The Best North Island Beaches
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16. Medlands Beach
being grateful journal Great for:- Surfing
Surrounded by lush forest, Medlands Beach lies on Oruawharo Bay on the east coast of Great Barrier Island, just off New Zealand's Coromandel Peninsula. It is linked to the North Island by regular ferry services to Tryphena, which last approximately an hour.
Its pristine white sand is a favourite with both swimmers and surfers, with Medlands being the closest surf beach to Tryphena. Separated from the sands of Kaitoke Beach… read more »
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17. Karekare Beach
Goueg Great for:- Surfing
The secluded black sands of Karekare Beach lie surrounded by dramatic cliffs just 35 kilometres from the centre of Auckland on North Island. Immortalised in rock group Crowded House's Together Alone album which was largely recorded nearby, and the Oscar-winning film The Piano in the same year, Karekare beach has been named one of the top 25 beaches in the world.
Part of Karekare Regional Park, surfers regularly frequent the… read more »
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18. Matai Bay
itravelNZ® (Natalia Volna) Great for:- Swimming
Matai Bay is a remote northern beach well worth the journey, boasting soft white sand and stunning clear waters. Lying on a large circular inlet of the Pacific on New Zealand's east coast, it offers some protection from the might of the ocean, making swimming, diving, fishing and boating all popular pastime activities for those who visit.
Those who step beyond the native Pohutukawa trees that line the beach will find… read more »
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19. Tairua Beach // Coromandel Peninsula
russellstreet Great for:- Swimming
- Surfing
- Kitesurfing
Located on State Highway 25a on the opposite side of the bay from Pauanui, Tairua Beach is one of the most centrally-located beaches found on the North Island's epic Coromandel Peninsula, making it a great base for exploring the region as well as a beach destination of some standing in its own right.
Tairua Beach sits at the base of the twin peaked Mount Paku, in an area of picturesque grandeur… read more »
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20. New Chum Beach // Coromandel Peninsula
© Pseudopanax / CC BY The 1 km long pristine white-sand of New Chum beach sits in a secluded spot on the northeastern coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Although not far from the nearest settlement this beach retains a very unspoilt feel.
At the northern end of the beach is the 171 m tall wooded hill of Pukenui whilst the southern end is overlooked by the rocky Motuto Point which separates the beach from Whangapoua.
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21. Whareroa Beach
© 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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22. Hahei Beach // Coromandel Peninsula
© Luke Harries / CC BY Set on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, Hahei is often overlooked in favour of its better known neighbour, Cathedral Cove. Famed for its limestone rock arch, Cathedral Cove has been used a location in a number of films including the Chronicles of Narnia movies.
But Hahei beach itself is well worth a visit. It has the same limestone cliffs and pale, golden sand fringed with pohutukawa trees; it is lapped… read more »
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23. Oneroa Beach
© J.E. Mcgowan / CC BY This long crescent of sand is considered the main beach on Waiheke Island. Set in a wide sheltered bay on the northern side of the islands biggest village, Oneroa, it has plenty of facilities such as a free BBQ area, public toilets and a playground for children.
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24. Little Oneroa Beach
© CC BY Little Oneroa beach is situated on Waiheke Island, around an hour's travel from Auckland. It forms the southern end of the sweeping white sands of Oneroa Bay, which is also the location of the island's main village.
The beach here is separated from the villages main beach (Big Oneroa) by a small finger of rock which can easily be climbed over, or walked around at low tide. Although by no… read more »
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25. Ngarunui Beach
Great for:- Surfing
Ngarunui Beach, on the west coast of the North Island, is the main beach in the world-famous surf town of Raglan. Known for its long stretch of black sand and consistent waves, it’s a popular spot for beginner and experienced surfers alike. The Tasman Sea brings in strong swells, but the beach has some more sheltered parts ideal for learning to surf.
Lifeguards patrol during summer, making it a safer… read more »
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26. Orewa Beach
© 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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27. Waimarama Beach
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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28. Ninety Mile Beach
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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29. Murrays Bay
© Holgi 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 »
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30. Devonport Beach
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 »
