A black sand beach within the Auckland region, Karioitahi Beach maintains much of its wild nature whilst being something of an adventure playground. On the more sedate side, Karioitahi Beach is known as a good sea fishing spot. In addition, it has become a favourite coastal destination for surfing, horse riding and off-road driving among other activities. A permit is required from the local authorities to drive on Karioitahi Beach… read more »
Kuaotunu is a wide sandy beach backed by grassy dunes and mottled woodland 18 kilometres north of Whitianga on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. One of the most northerly beaches on the Coromandel, it has a shallow entrance into turquoise waters, while offering a naturalistic experience. The endangered dotterel nests just off the beach, and dolphins are often observed in the shallows.
The high number of permanent residents living… read more »
Maraetai Beach is located on the Pohutukawa Coast within the Auckland Region. Facing north towards Waiheke Island, it's a popular family beach destination that becomes particularly crowded with holidaymakers from Auckland in the summer months.
It is popular for a number of reasons. For one thing, its clean sands have a shallow entry into waters that are suitable for the whole family to swim in. But there are also grassy… read more »
Muriwai Beach is located on the rugged and relatively undeveloped west coast of the region around Auckland. Atmospherically if not physically far from the sights and sounds of New Zealand's biggest city 42 kilometres north west, it offers visitors a wide, flat expanse of volcanic black sand. Part of a chain of continuous beaches running for around 50 kilometres, its name is said to mean ‘water's end'.
Murrays Bay is a suburb of New Zealand's largest city, Auckland. The beach at Murrays Bay is home to a wharf (see photos) that is a popular spot for fishing and also jumping from during the Spring/Summer months.
From Murrays Bay it is easy to walk around to neighbouring Rothesay Bay and Mairangi Bay via a walkway.
The beach also has its own sailing club that sails from the… read more »
Situated on the eastern coast of the Coromandel Peninsula facing out into the depths of the Pacific Ocean, Opoutere comes from the Maori for "place of floating posts" and boasts five kilometres of white sand.
At its southern end visitors will discover the picturesque harbour of Wharekawa, protected by a curving natural sand spit. It forms a lagoon-like appearance and is an important breeding site for many native and endangered New… read more »
Peka Peka Beach is a quiet spot on the Kāpiti Coast on the south-east coast of North Island. It offers a long stretch of sandy shoreline, backed by dunes with a mix of native vegetation.
The waters are generally calm, though conditions can change, so it's always good to be mindful of the tides. It's also a well-known area for birdwatching, with a variety of seabirds to be seen along… read more »
Puheke Beach occupies a remote and beautiful stretch of coastline in Northland. Located near the Karikari Peninsula, it features soft white sand, rolling dunes, and clear blue water.
The surrounding area includes Puheke Hill, which is worth climbing for the panoramic views of the coast. The hill is an important cultural site for Māori, adding a layer of history to the landscape.
Puwheke beach is not as well known as… read more »
Rarawa Beach is a striking stretch of white silica sand. Situated on the east coast of Northland, near the top of North Island, the sand here is unusually bright and fine, creating a strong contrast with the clear blue water and dark patches of native forest nearby. It's a quiet, open beach with generally gentle waves that are ideal for swimming and bodyboarding in the right conditions.
Scotts beach is a wonderful, wild beach on the West coast of the South Island. The nearest town is Karamea and the beach is one of the highlights of the Heaphy Track, a popular hiking trail along this rugged stretch of coast.
The beach here is a beautiful sandy cove backed by steep, tall cliffs covered in dense subtropical rainforest of nikau palms, karaka and rata. Given its relatively remote… read more »
Located at the northern end of Abel Tasman National Park, Totaranui Beach seems to appear out of nowhere, its recess of rich golden sand set among sea (or more correctly, ocean) blues and dense native foliage. Indeed, the name Totaranui translates as "many trees".
An ideal destination for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and swimming, this one kilometre stretch of paradise boasts a series of footpaths that wind their way through the best… read more »
Less than eight kilometres southwest of the centre of Dunedin, close to St Clair on New Zealand's South Island, Tunnel Beach is hidden from view by rugged sandstone cliffs rising 150 metres above the waves. Shaped by the might of the Pacific Ocean over millennia, the beach is studded with naturally-formed rock arches, caves, and a hand-hewn sloping tunnel that gives the beach both its name and its access… read more »
Sitting on the border of Tonga Beach Marine Reserve within Abel Tasman National Park, Bark Bay (also called Wairima) is known for the reliability of its weather, offering sunshine pretty much all year round.
While that may be enough to lure sunseekers to this first-rate stretch of sand, others will be tempted by the large lagoon that offers the opportunity for safe swimming, or the chance to catch a glimpse… read more »
