With around 15,000 kilometers (9,320 miles) of beautiful coastline, creating a list of the best beaches in New Zealand seems like an impossible task. There are just so many fantastic beaches in this beautiful country.
In order to help you include the best New Zealand beaches in your travel plans, I’ve compiled a collection of beaches throughout the North and South Islands with truly notable features.
However, not all of the beaches are equal. Some are better for swimming, while others are better for walking or experienced surfers. Some attract a crowd and others are blissfully empty.
A beach is included for everyone, from adventurers to surfers, to photographers or families looking for a fun day on the sand.
This list will help you find the perfect beach whatever your travel style. Just keep in mind that these are only a handful of the possibilities. There’s plenty more out there so don’t be afraid to get out and explore.
» Looking for more inspiration along the route? Check out our guides to Auckland, Queenstown and Milford Sound. Find the best places to visit, the best time to visit and our top tips for renting a car in New Zealand.
Read also » 35 New Zealand Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go.
Best Beaches in New Zealand
1. Matai Bay
📍Karikari Peninsula, Northland, North Island
A hidden gem tucked away on the scenic Karikari Peninsula. Matai Bay is a beautiful horseshoe shaped bay with golden sands, crystal clear turquoise water, and a great walking track.
The calm waters make it a suitable spot for families and is ideal for swimming, although there are no lifeguards so do take care. There’s a camping area right by the beach with spectacular views of the bay.
As if this secluded and stunning bay wasn’t enough, right next to Matai Bay is Waikato Bay, arguably even more beautiful and quieter, with a rock pool at the far end. Both bays get busy around the Christmas and New Year period, but otherwise offer a tranquil experience in a little slice of New Zealand paradise.
2. Ninety Mile Beach
📍Far North, Northland, North Island
Despite its name, Ninety Mile Beach is an 88 kilometer (55 mile) stretch of pristine white sand that is officially a highway (crazy I know).
Located in the Far North of New Zealand’s North Island, a visit to Ninety Mile Beach can easily be combined with other top attractions in the area such as Cape Reinga and the Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes.
Regardless of its highway status, most car rental companies don’t allow their vehicles to be driven onto the beach for safety reasons. It’s only suitable for 4WD vehicles and the tide can be tricky to navigate so you don’t get stuck.
If you want the full experience of driving on the beach, which is pretty cool, you can take a tour like this Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach Trip from Paihia which is what we did, highly recommend.
Otherwise, you can leave your car in the parking lot and take a walk along the golden sands.
3. Piha Beach
📍West Coast, Auckland, North Island
If you have a few days in Auckland, a visit to Piha Beach is a must-do. This stunning black sand beach is a popular surf beach known for its wild landscape and the iconic Lion Rock, a prominent volcanic formation that offers breathtaking views of the coastline from its summit.
Located in the Waitakere Ranges on Auckland’s west coast, the beach is surrounded by steep cliffs and lush native bush where you’ll find a range of walking tracks and some of the best views in New Zealand.
If you aren’t a strong swimmer (and even if you are), only swim between the lifeguard flags, as this beach can have strong currents and rips.
If you don’t have wheels, try this Piha Beach and Rainforest Tour from Auckland.
Other top beaches you’ll find in the Waitakere Ranges include Bethells Beach, Muriwai Beach, Karekare beach and the less accessible and quieter Anawhata Beach.
4. Mission Bay Beach
📍Mission Bay, Auckland, North Island
Mission Bay Beach is an easily accessible family-friendly beach with views out to Rangitoto Island. It’s a scenic 15-20 minute drive from Auckland CBD and a great option if you’re staying in the city.
It’s a popular beach for swimming and sunbathing, with paddle boards and kayaks for hire and a beachside park with a playground where the kids can let loose.
Across the road is Mission Bay Village, with a number of sidewalk cafes, bars and ice cream parlors. A short drive down the road is Kelly Tarltons’ Aquarium, a popular Auckland attraction where you can see a variety of sea life including penguins.
When you’re done basking in the sun, take a walk along the promenade, a scenic walking path along the waterfront that connects to other nearby bays.
Pro Tip: This is a popular destination for Auckland residents over the summer months, we recommend getting there early for a parking spot.
5. Cathedral Cove, Coromandel
📍 Coromandel Peninsula, North Island
Cathedral Cove is an iconic spot featuring a picturesque natural archway that connects two beautiful beaches, Cathedral Cove and Mare’s Leg Cove.
Both locals and tourists are drawn to the striking white limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making it a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and photography. You might also recognize it as the filming location for the blockbuster movie “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.”
Access to the beach is by a scenic walking track or by boat. You can catch a water taxi from nearby Hahei Beach, another stunning beach and my personal favorite, or join a boat tour from the charming seaside town of Whitianga, which takes you past several beautiful beaches including Cathedral Cove.
6. New Chums Beach
📍Coromandel Peninsula, North Island
If you’re looking for an off the beaten path experience, New Chums Beach might be the one for you.
This remote and undeveloped hidden gem features pristine white sands bordered by lush native forests. It’s even more secluded since there is no road access, no buildings, not even a campground. It’s part of what makes it so special, but you’ll have to do a bit of work to find it.
Access to New Chums Beach is via a 30-40 minute walk that starts from the north end of Whangapoua beach, best done at low tide so allow plenty of time to get there and back.
There’s a stream to cross and a rocky section to navigate around a headland before it joins the short but rugged Mangakahia Drive track through native forest until you reach the beach.
If you’re up for a scramble, there’s an additional climb to the lookout which gets you a higher view over the crescent shaped beach. Not for the faint-hearted but worth it for the view.
Pro Tips: Wear sneakers/trainers, take what you need (there aren’t any facilities), and be sure to take everything with you when you leave.
7. Hot Water Beach
📍Coromandel Peninsula, North Island
Hot Water Beach is known for the natural geothermal hot springs that emerge from the sand. During low tide, visitors can dig their own hot pools in the sandy beach, where the hot water bubbles up.
The ideal time to visit is two hours before or after low tide. Shovels can be rented from the local shop. This unique natural attraction draws visitors from all over during low tide so be prepared for crowds.
The beach is surrounded by stunning coastal scenery, with dramatic cliffs and beautiful ocean views. In addition to soaking in the hot pools, Hot Water Beach is a renowned surf beach suitable for all levels. There’s also nearby rock pools to explore.
8. Mount Maunganui Beach
Mount Maunganui Beach, located in the Bay of Plenty region on the North Island, is a stunning stretch of golden sand that pretty much has it all.
The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, with gentle waves ideal for families and water sports. Along the beachfront, there’s a vibrant promenade lined with cafes, shops, and real fruit ice cream. It’s the quintessential Kiwi summer experience!
Situated on a peninsula, Main beach is where you’ll find the surf breaks and views of the Pacific Ocean, while Pilot Bay on the other side has calm waters perfect for paddle boarding.
It’s also home to the iconic Mount Maunganui, a dormant volcano that provides a scenic backdrop and walking tracks. The hike to the summit takes around 40 minutes and requires a good level of fitness. At the top you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views right down the coastline.
A little further along is Papamoa Beach, another top beach in New Zealand and a little quieter than Mount Maunganui Main beach.
9. Wharariki Beach
📍Nelson/Tasman District, South Island
Rugged, remote and a photographer’s dream, Wharariki Beach is best known for its Archway Islands just off the coast. They’ve been featured as a default lock screen image and a desktop wallpaper on Microsoft Windows, attracting visitors and photographers from all over to see this beautiful spot for themselves.
Located near Cape Farewell, the northernmost point of the South Island, it takes a bit of effort to get there but it’s worth it. There’s a gravel road to the car park for the last 5 kilometers or so followed by a 20 minute walk through farmland and over small sand dunes to reach the beach.
For the best photos, try to visit at sunrise or sunset on an outgoing tide. The wide flat sand retains water at low tide offering breathtaking reflections. There’s a Holiday Park located along Wharariki Road or you can check out accommodation options in nearby Collingwood.
Pro Tips: The beach is not safe for swimming due to strong currents and it can be extremely windy. Bring a windbreaker and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Combine a visit to Wharariki Beach with Abel Tasman National Park for more of the country’s top beaches including Kaiteriteri Beach, Awaroa Bay and Tōtaranui to name a few. If you are looking for a nature-heavy experience, this is the perfect place to visit.
10. Koekohe Beach
📍Otago, South Island (known as Moeraki Boulder Beach on Google Maps)
Koekohe Beach, located on New Zealand’s Otago coast, has these large, spherical boulders dotting its shores, known as the Moeraki Boulders. These unique geological features were formed over millions of years, and are striking to see.
The boulders are said to be calcite concretions that started forming over 60 million years ago. Over time they have been exposed through coastal erosion. The largest boulders are estimated to have taken about 4 million years to get to their current size. Each boulder weighs several tonnes and can reach up to two meters high.
According to Māori legend, the boulders are the remains of eel baskets, calabashes, and kūmara washed ashore from the great voyaging canoe Āraiteuru when it was wrecked hundreds of years ago.
It’s an easy stop if you are traveling the coast between Christchurch and Dunedin. The beach is a popular spot for photography and leisurely walks with free parking and a small cafe nearby. It’s a short walk down the beach to see the boulders.
11. Hokitika Beach
Hokitika is the epitome of the laid-back West Coast lifestyle with a history rich in gold mining and jade carving. Bordering the charmingly creative town of Hokitika is a strip of beach known for its epic sunsets and driftwood-strewn shores.
Often referred to as the “Wild West Coast”, the fierce waves of the Tasman Sea wash an incredible amount of driftwood along the dark sandy beach. Each January, locals get creative and turn the driftwood and other finds into art during the town’s Driftwood and Sand Festival.
Visitors can walk along the sand to see the quirky driftwood sculptures, grab a photo with the iconic Hokitika driftwood sign and enjoy some beachcombing. There’s also a flat walking path along the beach with picnic tables.
The beach is generally peaceful and not highly crowded, although it lives up to its “Wild West Coast” name and is not suitable for swimming. Also bring a sweater!
12. Gemstone Beach
If you’re traveling along the Southern Scenic Route between Invercargill and Te Anau, Gemstone Beach is worth a stop to stretch your legs and hunt for hidden treasures.
Located on the Southern Coast of the South Island, storms and tides are constantly changing the beach from sand to stone, bringing with it lots of treasures.
Although a rare occurrence, actual gemstones have been found amongst the thousands of multicolored stones washing up, hence the name Gemstone Beach.
While not suitable for swimming, visitors of all ages can enjoy searching for hidden treasures among the perfectly polished colorful pebbles.
Curio and Porpoise Bays in the Catlins are also worth visiting when traveling along the Southern Scenic Route. Located next to each other, Curio Bay has a petrified forest dating back to the Jurassic Period and Porpoise Bay is a great surf beach with a nice campground. There’s a pod of Hector’s dolphins often seen in the bay.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are some stand out beaches for all types of beachgoers in New Zealand. If the sun is out, the beach is the place to be. Which of these best New Zealand beaches will you be adding to the itinerary?
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Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.