The 25+ Best North Island Beaches
Sitting seemingly at the edge of the world is the amazingly beautiful island nation of New Zealand. Split between two main islands, North and South, both have their own very distinct, unique character and attractions.
The North Island is home to the capital of New Zealand, Wellington, as well as the country's largest city, Auckland. However the appeal for most visitors who visit the North Island lies in the alter-ego of the place: Middle Earth. With the majestic Mount Taranaki (or Mount Doom as fans will recognise it) rising up in the centre of the North Island and the set of The Hobbit films being brought to life by The Hobbiton attraction, there is plenty for film and book buffs alike to enjoy here.
If Tolkien isn't quite your thing, there's still so much to see and do on the North Island, particularly if you head to the coastal areas. From the windswept beauty of the Coromandel Peninsula that includes the iconic Cathedral Cove and geothermal Hot Water Beach to the stunningly beautiful Bay of Islands at the northern tip of the island, the beaches of the North Island attract hundreds of thousands of tourists each year.
Whether you're looking for white sands and crystal clear waters, secluded, intimate coves or golden stretches to hang out with friends and family, there is a great beach on the North Island of New Zealand waiting for you.
-
1. Whangamata Beach // Coromandel Peninsula
Simon Morris Great for:- Swimming
- Surfing
- Kitesurfing
Recently voted the best beach in the country by New Zealanders, Whangamata Beach is also famed for its breaks, and welcomes surfers from across the globe eager to tackle the left hand break of Whangamata Bar. But if you're not expert enough on a board to try your hand at this just yet, there are plenty of gentle peaks for even beginners to stand on a board for the first… read more »
-
2. Cheltenham Beach
© Michal Klajban / CC BY Cheltenham Beach is the most popular in the Devonport suburb of Auckland. It is a good-sized sandy beach bordered by the North Head Historic Reserve to the south. Just offshore is the striking form of Rangitoto Island, a 260 m (850 ft) high volcanic cone which only formed around 600 years ago.
It is well worth a visit to the North Head Historic Reserve, if only for the view back… read more »
-
3. Otama Beach // Coromandel Peninsula
© Pseudopanax@Wikimedia / CC BY Great for:- Swimming
Otama Bay lies 20 kilometres north of Whitianga, on the northeast coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Its white sands stretch for two kilometres, protected on the landward side by low dunes. At its northernmost end there is a small stream and a rocky outcrop with some shady trees. The sands have a pleasing squeak when you walk over them, and are as close to pristine as its possible to… read more »
-
4. Cathedral Cove // Coromandel Peninsula
© muha04 Cathedral Cove is considered by many to be the gem of the Coromandel Peninsula, which is quite an accolade given the stunning landscapes here. Set amongst the lush rolling landscape of the Coromandel Cathedral Cove is a small sandy beach backed by cliffs of white volcanic rock. At one end of the beach stands a towering sea stack of the same white rock, and like the cliffs small trees cling… read more »
-
5. Coopers Beach
© Nz nature lover / CC BY Great for:- Family
- Fishing
- Swimming
Coopers Beach is found in New Zealand’s Northland region, known for its long stretch of golden sand and calm, clear waters. Located in Doubtless Bay, it offers a sheltered setting with gentle waves and a backdrop of pōhutukawa trees that provide shade along the shoreline.
The beach is great for swimming, fishing, and kayaking, with safe, shallow waters ideal for families. At low tide, the rock pools reveal small marine… read more »
-
-
6. Mission Bay
gérard Great for:- Swimming
Mission Bay Beach lies on the southern coastline of Waitemata Harbour in Auckland's Eastern Bays region, roughly seven kilometres from the heart of New Zealand's biggest city. It is generally reached by enjoying the stunning vistas along Tamaki Drive. Those with an eye for landscapes will also want to visit Bastion Point, overlooking the expanse of the harbour, while even from the beach itself it is possible to glory in… read more »
-
7. Hot Water Beach // Coromandel Peninsula
Carsten Arsten Great for:- Snorkeling
- Swimming
- Surfing
Not your run-of-the-mill beach by any means, Hot Water Beach gets its name, not from the waters of the Pacific Ocean it meets, but from two underground naturally heated springs that well up through the soft sand two hours either side of low tide.
Rent a spade from the onsite café and prepare your very own private spa, relaxing in mineral rich waters up to 64°C in temperature, just a few… read more »
-
8. Anchor Bay
Nick Allen Great for:- Swimming
- Surfing
North facing Anchor Bay lies approximately 1.5 hours north of Auckland in Tawharanui Regional Park. Found on a peninsula of land of the same name, it sits between Kawau Bay to the south and Omaha Beach to the north.
One of Auckland's east coast beaches, grassy dunes shaded by pohutukawa trees slip down onto a wide expanse of pale sand which can be reached by a short set of well-tended… read more »
-
9. Piha beach
© Fyletto Piha is possibly New Zealand's best known beach and for good reason. Not only is the scenery stunning but this is the birthplace of surfing in New Zealand. In addition, Piha is less than an hour's drive from the centre of Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city.
Despite being so close to the North Island's main city Piha remains relatively unspoilt. The beach backs onto the rugged and heavily forested coastline… read more »
-
10. Mount Maunganui Beach // Bay of Plenty
Mt Maunganui beach is a beautiful, long stretch of pristine white sand in the holiday resort town of Mount Maunganui, less formally known as "The Mount". Together with Matakana Island, a massive sand bar to its north, Mount Maunganui forms the main entrance to Tauranga Harbour in the Bay of Plenty on New Zealand's North Island.
Just to the north lies the spectacular Coromandel Peninsula with its beautiful beaches, whilst… read more »
-
11. Little Palm Beach
Little Palm beach sits next door to Palm beach in a relatively sheltered bay on Waiheke Island's north coast. It is yet another of the island's pristine beaches with a white sandy shoreline facing into clear blue sparkling waters.
What makes Little Palm well known amongst a plethora of other beautiful beaches of Waiheke Island is its reputation as a naturist beach - in fact it is often referred… read more »
-
-
12. Oke Bay // Bay of Islands
© YHA-New-Zealand / CC BY Oke Bay is located near the village of Rawhiti in the Bay of Islands in the very North of New Zealand. This subtropical region consists of nearly 150 islands between Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula and is a water-lover's paradise. Known as a destination for whale and dolphin spotting, sailing and fishing the Bay of Islands area is home to any number of wonderful beaches, of which Oke Bay… read more »
-
13. Onetangi Beach
© trakesht / CC BY At nearly 2 km (1.2 miles) long, the north-facing Onetangi Beach is the longest on Waiheke Island. The local have taken full advantage of this fact and the beach has been home to the Onetangi Beach Horse Races for many years.
Other activities the beach is well known for include the annual sandcastle-building contests; the soft sand, which is free from shells, is particularly suitable for the creation of some… read more »
-
14. Takapuna Beach
© Adam & Tess / CC BY Takapuna is sometimes referred to as the unofficial 'capital' of Auckland's North Shore - a series of coastal suburbs across Shoal Bay from the city centre. The Takapuna Beach area is the centre of the North Shore's nightlife, being home to many bars, restaurants, cafes and shops. It is also the main shopping centre of the North Shore.
The beach here is a fine stretch of white sand looking out… read more »
-
15. Ocean Beach
Great for:- Surfing
Ocean Beach near Whangārei, on the east coast of North Island, is a sweeping stretch of golden sand facing into the Pacific Ocean. Located near the entrance to Whangārei Harbour, it is a well-known spot for surfing. The waves here can be strong, making it a favourite for experienced surfers.
The beach is surrounded by sand dunes and steep hills, with walking tracks leading to elevated viewpoints overlooking the coastline.… read more »
