Best Beaches in New Zealand That You Shouldn’t Miss

New Zealand beaches are attractive with their sandy shores and turquoise blue waters. It is practically impossible to stay away from them when you travel to New Zealand. You might wonder which beaches to visit when you are on a trip; we got you. We have crafted the best beaches in New Zealand to give you the most memorable holiday. What are you waiting for?

1. The Ninety Mile Beach

This claims to be one of the longest of New Zealand beaches. Called the Ninety Mile Beach, it is actually just 64 miles long. But does it matter when the golden sands are the best ever?! The beach is marked with grassy sand dunes and bordered by the pine forests of Aupori. Interestingly, the beach is one of New Zealand’s highways – watch out for tour buses, cars and bikes race through the sands. Ninety Mile is the perfect place for adventurous souls – You can swim or surf or even sled down the Te Paki dunes here.

Where: Cape Reinga, North Island

Check Out: The Snapper Classic annual surf casting competition, held in February.

2. Hot Water Beach

We’ll give you insider information on this beach. Read up on tide information and arrive hours before or after low tide. Bring along shovels, sunscreen, towels and buckets. Wondering why the shovels and buckets? The coastal springs at the Hot Water beach are one of a kind. The water comes up through the sands, warm and full of healthy minerals. So you can dig up your own little spa pool with the shovels. Got your wade pool ready? Just plunge in and get your free natural spa. And yes, the water can be pretty hot. So the buckets come in handy to mix in some cold ocean water to your spa. Enjoy till the waves come in and wash up the fun! 

Where: Coromandel Peninsula

Check Out: Cathedral Cove is where the Chronicles of Narnia movie was filmed. Accessible by kayak or by foot.

3. Muriwai

Muriwai is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular black sand beaches. The rugged beach goes to around 60 kilometres, broken in between by small rivers and tall cliffs. Explore one of the trails along the cliffs and visit the cliff top colonies of gannets. Thousands of these birds nest atop the cliffs; quite a sight to see. Muriwai boasts of a boardwalk along the coastline; take a stroll and enjoy the views of the wild waves. Talking of waves, take up a surfing class on this popular surf spot and have an adventure. Want more sedate activities? Look onto the sea and play a round of golf in the nearby golf course.

Where: Auckland

Check Out: Not too far away is a great place to swim. Lake Wainamu is a little hidden gem you shouldn’t miss.

4. Bethells Beach

If Muriwai was vast and rugged, Bethells or Te Henga is a small and cosy little beach. Bethells is one of the lesser known New Zealand beaches, making it a favourite among celebrities and locals. Shallow lagoons and walking tracks makes this beach one of the more beautiful beaches of New Zealand. The Maori name ‘Te Henga’ translates to ‘sand’ And the best part is that it’s not far from the city center—a 45 minute drive from Auckland. 

Where: Auckland

Check Out: Bethells beach is known for rock fishing and surfing. Resorts and golf courses abound.

5. Piha Beach

Piha is not for the casual swimmer or sunbather. Piha is the best surfing destination of all the New Zealand beaches. The beach is guarded on one side by the Lion Rock and on the other by the green Waitakere Ranges. A popular beach in New Zealand, Piha still retains a mysterious charm, is known for its wild moods and is definitely not for the faint hearted. Talking of adventure, New Zealand is the best place to be in 

Where: Auckland

Check out: The Piha Music Festival is held every November. The Titirangi Village Market is a great place to experience culture.

6. Karekare Beach

Another black sand beach, but this one is definitely not as crowded as neighbouring Piha. For the beach bummers who prefer their quiet, Karekare is the place for you. Peaceful as it is, the waters here are pretty wild. The annual beach race day at Karekare, in which horses and ponies participate, attracts a good crowd. It is part of the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park. Therefore, one of the best New Zealand beaches to offer great trails to explore the wilderness.

Where: Auckland

Check Out: Karekare waterfall, not too far from the main beach, is known as ‘Te Ahpaho’ or ‘Long white thread’.

7. Allans Beach

Allans beach is probably one of the best in South Island, but also one of those which is mostly overlooked by tourists. A good reason to check it out. Another reason to visit Allans Beach is its scenic views. It is set amidst jagged cliffs, the quiet stretch of sand, which is a beautiful sight. If you can time your visit to dusk, you will get to see the yellow-eyed penguins returning to their homes among the dune grass. It is one of the breathtaking parts of New Zealand you shouldn’t miss.

Where: Dunedin

Check Out: Go on a walk of the Otago Peninsula to get best views of the coast and wildlife too. 

8. Raglan Beach

Raglan is the surfing paradise of New Zealand. The beach town located in New Zealand’s North Island is a short and scenic 45 minute drive from Hamilton. While it helps to be a surfer, Raglan is also for the laid back tourist looking for a break from the bustling city. Sit back with a cup of coffee and take in the unique culture of Raglan.

Where: North Island

Check Out: The Bridal Veil Falls is a 55m one that you can climb up to. More adventure? Try Mount Karioi or even better hike the Te Toto Gorge Track for some Maori heritage.

9. Anchorage

The Abel Tasman National Park in New Zealand boasts of beaches, forests and incomparable natural beauty. Anchorage is one of the best beaches of this region. Describing this stretch of beach would be easy—golden sands, more golden sands, blue waters—all this bordered by lush green forest land. If this seems inviting, then Anchorage is where you should be. The campsite at Anchorage is not accessible by road; you can either walk your way in or do a kayak trip. You can add this to your New Zealand package to enhance your experience. 

Where: Abel Tasman National Park

Check Out: Camp out and watch the stars or take a short trip to the magical Cleopatra’s Pool.

10. Waimarama Beach

Waimarama is a beautiful blend of beaches and Maori culture. Drive past the Craggy Range winery and hit the golden sands of this East Coast beach. Among all New Zealand beaches, it covets the ‘favoured weekend picnic spot’ spot, complete with a surfing hub of its own. Great place to practice your angling skills—Waitmarama’s Pipi and Crayfish catches are well known.

Where: Havelock North

Check Out: Hakikino fortress is where Maori culture still lives. Take a tour of this historic site and interact with the people living there. But before you go, do learn more about the Maori’s here. 

You are only a few miles away from your dream destination. You know what? It is never too late to plan your New Zealand honeymoon package with Pickyourtrail to avail the best inclusions. Get ready to breathe in the fresh air of New Zealand. Take the flights and relax on the shores of your dream destination.