Best New Zealand Beaches
The Best Kiwi Beaches...
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31. Orewa Beach // North Island
© Steve / CC BY Great for:- Family
- Swimming
- Surfing
Orewa Beach is a long, sandy beach on the Hibiscus Coast, about 40 minutes north of Auckland. The three-kilometre stretch of golden sand is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and paddleboarding, with generally gentle waves and plenty of space to enjoy the water.
The beach is backed by a mix of grassy reserves, picnic areas, and a coastal walkway, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing stroll or… read more »
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32. Tautuku Beach // South Island
© Pseudopanax Great for:- Surfing
Set on the Catlins coast in the southeastern corner of the South Island is Tautuku Beach. This rugged, remote area is a haven for wildlife known for its fur seals, sea lions and yellow-eyed penguins. If you are lucky you may even spot whales, which is no surprise as Tautuku was once home to a whaling station.
Tautuku Bay itself is a generous sweep of golden sand and widely regarded… read more »
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33. Whareroa Beach // North Island
© Pseudopanax Whareroa Beach is located within the Queen Elizabeth Park on the North Island's Kapiti Coast. Situated between Paekakariki and Raumati South the beach looks out over Kapiti Island, a nature reserve 5km off the coast.
There are a number of wide, open lawned areas near Whareroa Beach which provide visitors with plenty of space for picnics and recreational activities. Public toilets are also provided at the car parks at the… read more »
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34. Waimarama Beach // North Island
Brian Taylor Great for:- Surfing
Part of Hawke's Bay on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island, the sands of Waimarama Beach are backed by grassy dunes and attractive beach dwellings. One over from Ocean Beach, Waimarama is best known as a surfing destination thanks to left and right hand beach and reef breaks. The best of the waves are generally to be had around mid-tide when they are returning, with the southern hemisphere… read more »
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35. Kaiteriteri Beach // Abel Tasman
Jonathan Reid Great for:- Swimming
One of South Island's best beaches, Kaiteriteri Beach stuns even hardened travellers with its combination of orange-yellow sand, curving crescent shape, and surrounding tree-clad promontories.
Just 15 minutes from Motueka, its usually extremely calm waters act as a gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, with boats, water taxis and even sea kayaking outfits all providing the means for visitors to explore this national treasure for themselves.
As a result, Kaiteriteri has accommodation… read more »
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36. Ninety Mile Beach // North Island
Ninety Mile Beach is not your typical exotic tourist attraction, but rather a long stretch of majestic coastline waiting to share its secrets with the adventurous. Don't be fooled by the name either, because this stretch of wild coast is nowhere near 90 miles in length, 90 kilometres (55 miles) would be closer, but it still remains an awesome stretch of sand.
One possible explanation for this misnomer dates… read more »
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37. Baylys Beach // North Island
© David Broad / CC BY Baylys Beach is a small coastal settlement on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, about 10 kilometres from Dargaville. It is part of the immense stretch of Ripiro Beach, which runs for around 100 kilometres along the Tasman Sea coast making it New Zealand’s longest drivable beach.
Baylys beach is popular for fishing, surfing, and four-wheel driving, with vehicles allowed to travel along the hard-packed sand at low… read more »
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38. Big Manly Beach // North Island
© russellstreet / CC BY Great for:- Swimming
Big Manly Beach is a popular spot on the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, just north of Auckland. This sandy crescent offers calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The beach has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, with plenty of space to unwind.
In case you were wondering, yes, there is a Little Manly Beach on the other side of the peninsula, about 1km away.
The surrounding area features coastal… read more »
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39. Brendan Beach // North Island
Great for:- Fishing
Set on a remote section of the south coast of New Zealand’s North Island is Brendan Beach. About 20 km from Wellington, it sits among the rugged coastal scenery on the western edge of Palliser Bay.
The beach is known for its isolation, strong winds, and often wild waves, making it a great place for those who enjoy quiet, windswept landscapes.
The shoreline consists of a mix of sand and… read more »
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40. Browns Bay // North Island
© Sids1 / CC BY Great for:- Swimming
Set in a laid-back coastal suburb on Auckland’s North Shore is Browns Bay Beach, a long stretch of golden sand with calm waters. The beach is an ideal spot for swimming, paddleboarding, and picnicking. A scenic walkway runs along the waterfront, offering views over the Hauraki Gulf and nearby Rangitoto Island.
The Browns Bay neighbourhood has a mix of cafés, restaurants, and shops, giving it a lively yet laid-back feel.… read more »
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41. Buffalo Beach // Coromandel Peninsula
Great for:- Fishing
- Swimming
Buffalo Beach can be found forming the coastline to the town of Whitianga in Mercury Bay. This V-shaped inlet lies on the eastern side of the famed Coromandel Peninsula of New Zealand's North Island.
Intimately connected with the first European explorations of the country, it was here that Captain Cook took his measurements of the transit of the planet Mercury across the face of the sun in 1769, leading to… read more »
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42. Devonport Beach // North Island
Devonport beach sits on the southern tip of Auckland's North Shore with uninterrupted views across the Bay to the city. It is backed by a small park known as Windsor Reserve. Here you will find a children's play area and plenty of open lawn ideal for picnicking.
Devonport Beach is conveniently located next to the Devonport ferry terminal and Victoria Road making it one of the easiest beaches around to… read more »
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43. Fitzroy Beach // North Island
Dave Young Great for:- Family
- Swimming
- Surfing
New Plymouth's Fitzroy Beach is a popular spot known for its good surf, black sand, and chilled atmosphere. Located along the Taranaki coastline, it offers a blend of things to do and scenery, in particular the dramatic backdrop of Mount Taranaki. The beach is well-known among surfers, thanks to its consistent swells, but it's also a favourite for swimmers and walkers.
A section of the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway runs… read more »
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44. Howick Beach // North Island
© OrangeZone / CC BY This little, sandy beach in East Auckland has calm waters, making it ideal for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. At low tide, rock pools appear along the shoreline, attracting people looking for small sea creatures.
The beach is backed by a grassy reserve with picnic tables and a boat ramp, making it a popular spot for families. The surrounding area has a mix of modern and historic homes, and nearby Howick… read more »
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45. Karikari Beach // North Island
Great for:- Swimming
- Surfing
Located on the Karikari Peninsula in Northland, this beach features a long stretch of white sand with clear blue waters. It's a quiet spot, ideal for walking, swimming, and fishing. Karikari beach is surrounded by rolling dunes and coastal vegetation, adding to its natural beauty.
Nearby, you’ll find other great beaches, including Matai Bay and Tokerau Beach, as well as vineyards and small settlements. The waters here can be… read more »
