New Zealand’s 50 finest seashores

With 15,000km of shoreline, our island nation is spoilt for alternative in the case of candy stretches of sand – or stones – to plonk a towel on.

Whether or not you want your seashores wild and wavy, tropical island-esque, residence to sunbathing seals, or lined in semi-precious gem stones, there’s one thing to go well with.

Listed here are 50 of our favourites. Share yours within the feedback.

Kapowairua (Spirits Bay), Northland

Sacred to Māori, who consider it to be a departure level for the spirits of the useless, this remoted Far North Seashore is undeniably a particular place. Swim, surf, fish, or set out alongside Te Paki Coastal Observe, which follows the Cape Reinga shoreline to Te Paki Stream on the west coast. There’s an idyllic campground for those who’d prefer to linger longer.

READ MORE:
* The perfect seashores in Coromandel
* The perfect seashores within the Nelson Tasman area
* The perfect large seashores within the Bay of Loads

Maitai Bay, Northland

This broad crescent of sentimental white sand on the Karikari Peninsula provides a basic Kiwi summer season vacation expertise. Assume tenting or picnicking within the shade of gnarly pōhutukawa and swimming, snorkelling, stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking to your coronary heart’s content material. Conveniently, New Zealand’s northernmost winery (Karikari Property) is simply down the street.

Ahipara, Northland

Set on the southern finish of Ninety Mile Seashore, this unspoiled sandy seashore attracts surfers from far and huge with what is claimed to be probably the greatest left-hand breaks within the nation. Surf casting, land yachting and the “tuatua twist” are additionally standard actions, the latter involving twisting your toes within the sand at low tide till you uncover the tasty shellfish. Whip up a batch of tuatua fritters and return to the seashore to devour them as you watch one of the spectacular sunsets Aotearoa has to supply.

Oke Bay, Northland

It’s a steep stroll all the way down to this golden seashore within the outer reaches of the Bay of Islands, however properly value it for the calm, swim-friendly waters and sense of blissful isolation.

Whale Bay, Northland

Accessible solely by foot or water, this half moon of bush-backed white sand might be mistaken for Fiji if it weren’t for the unmistakably Kiwi pōhutukawa that overhang it. Snag a shady spot beneath their branches and take a look at the snorkelling scorching spots across the rocks.

Mangawhai Heads, Northland

A surfer’s paradise, this lengthy stretch of advantageous white sand can be a deal with for swimmers, kayakers, walkers and wildlife lovers. The clifftop stroll is without doubt one of the finest, brief walks in Northland, with nīkau palms framing views of offshore islands and, for those who time it proper, passing whales. Hop throughout the horseshoe estuary to an otherworldly dunescape that doubles as a chicken sanctuary.

Te Ārai, Auckland

Hit the surf or get pleasure from a relaxed swim within the sheltered outdated quarry which, with its sandy white backside and cellophane-clear water, appears like a tropical lagoon. Aotearoa Surf provides classes and hires out gear on the finish of Te Ārai Level Rd, from which you too can choose up the path to a nonetheless extra secluded – and elegant – seashore on the opposite aspect of the purpose.

Anchor Bay, Auckland

If the water had been a couple of levels hotter, you could possibly virtually make consider you had been within the Pacific Islands at this cracker of a white-sand seashore in an open sanctuary outdoors Matakana. On sunny days, the grassy space overlooking the seashore is stuffed with buddies and whānau tucking into BYO feeds beneath pōhutukawa timber, the scent of scorching sausages and sunscreen channelling basic Kiwi seashore vibes.

Man O’Conflict Bay, Waiheke Island

Come summer season, this sandy bay on Waiheke’s lesser-visited japanese aspect has a celebratory vibe, with boaties and picnickers having fun with takeaway wine and wood-fired pizza from the Man O’Conflict vineyard throughout the street.

Medlands Seashore, Nice Barrier Island

A real island idyll, this lengthy, white-sand surf seashore is a high spot for dolphin sightings and, for those who’re fortunate, you may also be handled to a efficiency from a pod of passing orca. Swim, surf or boogie board by day and catch the sundown and stargaze by evening – Nice Barrier was designated an Worldwide Darkish Sky Sanctuary in 2017 and Darkish Sky ambassadors Good Heavens’ base backs the seashore.

Karekare, Auckland

Boasting film star credentials (Jane Campion’s The Piano was filmed right here in 1993), this black sand magnificence is among the many finest in Auckland’s west, seeming 1,000,000 miles from New Zealand’s largest metropolis. Glinting silver when dry and mirroring bush-clad cliffs when moist, its scolding scorching sands appear to stretch on without end, that means you may all the time discover a place to plonk your towel in peace. Leap over the large waves (taking care to remain between the flags), surf, slide down sand dunes that appear like the darkish aspect of the moon, and soak up sweeping views of the dramatic shoreline from one of many strolling tracks.

Piha, Auckland

Dominated by an eroded volcano that appears like a reclining lion, this black sand magnificence calls for respect. Reliably large swells present thrills and spills for swimmers and surfers alike, and strolling tracks from each ends result in viewpoints over wave-hammered cliffs. At excessive tide, waves crashing by means of the Hole create a secure, saltwater swimming pool.

Ruapuke, Raglan

Separated from the surf meccas of Manu and Whale bays by an unsealed street that winds its approach between farmland and the west coast, this broad, black sander seems like a spot aside. It’s harmful to swim right here, however standard with surf casters, and best for these seeking to filter the cobwebs with a protracted stroll alongside a seashore which, reflecting the sky on sunny days, seems like a gathering level between heaven and earth.

Ocean Seashore, Kāwhia

A black sand model of the Coromandel’s Scorching Water Seashore, this west coast marvel receives only a fraction of the guests. Drive to the top of Te Puia Street and cross the dunes to seek out geothermally heated water effervescent up by means of the sand. BYO spade and dig a personal spa pool.

Waikawau Bay, Coromandel

Mendacity alongside a gravel street within the peninsula’s far north, this sandy surf seashore will take you again in time to the Coromandel of yesteryear. Pitch a tent within the park-like campground, kayak or SUP throughout the dual estuaries, discover the dunes and strolling tracks, and revel in night drinks underneath a sky saturated with stars.

Stingray Bay, Coromandel

An often-overlooked aspect path on the stroll to Instafamous Cathedral Cove results in a mini model minus the crowds. Excessive white cliffs guarantee secluded swimming, sunbathing and white-sand strolling.

Stony Bay, Coromandel

Mendacity on the finish of the gravel street that results in the japanese tip of the peninsula, this deep inlet is as distant and ruggedly handsome because it will get. Residence to a well-liked campsite, the driftwood-strewn seashore can be the beginning – or finish – level of the Coromandel Coastal Walkway. Start at Stony Bay and you’ll lay on the seashore afterwards for a pure scorching stone therapeutic massage.

Slipper Island, Coromandel

Just some minutes’ boat experience off the coast of Tairua, this privately owned island’s white-sand seashores are open to the general public and free to make use of.

Whiritoa, Coromandel

Chilling on the uncrowded white sands of this old-school Coromandel seashore city, it’s arduous to consider the holidaymaker magnets which are Whangamatā and Waihī Seashore are simply up and down the street. Little greater than a scattering of retro baches, a library, basic retailer and that superb surf seashore, Whiritoa is a best choice for a laid-back seashore break. Lifeguards patrol the primary seashore in season, and there’s a stream on the northern finish which is standard with youngsters and adults preferring wallowing to battling the waves.

Homunga Bay, Bay of Loads

Accessible solely by foot or water, Homunga Bay is the stuff New Zealand summer season goals are manufactured from, with the added bonus of a seashore bathe. Even on a scorching January day, I had all of it to myself.

Ōhope, Bay of Loads

Stretching 14 chic kilometres, Ōhope Seashore has been named New Zealand’s finest on a number of events, and it’s not arduous to see why. Its beauty apart, it caters for swimmers, surfers, seafood gatherers, surf casters, and lovers of lengthy walks and lazing for hours on finish on the sand.

Ōtarawairere Seashore, Bay of Loads

A 15-minute clifftop stroll from the West Finish of Ōhope Seashore leads a semi-secret seashore with scores of seashells and Fiji-clear water.

Makorori, Gisborne

Hugged by sun-bleached hills, this unspoilt stretch of white sand boasts a number of the most constant surf in a metropolis well-known for its surf seashores. Watching the rising solar set it aflame within the morning as seasoned surfies do their factor is about as magical a begin to the day as you could possibly think about.

Pouawa, Gisborne

4 kilometres of golden sands fringe Te Tapuwae o Rongokako, a marine reserve that may be a snorkeller’s and diver’s paradise. At low tide, the deep channels and swimming pools uncovered within the reef are perfect for snorkelling. Kina, marine snails, sponges, and fish corresponding to spotties (paketi), crimson moki (nanua), butterfish (greenbone, mararī) and marblefish (kehe) are among the many species you could possibly encounter. Peer into the crevices and overhangs and you could possibly see a whole bunch of tiny crayfish relying on the time of yr.

Wainui, Gisborne

Backed by a basic Kiwi seashore neighborhood, this soft-sanded surf seashore is only a 10-minute drive from Gisborne central – or a 6km experience alongside the sealed Wainui Seashore cycle path. It’s lengthy sufficient to make sure you by no means must stretch out your towel inside earshot of another person’s and there are picnic spots aplenty.

Cooks Cove (Ōpoutama), East Cape

Hike from Tolaga Bay Wharf, the longest within the Southern Hemisphere, to one of many loveliest coves on the East Cape. The 5.8km (2.5-hour) return stroll will take you throughout farmland and thru regenerating native forest to the cove the place Captain Cook dinner stopped to restore the Endeavour and get contemporary provides. Sheltered by the Mitre Rocks, it’s an ideal place to whereas away a sunny afternoon.

Anaura Bay, East Cape

Captain Cook dinner referred to as this beautiful wee bay a “place of profound peace” when he made a pit cease there again in 1769, and the outline holds true to this present day (besides maybe throughout the peak summer season interval when campers flock to the beachfront DOC-managed campsite). A couple of 90-minute drive north of Gisborne, it’s a primo spot for a swim, surf or picnic.

Ōpoutama/Blue Bay, Māhia Peninsula

A favorite with households, this white, sandy seashore is nice for swimming, browsing and fishing. At sure occasions of the yr, dolphins would possibly deal with you to a present.

Ōpunake, Taranaki

Positioned alongside Surf Freeway 45, this crescent-shaped seashore is, as you may think, a agency favorite with the surfie set. Stretch your legs on the 7km Ōpunake Loop Path, which can take you previous Lake Ōpunake and a historic pa and cemetery, earlier than refuelling with fish and chips from a store that has reeled in locals and guests alike for the reason that Nineteen Sixties.

Again Seashore, New Plymouth

Only a brief drive from city, this black sand magnificence boasts surf, sand dunes and secret mermaid swimming pools on a close-by island. Climb Paritutu Rock for panoramic views throughout the seashore, Sugar Loaf Islands and surrounding space.

Castlepoint, Wairarapa

Come for the enduring lighthouse – one in every of simply two remaining beam lighthouses within the nation – and keep for a play on the seashore, which is nice for swimming, browsing and paddleboarding across the lagoon. Carry your boogie board for the epic sand dunes.

Tata Seashore, Golden Bay

Small however photogenically fashioned, this golden stretch of sand is wedged between bush-covered mountains and a relaxed, teal-coloured sea – with out a disfiguring McMansion or skyrise in sight. The seashore is sheltered by the dual islands of Motu and Ngawhiti, often known as the Tata Islands, residence to seals, penguins and New Zealand’s largest colony of noticed shags, who placed on fairly the present simply earlier than dawn every morning.

Ligar Bay, Golden Bay

Significantly fairly at excessive tide when the clear blue waters create what seems like an enormous saltwater swimming pool, Ligar Bay is right for households and people who’d choose to not must battle with large waves. Once they’re sick of swimming, the youngsters can acquire shellfish, discover the rock swimming pools and problem one another to kayak races. There’s a useful barbecue space too.

Awaroa Bay, Nelson Tasman

This 800 metre arc of bush-backed golden sand in Abel Tasman Nationwide Park is so particular Kiwis donated greater than $2.8 million to put it aside from falling into abroad possession within the largest crowd-funding marketing campaign the nation had ever seen. At excessive tide, the estuary is a magical place to kayak – hold your eyes peeled for stingrays.

Tōtaranui, Nelson Tasman

With a broad sweep of rose-gold sand sandwiched between thick native bush and a sea spangled with mirrored gold, this Abel Tasman Nationwide Park gem is as lovely a seashore as might be. Fortunately there’s a campground so you may keep some time.

Wharariki Seashore, Nelson Tasman

About an hour’s drive from Tākaka within the Nelson Tasman area, Wharariki is a porthole again to coastal New Zealand because it was earlier than tourism took maintain. The 30-minute stroll by means of Pūponga Farm Park to achieve it places sufficient folks off to make sure that, in winter particularly, its broad stretch of sand, only a few kilometres from Farewell Spit, by no means feels crowded. Surprisingly-shaped sea arches, big sand dunes and the seal colony on the japanese finish ought to hold you amused.

Corsair Bay, Canterbury

Grasp a proper after the Lyttelton Tunnel to achieve this sheltered seashore with views throughout Banks Peninsula. Paddle out to the floating pontoon or leap straight off the jetty.

Le Bons Bay, Canterbury

Preserve an eye fixed out for seals swimming within the river that flows into this cute wee bay a bit of underneath two hours’ drive from Christchurch. Backed by basic Kiwi baches and rolling hills, it’s one of many prettiest seashores on Banks Peninsula.

Physician’s Level Reserve, Dunedin

Lower than half an hour from the town, this windswept stretch of coast is residence to sea caves paying homage to the Coromandel’s Cathedral Cove, together with little blue penguins.

Sandfly Bay, Dunedin

Don’t let the identify put you off. A monitor by means of farmland results in a viewing platform over this rugged, white sand seashore earlier than persevering with down a sandhill towards the wavy waters. Native fur seals (kekeno) and sea lions (rāpoka) hang around on the rocks and seashore, and there’s additionally a sizeable colony of yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho).

St Clair Seashore, Dunedin

Dunedin’s reply to Bondi, this standard surf seashore boasts a heated saltwater pool for these not eager to courageous the brisk southern waters. Seize a espresso and be part of the promenaders.

Tunnel Seashore, Dunedin

This seashore is such a looker that, within the 19870s, native politician John Cargill commissioned a tunnel to be hand-carved by means of a rock wall so his household may have non-public entry to it. Whereas not secure for swimming, it’s a spectacular place to discover with its sea stacks, arches and strange limestone formations.

Gemstone Seashore, Southland

Stuffed with hidden semi-precious gems within the type of jasper, quartz and sapphire, this cliff-backed seashore makes for a treasure hunt with a distinction. Depart the togs at residence although – swimming’s off the playing cards right here too.

Koekohe Seashore, Waitaki

Even when weren’t for its well-known dinosaur egg-like boulders, this clean, sandy seashore is properly value a go to. It’s a few 45-minute stroll alongside the seashore from the village to the Moeraki Boulders, which weigh a number of tonnes every and stand as much as two metres excessive. Head within the different route on the Kaiks Wildlife Path to discover a cute outdated wood lighthouse. Fur seals and little-eyes penguins would possibly put in an look.

Gillespies Seashore, West Coast

Seals, snow-capped peaks and standout sunsets give this former gold-mining settlement a triple edge. Hike as much as close by Galway Seashore (about three-and-a-half hours return) to identify the colony of seals. The 4 different walks from the seashore embody a five-minute stroll to a historic miner’s cemetery, and a one-hour-and-40-minute return hike to a lagoon and viewpoint.

Hokitika Seashore, West Coast

Many come for the technicolour gorge and transfer on. However their loss is longer-staying guests’ acquire within the type of a blissfully uncrowded, wave-battered, black sand and pebble seashore. Residence to little blue penguins, the seashore is nice for swimming and browsing for those who’re skilled, or just a soul-soothing stroll. If you happen to’re on a night stroll, end up at Sundown Level, the place you may chomp on fish and chips because the solar does its every day disappearing act above the Tasman Sea.

Scotts Seashore, West Coast

The just about hour-long stroll from Kohaihai to this wild, nīkau palm-fringed seashore places lots of people off, that means you could possibly simply have all of it to your self. Strewn with driftwood and sometimes enshrouded in mist, it feels just like the seashore that point forgot. Don’t try to swim right here although.

Curio and Porpoise bays, Catlins

Backed by the fossilised stays of a 180-million-year-old forest, Curio Bay can be residence to a colony of uncommon yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho) and pod of Hector’s dolphins – summer season guests can typically see them enjoying within the surf. Wave-lashed Porpoise Bay, arguably the perfect swimming seashore within the Catlins, is the one place the place dolphins come so near the shore with out folks engaging them with meals.

Cathedral Caves, Catlins

Residence to one of many longest sea caves on the earth, this distant seashore is accessed by way of a monitor by means of the podocarp and kāmahi forest of the Waipati Scenic Reserve. As much as 30 metres excessive, the caves can solely be reached for an hour both aspect of excessive tide.

Ocean Seashore, Stewart Island/Rakiura

Positioned within the well-named Glory Cove Scenic Reserve, this blissfully remoted seashore is at its most magical at evening, when these with good evening imaginative and prescient would possibly spot the native kiwi foraging. If you happen to don’t, you’ll nonetheless be handled to one of the star-studded nightly exhibits in Aotearoa.

Have we missed your favorite seashore? Tell us within the feedback.