The following list highlights some of the best beaches in New Zealand. So if you are in New Zealand, I recommend visiting the following:
The Best Beaches in Auckland Region
Karekare Beach, Auckland
Address – Karekare Beach, Auckland, New Zealand
Google Maps Link – 36°59’17.4″S 174°28’23.7″E
Karekare Beach is located in Auckland, on the western coast of the North Island of New Zealand. A remote and unique beach, with black sand backdropped by towering cliffs, giving off stunning and wild views. Karekare Beach is perfect for surfing, with really strong waves, and it is very popular among local surfers. However, it never gets busy, noisy or crowded. To access the beach, you need to walk from the carpark and cross the Karekare stream; keep in mind that this hike can be rather difficult if you’re not used to hiking. You can also hike up the hill to the Karekare Falls. There are no restaurants nearby, only a small cafe on the access road, so bring your own food and water.
Piha Beach, Auckland
Address – Piha Beach, Auckland, New Zealand
Google Maps Link – 36°57’27.5″S 174°28’04.2″E
Piha Beach is located in Auckland, on the western coast of the North Island of New Zealand. This popular beach, with its black sand and rugged rock formations surrounding it, offers some of the most amazing views in New Zealand. Piha Beach is a favorite surfing spot in Auckland, with strong waves during high tide attracting surfers from all over the country. During low tide, you can walk out far into the beach, admiring it all from a different point of view. There are a couple of restaurants in the area. The beach tends to get busy on weekends; visit on weekdays or early in the morning to avoid the noise and the crowd.
Mission Bay Beach, Auckland
Address – Mission Bay Beach, Auckland, New Zealand
Google Maps Link –36°50’51.4″S 174°49’56.5″E
Mission Bay Beach is located in Auckland, on the northern coast of the North Island of New Zealand. This extensive, golden sandy beach is the ideal place to have a fun vacation with friends and family. You can swim on the warm water or sunbathe and relax on the soft sand. The beach is long and great for walking or biking, with amazing views over the bay. You can also enjoy playing some beach sports, and there is a park nearby with a playground for kids. There are some restaurants in the area, ranging from Indian to Mexican, and from burger places to pizza places, as well as cafes and stores. Besides, there are picnic tables along the beach.
Onetangi Beach, Auckland
Address – Onetangi Beach, Auckland, New Zealand
Google Maps Link – 36°47’14.1″S 175°04’39.3″E
Onetangi Beach is located in Auckland, on the northern coast of Waiheke Island, off the coast of North Island of New Zealand. This long and wide stretch of white sand, backdropped with verdant hills, offers stunning views with a tranquil atmosphere. The water is calm and warm, safe and perfect for a relaxing swim. Sometimes, dolphins and orcas swim close to the shore, offering an unforgettable sighting. Onetangi Beach is dog-friendly and great for walks. There are nice restaurants with great scenic views and in the village right next to the beach, as well as resorts and hotels. It tends to get crowded on weekends, especially during summer.
The Best Beaches in Hawke’s Bay Region
Waimarama Beach, Waimarama
Address – Waimarama Beach, Waimārama 4294, New Zealand
Google Maps Link – 39°49’10.5″S 176°59’45.6″E
Waimarama Beach is located in Waimarama, on the eastern coast of the North Island of New Zealand. A dog-friendly beach with soft white sand stretching for as long as the eye can see, and a peaceful atmosphere. The waves are great for surfing and bodyboarding, and still safe for swimming; besides, there are lifeguards on duty. Sometimes dolphins swim close to the shore and peek out from the surface. Since the beach faces the east, the sunset views and the tranquility turn the beach into the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. It can get busy during weekends, but the beach is long enough to allow a place for everyone.
The Best Beaches in Northland Region
Rarawa Beach, Far North
Address – Rarawa Beach,Great Exhibition Bay 0484, New Zealand
Google Maps Link – 34°43’02.3″S 173°04’37.1″E
Rarawa Beach is located in the Far North District, in the North Island of New Zealand. This extensive white sandy beach, with clear waters of a beautiful turquoise color, is the perfect getaway from a busy life. The beach is rather windy, with great waves for surfing, but still safe for swimming. During low tide, it is the best time to go fishing, sitting and relaxing with the amazing view. Keep in mind that the access road turns to gravel a few minutes before arriving at the beach. There are no facilities or restaurants, but there is a campground near the right end of the beach.
The Best Beaches in Otago Region
Sandfly Bay, Otago
Address – Sandfly Bay, Otago, New Zealand
Google Maps Link – 45°53’46.7″S 170°38’46.2″E
Sandfly Beach is located in Otago, on the southeastern coast of the South Island of New Zealand. This extensive beach of soft white sands is the perfect place to admire unspoiled nature, in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. A hike from the parking area takes you through verdant farmland, where you can see sheep grazing, and admire the views over the bay. The highlight at the beach are the sea lions, which come out of the sea and lay down on the sand; if you are lucky, you might spot yellow-eyed penguins. Sandfly Beach never gets busy or crowded, offering a relaxing atmosphere all year long. There are no restaurants nearby, so make sure to bring your own food if you plan to stay long.
The Best Beaches in Southland Region
Dead Man Beach, Oban
Address – Dead Man Beach, Oban, New Zealand
Google Maps Link – 46°53’03.7″S 168°08’43.0″E
Dead Man Beach is located in Oban, on the eastern coast of Stewart Island, off the southern coast of New Zealand. This is a small sandy beach, secluded and backdropped with a verdant forest.
The Best Beaches in Taranaki Region
Ōpunake Beach, Opunake
Address – Ōpunake Beach, Opunake 4616, New Zealand
Google Maps Link – 39°27’29.8″S 173°51’26.5″E
Ōpunake Beach is located in Ōpunake, a small town on the western coast of the North Island of New Zealand. This secluded and dog-friendly beach, with dark sand surrounded by verdant trees, is a lovely spot to hang out with family or friends, with activities for everyone to enjoy. The waves are perfect for surfing and bodyboarding, with flagged areas that are safe for everyone to swim; besides, there are lifeguards on duty. Facilities in the area are clean and well taken care of, with a campground and a surf shop available, barbecues and picnic tables, plus a playground. Even though this is a popular spot among locals, it never gets crowded, but it can be busy during weekend afternoons.
The Best Beaches in Tasman Region
Awaroa Beach, Tasman
Address – Awaroa Beach, Tasman, New Zealand
Google Maps Link – 40°51’41.8″S 173°01’57.2″E
Awaroa Beach is located in Tasman, on the northern coast of the South Island of New Zealand. This quiet stretch of golden sands offers turquoise waters and breathtaking scenic views. The beach is part of the Abel Tasman National Park, and since it has no road access, it can only be reached by boat or after a hike. Awaroa Beach is peaceful and relaxing, with shallow, warm waters great for swimming. You can spot different coastal birds flying above and nesting at the beach. There are no facilities or restaurants nearby, and the nearest campground is an hour and a half walk away from the beach; bring everything you might need, especially food and water.
Tahunanui Beach, Nelson
Address – Tahunanui Beach, Tahunanui Drive, Tahunanui, Nelson 7011, New Zealand
Google Maps Link – 41°16’43.0″S 173°14’31.1″E
Tahunanui Beach is located in Nelson, a city on the northern coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Long and extensive, this white sandy coast is a popular spot to spend a nice and fun holiday, or to just walk, sunbathe and relax admiring the stunning view. The water is shallow and safe for everyone to swim, and there are many attractions in the area, such as a skate park, a zoo, trampolines, waterslides, volleyball nets and tennis courts, among many other activities. You can find a small bar/cafe next to the parking lot, as well as some ice cream vendors, and there are barbecue and picnic areas along the beach. This is a favorite spot among locals and tourists, and it can be busy during weekends; you can walk to the far left side of the beach to find a quiet and serene spot.
The Best Beaches in Waikato Region
New Chums Beach, Waikato
Address – New Chums Beach, Waikato, New Zealand
Google Maps Link – 36°41’52.7″S 175°36’22.4″E
New Chums Beach is located in Waikato, on the northern coast of the North Island of New Zealand. This wide, pristine beach, with its soft white sand and shallow waters, is backdropped with a verdant forest, giving off stunning views wherever you look. To arrive at the beach, you need to walk for around 30 minutes from the car park, passing through a river and the forest. Besides, you can hike up one of the hills at the beach to admire the beautiful view; it is the perfect place for nature lovers! Being so secluded, not many people visit the beach, leaving it peaceful and quiet. However, there are no facilities or places to dine; bring your own food, water, and all supplies you might need.
Ngarunui Beach, Raglan
Address – Ngarunui Beach, Raglan, New Zealand
Google Maps Link – 37°49’06.7″S 174°49’42.2″E
Ngarunui Beach is located in Raglan, on the western coast of the North Island of New Zealand. An extensive, black sandy beach, backdropped with verdant hills, and offering breathtaking coastal views. The waves are known for being strong, unsafe for swimming but perfect for surfing; besides, there are lifeguards on duty. To arrive at the beach, you need to walk down the hill, from where you get the most beautiful view. The beach is dog-friendly, but bring your dog early in the morning to avoid the hot sands in the afternoon sun. There are no restaurants in the area, but the beach is great for picnics; bring your own food.
The Best Beaches in Wellington Region
Waikānae Beach, Waikanae
Address – Waikānae Beach, Wellington, New Zealand
Google Maps Link – 40°51’21.3″S 175°01’48.6″E
Waikānae Beach is located in Waikanae, a town on the southwestern coast of the North Island of New Zealand. This long and unspoiled beach offers a sandy coast for walking and sunbathing, with stunning sunsets and a peaceful atmosphere. The water is calm and safe for swimming, and the area surrounding the beach is just as stunning as the coast, and perfect for photography. You can find a few restaurants, stores and accommodation along the beach and around the town. It never gets crowded or busy here, and the atmosphere is always serene and perfect to relax and disconnect.
Titāhi Bay Beach, Porirua
Address – Titāhi Bay Beach, 12 Beach Road, Titahi Bay, Porirua 5022, New Zealand
Google Maps Link – 41°06’20.2″S 174°50’09.2″E
Titāhi Bay Beach is located in Porirua, a city on the southwestern coast of the North Island of New Zealand. This extensive, dog-friendly beach is a lovely spot for a nice family outing, with stunning views and a quiet atmosphere. The water is calm, with small waves for swimming and playing, and the long coast is great for walking and sunbathing; a highlight of the beach are the colorful boat houses lined up to the left and right ends of the beach, which are a favorite spot for photography. You can find a few restaurants, cafes, stores and accommodation around the area, just a short walk away from the beach.