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The South Pacific
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Beaches in New Zealand
If you’re a sun and sand lover, you can’t go wrong with a trip to New Zealand. With more than 15,000 kilometers (9,300 miles) of amazing and diverse coastline, there’s bound to be a beach or two that will strike your fancy.
The beaches here can be as different as night and day. Some are quiet and secluded with gently lapping, warm waters. Others might be full of locals with waves high enough to delight any avid surfer. But most are just downright breathtaking, offering sunset views that will knock your socks off.
On the Pacific Ocean side, you’ll view wonderful white and golden sand beaches where families often gather to enjoy the gentle surf. On the Tasman Sea side, the landscape boasts rugged rocks, steep cliffs, and some of the most amazing black sand you’ve ever seen. Where you choose to spend your leisure time will largely depend on personal preference, however, its fun to experience a bit of both. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
NZ's Best Beaches
• The Great Barrier Island – Located east of Auckland and accessible by ferry, Great Barrier Island is home to a number of the country’s best unspoiled beaches. These stretches of beach are particularly popular with divers and surfers and the island itself is adored by nature lovers.
• Karikari Peninsula – Located in the far northern area of the country, the beaches at Karikari Peninsula are long and quite secluded, just right for those who want a peaceful holiday. The beach at Tokerau is more than 11 miles long and a haven for surfers. Whatuwhiwhi is home to New Zealand’s northernmost PADI diving center and its clear waters attract international divers year-found. The clear waters of Rangiputa Beach are perfect for anglers.
• Kaiteriteri Beach – At the tip of the South Island, this is the place for those seeking less seclusion and a more festive holiday atmosphere. This beach, popular with locals, boasts golden sand, calm blue-green waters, and a good tourist infrastructure including campgrounds, nearby hotels, and some places to grab a bite to eat.
• The Beaches of Abel Tasman National Park – Quite close to Kaiteriteri Beach, there are several additional picturesque beaches inside Abel Tasman National Park. This park, the smallest of New Zealand’s National Parks, is big on beauty and offers beachfront lodging on its golden-sand shores.
• Hot Water Beach – The most unique beach in New Zealand is found on the North Island’s Coromandel Peninsula. This isn’t a great swimming or surfing beach, but visitors can dig their own spa in the sand, thanks to the area’s geothermal past. Plan to arrive within two hours of low tide – before or after – and dig a hole near the rocky outcrop a short distance up the beach. It’ll fill with hot water and you’ll enjoy your very own natural hot tub! Spades available for rent.
• Black sand beaches – The west coasts of both islands boast numerous rugged black sand beaches, beautiful to view, but deadly for swimming or surfing – though some brave souls do it anyway. These locales are best for exploring or picnicking, but be sure to wear shoes because the black sand can be scorching in the summer sun. Check out Piha, less than an hour’s drive from Auckland, or Bethell’s Beach, both ideal for hiking or just enjoying the view. You may also want to try your hand at fishing on Karekare Beach, made famous in the 1993 movie, “The Piano.” (Remember the scene where Holly Hunter was playing the piano on the beach, dressed in her best Victorian clothes?)