Last Updated At: 02-Nov-2023

20 Best Beaches in New Zealand You Must Visit

The beaches of New Zealand are among the country's top tourist attractions. The nation's coastline is a beach lover's paradise, from the fine sands of Awaroa Beach to the alluring waters surrounding Kaiwhakauka Bay. New Zealand's beaches provide a varied and enthralling experience, whether looking for the purest waters, exhilarating surf, or quiet coves. One of the best family-friendly beaches in New Zealand is Orewa Beach, situated on the Hibiscus Coast. Its gentle waves and excellent amenities make it a perfect choice for a sandcastle building and picnicking day.

Surfers flock to New Zealand's shores for the ultimate ride on the waves. Piha Beach on Auckland's west coast is famous if you're searching for the best New Zealand beaches for surfing. Surfers from around the world visit for its tremendous surf and famous waves.

Top Beaches in New Zealand | Must-visit Beaches of New Zealand

These top 10 secluded beaches in New Zealand are perfect for those seeking tranquillity and unspoiled beauty. Our guide to the best beaches in New Zealand near Auckland can direct you to these legendary surf spots and more.

Te Henga (Bethells Beach) | Bethells Bliss
Wharariki Beach | Rocks & Waves Retreat
New Chums Beach | Hidden Gem Haven
Anapai Beach | Golden Tranquillity
Oke Bay | Serene Shores Sanctuary
Cape Reinga | Endless Horizon Haven
Masons Bay (Stewart Island) | Wilderness Retreat
Matapouri Bay | Nature's Embrace Cove
Kaiwhakauka Bay | Secret Serenity Shore
Spirits Bay | Mystic Waters Oasis
Piha Beach | Surfers Paradise
Awaroa Beach | Secluded Sands
Ninety Mile Beach | Golden Stretch Paradise
Cathedral Cove | Archway to Serenity
Maunganui Beach, Bay of Plenty | Mount Blissful Beach

1. Te Henga (Bethells Beach) | Bethells Bliss

Bethells Beach, also known as Te Henga, is a stunning and untamed section of shoreline on Auckland's west coast. The towering dunes, rough black sand, and crashing surf make it a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts. You may explore the dunes, go swimming, or relax in the serene surroundings where the Waitakere River and the Tasman Sea converge.

Things to do: Surfing, exploring dunes, bush walks, picnicking.
Famous for: Rugged beauty, towering dunes, and Waitakere River.

2. Wharariki Beach | Rocks & Waves Retreat

Wharariki Beach is a remote and breathtaking location that can be found on the South Island. It is well recognised for its enormous rock formations and an atmosphere of seclusion that leaves you feeling like you are on the end of the earth. You may see the famous Archway Islands and magnificent sunsets at this hidden gem, which is reached after a stroll through farms and sand dunes.

Things to do: Exploring sea caves, seal colony visits, stunning sunsets.
Famous for: Dramatic rock formations and being home to a seal nursery.

3. New Chums Beach | Hidden Gem Haven

New Chums Beach is a natural refuge on the Coromandel Peninsula and is reachable by a lovely forest route. It's a sanctuary for people seeking solitude and unspoiled beauty, with golden dunes, clean waterways, and rich native vegetation.

Things to do: Pristine and secluded, accessible via a coastal walk.
Famous for: Being a hidden gem with minimal development.

4. Anapai Beach | Golden Tranquillity

Anapai Beach is a lovely location on the South Island's northern coast and part of the Abel Tasman National Park. Kayaking, snorkelling, and clear seas are all great here. The verdant surroundings and beautiful shores offer a tranquil refuge.

Things to do: Hiking, camping, swimming in crystal-clear waters.
Famous for: Part of the stunning Abel Tasman National Park.

5. Oke Bay | Serene Shores Sanctuary

Oke Bay is a tranquil, undeveloped beach that may be found in the Bay of Islands. The calm waters and soft waves are ideal for swimming and picnicking. On Urupukapuka Island, the beach is a hidden gem where you can relax and enjoy peace.

Things to do: Calm swimming, kayaking, exploring native forests.
Famous for: Tranquil and secluded beauty on the Bay of Islands.

6. Cape Reinga | Endless Horizon Haven

Despite not being a beach in the conventional sense, Cape Reinga is an essential and beautiful coastal location. The Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean merge at New Zealand's northern point. Standing tall, the Cape Reinga Lighthouse provides stunning views of the deep ocean and the well-known pohutukawa tree.

Things to do: Visit the iconic lighthouse, view the two seas meeting, and learn about Maori culture.
Famous for: The spiritual significance of where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet.

7. Masons Bay (Stewart Island) | Wilderness Retreat

Masons Bay (Stewart Island): The unspoiled beauty of New Zealand is best exemplified by Masons Bay, an isolated beach on Stewart Island. It is the perfect location for birding and strolls along the vast sandy shoreline because it is surrounded by native woodland.

Things to do: Remote and rugged, ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting.
Famous for: Being one of New Zealand's most remote and untouched beaches.

8. Matapouri Bay | Nature's Embrace Cove

Matapouri Bay is a family-friendly beach in Northland that is renowned for its secure swimming environment. It's a well-liked vacation spot for people looking for leisure and natural wonders because of the sandy coves, crystal-clear waters, and Mermaid Pools.

Things to do: Snorkelling, swimming, exploring the "Mermaid Pools."
Famous for: Its clear waters and unique natural rock pools.

9. Kaiwhakauka Bay | Secret Serenity Shore

Kaiwhakauka Bay: This magnificent nature retreat is in the South Island's Fiordland National Park. It's an untouched jewel where you can experience the untamed beauty of New Zealand's southern coast and is reachable via a strenuous walk or by boat.

Things to do: Remote, accessible via tramping, offers solitude.
Famous for: A hidden gem for those who love untouched nature.

10. Spirits Bay | Mystic Waters Oasis

A place of great spiritual significance to the Maori, Spirits Bay is situated in the Far North. The beach is a location of deep meaning and unmatched natural beauty thanks to its crystal-clear waves, rare shell fragments, and a sense of cultural history.

Things to do: Cultural significance, serene beauty, exploring the coastline.
Famous for: Being a sacred site in Maori culture and its pristine coastline.

11. Piha Beach | Surfers Paradise

Located on Auckland's west coast, Piha Beach is well-known for its strong surf, dark sand, and recognisable Lion Rock. Surfers and beach lovers are drawn to it. For breathtaking views of the Tasman Sea, you may also hike the neighbouring paths, such as the peak of Lion Rock.

Things to do: Surfing, hiking to Lion Rock, exploring the Waitakere Ranges.
Famous for: Its rugged black sand and strong surf, iconic Lion Rock.

12. Awaroa Beach | Secluded Sands

Abel Tasman National Park's Awaroa Beach is a paradisiacal stretch of golden sand. Its tranquil beauty is complemented by the bright native trees and crystal-clear waters, and it is reachable by boat or on foot. It offers lovers of nature a peaceful retreat.

Things to do: Kayaking, beachcombing, and exploring nearby Abel Tasman National Park.
Famous for: Part of Abel Tasman National Park, its golden sands and stunning landscapes.

13. Ninety Mile Beach | Golden Stretch Paradise

Contrary to its name, Ninety Mile Beach is an extended land in Canada's Far North, well known for its unending golden sands. It's ideal for driving, sandboarding, and taking the breathtaking Tasman Sea sunsets.

Things to do: Drive along the beach, fishing, dune boarding.
Famous for: Its length, around 55 miles, and activities like driving and sandboarding.

14. Cathedral Cove | Archway to Serenity

Cathedral Cove is a distinctive beach with a built-in archway that resembles a cathedral by the sea. It is situated on the Coromandel Peninsula. You may reach this lovely location, which offers a stunning view of the cove and Te Hoho Rock, by hiking through native bush.

Things to do: Kayaking, hiking, exploring the iconic natural archway.
Famous for: The stunning natural archway and picturesque surroundings.

15. Maunganui Beach, Bay of Plenty | Mount Blissful Beach

Maunganui Beach in the Bay of Plenty is a well-liked vacation spot recognised for its excellent surf and welcoming ambience. Beachgoers can enjoy the famed Mount Maunganui as a gorgeous backdrop, and the surrounding town has a wide selection of services and restaurants. It's an excellent location for relaxing and enjoying seaside activities.

Things to do: Surfing, hiking to the summit of Mount Maunganui, sunbathing.
Famous for: Its iconic Mount Maunganui and beautiful sandy shores.

New Zealand beaches with the clearest water offer a mesmerising experience for those seeking a pristine coastal escape. Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula is a prime example, with its squeaky-clean waters displaying vibrant marine life. Similarly, Awaroa Beach in Abel Tasman National Park boasts crystal-clear waters that invite swimmers to a refreshing dip. From the wild and rugged to the tranquil and family-friendly, each of these New Zealand beaches offers a distinctive experience while highlighting the exceptional natural beauty of the country's coastline. To explore more of these aquatic gems, our best New Zealand beaches guide PDF is your ultimate resource. Plan your vacation today with Adotrip and embark on this unforgettable journey. Enjoy a wealth of information and end-to-end travel assistance and book Flights, Hotels, and Tour Packages under one roof.

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