place to stop and do some sand boarding if you are seeking an adrenaline rush!

Visit 90 mile beach on our  Explore the Far North Heli Tour

Totaranui Beach

Totaranui Beach

This another stunning long golden stretch of beach located in the Abel Tasman national park. This beach is one the few that can be accessed by road in this region and serves as a campsite. Imagine waking up here in the mornings! Those who do stay at the campsite also have the option of enjoying many walking tracks that include a short hike to Anapai Bay and Mutton Cove. Maybe if you are up for a longer journey, hike to the haunted Whariwharangi Hut which is found along the Gibbs Hill route. 

Matai Bay, Northland

Matai Bay, Northland

A fantastic sheltered bay, with clean, clear water and soft white sand. This spot, situated on Karikari Penisula in the Far North, is perfect for swimming, snorkelling and camping. Or you might elect to stay at the nearby Carrington Estate for more upmarket accommodation, wine and an ocean-side 18 hole championship golf course.

Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui

Affectionately know by Kiwis simply as “The Mount”, this is a top summer holiday town located in the Bay of Plenty, roughly 3 hours from Auckland. A wide white sandy beach stretches as far as the eye can see, and is popular for walking, running, sunbathing, and is a popular surf spot. There are nearby cafes, hot salt water pools to relax, perhaps rent a bike and explore, or take a walk up the Mount itself! The Mount is an extinct volcano, is a steep 232 metre climb, great exercise and the 360-degree views of the ocean, city and beaches from the top are well worth the climb!

Karekare Beach

Karekare Beach

One of Aucklands wild west coast beaches (other popular ones include Piha, Muriwai and Bethells). Karekare makes a great day trip from Auckland. Don’t think this as your typical beach; the sand is black, and it feels wild and remote, even on a winters day a walk here can be a lot of fun, with moody colours, and great reflections on the sand. Karekare beach was made famous by the Oscar winning movie, The Piano, so be sure to check this out too.

Ngarunui Beach, Raglan

Ngarunui Beach

A fabulous black sand beach, this is the main beach in Raglan on the West Coast of the North Island. Sometimes it is also called Ocean Beach, Main Beach or Wainui Beach. It’s great for swimming, learning to surf or sunbathing. The beach has an area patrolled by surf lifesavers (October to April).