New Zealand is an island nation and therefore has a whopping 15,000km of coastline, making this home to a huge number of stunning and unspoilt beaches just eating to be explored. The east coast of the country has the calmer and clear blue ocean of the pacific while the wild west coast is more rugged, rough and simply spectacular.
New Zealand is famous for having beaches with stunning rock formations, cliffs and surrounding walks as well as incredible surf. There are also many pristine, almost tropical coves and bays in other parts of the country. No matter what your taste in beaches New Zealand will have a beach for you.
One of the best parts about the New Zealand beaches is that they are mostly completely unspoiled by tourism and other facilities. There are no bars, restaurants, clubs or people trying to sell you things, plus many of these beaches will be sparse (unless it is a sunny day at the beginning of January!). Many of these beaches also have campgrounds right nearby where you can pitch a tent or park a caravan and feel fully immersed in the glorious nature of the New Zealand coastline.
The list in this post is by no means exhaustive but it is our pick of favourite beaches that the country has to offer from the North to the south. But as always there are many more hidden gems to be discovered if you make your way down under!
1. Maitai Bay, Far north
Maitai Bay is considered one of the jewels of New Zealand. This is one of those hidden gems that are worth the effort to go and visit!
Maitai Bay is in the far north of New Zealand in the Karikari Peninsula, about a 5-hour drive from Auckland.The sheltered bay has beautiful blue water and stretches of white sand. Let the day slip by between reading a book on the beach and cooling off in the clear blue refreshing water. Many people consider this to be the best beach in New Zealand, and we can certainly see why!
This is the ultimate location for a classic kiwi summer getaway with swimming, paddle boarding, snorkelling, kayaking, boating, relaxing and of course camping!
Location: Northland, North Island
2. Taupō Bay, Far North
Taupo Bay is another incredibly idyllic spot 4.5 hours north of Auckland near the entrance to the Whangaroa harbour. This is another stunning bay that gives Maitai a run for its money. The stunning arc of the bay is about 1.5 km which slopes into the beautiful blue sea that just screams at your to come for a swim!
The beach is surrounded by native bush and has beachfront accommodation, a campground and of course classic kiwi baches to stay in. A summer in New Zealand is not complete without staying in a kiwi bach!
Location: Northland, North Island
3. Mangawhai Heads, Northland
A surfer’s paradise, this long stretch of fine white sand is also a treat for swimmers, kayakers, walkers and wildlife lovers. Mangawhai is the perfect spot to catch some waves, go for a long beach walk, climb sand dunes and enjoy incredible views over to the ocean. If you are up for an early morning, this is one of the most spectacular places to watch the sunrise or the moon rise on a full moon.
The clifftop walk is one of the best walks in Northland, with nīkau palms framing views of offshore islands. At low tide you can kayak, swim or boat across to the other side of the estuary to explore the out of this world landscape of sand dunes and deserted beaches. There are also many other surrounding beaches such as Picnic Bay and other beaches in the Estuary which are more secluded.
Location: Northland, North Island
4. Langs Cove, Northland
Langs Cove is a small but beautiful white sand beach about 1.5 hours north of Auckland and can be visited as a day trip from the city. Langs is a small settlement of mostly luxury beach houses, one dairy and a pohutukawa lined beach with stunning blue water and amazing waves for swimming, surfing and boogie boarding.
This is the perfect place to set up for the day under a tree! The sand is another special thing to note about Langs Cove. The sand is pinky white and more coarse than surrounding beaches as it is made up of crushed seashells. It is comfortable and soft to lie on without being burning hot in summer and best of all it doesn’t stick to your sunscreen!
Langs cove is also home to some amazing rock formations called the Pancake rocks. Look back into the layers of time. The pancake rocks can be found on the beach itself and also along the stunning walk from Waipu beach to Langs Cove.
Location: Northland, North Island
5. Anchor Bay Tawharanui, Auckland
Tawharanui Regional Park is home to one of the most incredible beaches that New Zealand has on offer, Anchor Bay. At the end of a gravel road about 90km north of Auckland, you will find Tawawharanui Regional Park which is also a protected bird sanctuary. The entire Kawau Bay is stunning, but Anchor Bay really shines.
Arrive early to enjoy the morning sun and to go for a morning surf in the perfectly formed waves that roll into the horseshoe bay. Set yourself up with plenty of food and shelter from the sun and make a whole day of if! Or pack up the car with a tent and stay onsite at the campground.
Tawharanui also has amazing rock formations, caves and stunning rock pools to swim in during low tide. The sand is pristine white and the ocean is crystal clear and perfect for swimming all day long! As a bonus, you drive through the amazing town of Matakana which is home to many vineyards, markets, cafes, fresh produce stalls and restaurants for you to enjoy on your way home.
Location: North of Auckland, North Island
6. Tindalls Beach, Auckland
Tindalls beach is a small beach in Whangaparaoa just north of Auckland. This secluded beach is usually only frequented by locals who live nearby so it is quiet and calm and you can usually always find a space under a tree to perch even at the peak of summer. Tindalls is one of the best beaches to visit if you feel like getting out of Auckland but don’t want to drive more than an hour.
The water here is calm with beautiful views of the bay and surrounding beaches and islands. The water is clear, blue and calm making this an amazing spot for leisurely swimming, sunbathing and water sports!
Location: Auckland, North Island
7. Piha, Auckland
Piha is well regarded as one of the most famous beaches in Auckland and in New Zealand. Located 45 minutes west of Auckland city in the Waitakeres, you will find the small beachside town of Piha. The drive there alone is simply incredible as you wind your way through long stretches of road surrounded by native bush before being spoiled by a spectacular view of the beach as your make your way down to the black sand.
Piha is surrounded by incredible rock formations and view posts that are begging to be explored. It is also a famous spot for surfing (not for beginners!). They have lifeguards on duty so it is safe to swim between the flags, other places on the beach are too dangerous for swimming.
If you can find a house to stay in overlooking the beach for a couple of nights you will be utterly spoilt every evening watching the sun go down!
Location: West Auckland, North Island
8. Karekare, Auckland
Karekare is a stunning, rugged and wild beach on Auckland west coast in the Waitakere ranges. Karekare is much more isolated than Piha and is surrounded by winding roads and dense bush and a few houses here and there. Towering volcanic cliffs and caves surround the beach which is simply magnificent.
The beach itself is vast with wide and long stretches of black sand covered in misty ocean spray. This is one of the best beaches to go for a blustery walk or find a perch on the sandiness to sit and watch the sunset and the waves crash into the rocks. The ocean is wild so isn’t safe for swimming most days.
There is also a stunning waterfall about a 5-minute walk from the beach car park which is definitely worth a visit.
Location: West Auckland, North Island
9. Onetangi Beach
Waiheke is an island in the Auckland harbour about 45 minutes away by ferry. Once you reach Waiheke Island paradise you will feel as if you have travelled to a completely different country. The locals on Waiheke have remained relatively disconnected from the mainland and truly enjoy the ‘island life’ in an earth-loving and sustainable way. Plus Waiheke is also home to many world-class vineyards, restaurants and extreme luxury accommodation, it truly is an island of contrast! You can go from a hippie paradise nude beach (Palm Beach!) to a glitzy wine cellar in about 5 minutes.
The coastline of Waiheke is made up of beautiful bays, white sand beaches and is surrounded by native bush. This is the perfect place to come sailing!
One of our favourite beaches on Waiheke is Onetangi beach. It is the longest beach on the island with a generous stretch of beautiful white sand and sea to swim in. It also has some nice cafes nearby to enjoy.
Waiheke Island is home to many beautiful beaches. What’s more, it’s just a quick ferry journey from Auckland. Once you arrive at the ferry building in Waiheke, take the bus or hire a bike to reach Onetangi Beach in, well, Onetangi.
Location: Waiheke Island, North Island
10. Little Oneroa Beach
Little Oneroa is another beach on Waiheke island that we adore. It is a secluded beach at the eastern end of the famous Oneroa beach and offers a more idyllic setting to relax the day away.
The beach has white sand, blue water, free BBQs, a playground and even a big grassy area to relax in the shade. You will also find a dairy, pizzas and fish and chips nearby to make your kiwi summer day complete!
When visiting Waiheke for the day from Auckland, you can either take the ferry from Downtown in the CBD or Devonport and either hire a car, taxi or navigate the buses (not recommended) to get around the island. Otherwise, you can catch a car ferry from Wynyard Quarter or Half Moon Bay in East Auckland.
Location: Waiheke Island, North Island
11. Cathedral Cove, Coromandel
This list wouldn’t be complete without Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel! Cathedral Cove is undoubtedly one of the most famous spots in New Zealand and pictures of it always show up if you search New Zealand or look through tourist books and guides and Instagram of course!
Cathedral Cove is home to stunning and frankly iconic rock formations that thousands come to visit every year (expect some crowds in summer!). Explore Cathedral Cove by kayak or by foot. Cathedral Cove is located a short drive from the small settlement of Hahei and will not disappoint!
Location: Coromandel, North Island
12. New Chums Beach, Coromandel
New Chums Beach is a completely unspoilt beach nestled deep in New Zealand nature in the Coromandel. It is in the Wainuiototo Bay on the northeast coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. New Chums is a white sand beach nestled within thick New Zealand native bush and not much else.
The stretch of sand has no infrastructure at all, not even a road or a campground. It is a mission to see this beach for yourself, which makes it even better! From the far north end of Whangapoua beach, you need to cross a stream before beginning the walk along the shoreline and over the headland to reach New Chums beach. You will be spoiled with absolutely stunning views.Pack a bag and enjoy one of the most beautiful and untouched beaches in New Zealand!
Location: Coromandel, North Island
13. Mt Maunganui Beach, Tauranga
Mount Maunganui is a fan favourite when it comes to beaches in New Zealand. A summer trip to the North Island isn’t complete without climbing Mt Maunganui and seeing the incredible view over this stunning east coast beach.
Mt Maunganui is a beachside town a short drive from Tauranga which is a relatively large city. There is plenty of incredible beachfront accommodation, cafes and restaurants and a lively atmosphere, this is New Zealand answer to the Gold Coast.
Expect beautiful beach days on the white sand beach, surfing, fish and chips and maybe even a party or two! Plus there are many surrounding areas to explore such as Matakana Island.
Location: Tauranga, North Island
14. Ngarunui Beach, Raglan
Raglan is the most popular surf spot in New Zealand. This small town is about 1.5 hours south of Auckland on the wild west coast. All year round Raglan is bursting with travellers and surfing enthusiasts as well as yogis and nature enthusiasts making this a slice of paradise with incredible vibes.
Ngarunui Beach is an amazing surf beach with top-notch waves rolling in. The coastline in Raglan is high up on cliffs with incredible native bush begging to be explored. Expect to witness a dazzling array of sunsets! Manu Bay is also another top place to surf or to watch other surfers catch world-class waves.
Location: Raglan, North Island
15. Wainui Beach, Gisbourne
Wainui beach is another incredible surf spot in New Zealand but this time on the country’s east coast in Gisbourne. Located in the most eastern part of the country, be the first in the world to watch the sun come up while catching some of the best waves New Zealand has on offer.
Wainui is surrounded by nature reserves making this an amazing place to explore!
Location: Gisborne, North Island
16. Medlands Beach, Abel Tasman
The Abel Tasman National Park near Nelson at the top of the south island is home to some of the countries most spectacular beaches. Abel Tasman is world-renowned for its hiking and is one of the Great Walks of New Zealand, making this a top attraction for visitors in summer. Completing the Abel Tasman trek is one of the best ways to enjoy the many pristine beaches, turquoise green bays, inlets and lush bush this region has to offer. A must to do in this area is kayaking!
Medlands Beach is one of our top picks for beaches to visit in the national park. It's small and secluded so is the perfect place to spot for lunch while walking the track or to go kayaking.
Location: Abel Tasman, South Island
17. Awaroa Inlet, Abel Tasman
Awaroa Inlet is another beach inside the Abel Tasman national park that is a must when visiting this region. Awaroa inlet is a series of beaches that are affected by the tide. Walk across the inlet at low tide to explore the incredible beaches on offer!
Location: Abel Tasman, South Island
18. Wharariki Beach, Golden Bay
Wharariki Beach is a stunning beach with incredible rock formations in Golden Bay, near the Abel Tasman National Park. This beach is regarded as one of the most stunning in the world. It is very exposed to the elements as it is in the sheltered part of Golden Bay.
Hire a car or van and take a road trip to see this epic but very windy beach. Stay at the nearby town of Takaka which also has so much to offer! Access to the beach is via a 20-minute track from the end of Wharaiki Road.
Location: Golden Bay, South Island
