The places, most named first
From the 5 guides that rank for "best beaches in new zealand"
Named by 4 of 51. Hot Water BeachDigging a hole near low tide lets hot spring water fill your own pool.Time it for the two hours either side of low tide, near the rocks at the southern end.
Named by 4 of 52. Ninety Mile BeachThe beach is an official highway, and vehicles can legally drive on it.It is only open to 4WD vehicles and licensed tour buses, and only at low tide.
Named by 4 of 53. Piha BeachBlack iron-sand beach with Lion Rock, known as the country's most famous surfing beach.About a half-hour drive from Auckland; swim only where lifesavers patrol because of rips.
Named by 4 of 54. Cathedral CoveA natural rock arch leads to a golden sand beach with clear water popular for snorkelling.It can be reached on foot, by boat or by kayak.
Named by 3 of 55. Pauanui BeachIt sits across the bay from Tairua; in summer a ferry runs between the two.Described as long, safe, family-oriented summer water.
Named by 2 of 56. Wharariki BeachRemote beach at the far north-west of the South Island, nearly 3 hours from Richmond and Nelson.Seal pups play in tidal pools beneath the Archway Islands.
Named by 2 of 57. Hahei BeachWhite sand and pohutukawa shade, with Cathedral Cove a kayak or walk away.A base for the walk to Cathedral Cove, which takes around 90 minutes in one account.
Named by 2 of 58. KaikouraThe town beach has black sand, and seals and dolphins can often be seen from it.Ohau Point has a roadside seal colony, though it is not a swimming beach.
Named by 2 of 59. Abel Tasman covesGolden quartz sand reachable only on foot or by boat.Awaroa Beach is a secluded beach in Abel Tasman National Park.
10. Kaiteriteri BeachGolden sand and the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand, at the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.You can hike, swim or hire a kayak to paddle the nearby coves.
11. Muriwai BeachBlack iron-sand surf beach stretching 50 kilometres along the Tasman Sea.Gannets can be seen from viewing platforms from August to March.
12. KarekareWide sweep of black sand, quieter than Piha but with rough water.Swimming only between the flags is advised.
13. Medlands BeachWhite sand and clear water on the east coast of Great Barrier Island, with surf all year.The island is a four and a half to five-hour ferry ride from Auckland or a 40-minute flight.
14. Onetangi BeachThe longest beach on Waiheke Island at 2 km, with safe swimming and shade trees.Waiheke is a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland.
15. Mount Maunganui BeachA beach town on the east coast with a mountain hike, restaurants and bars.
16. Papamoa BeachLong stretch of sand just down the road from Mount Maunganui; clams can be dug at low tide.
17. Whale BayKnown for a left-hand point break, five minutes south of Raglan; not for beginner surfers.
18. Coopers BeachGolden sand beach a short walk from the centre of Mangonui.
19. Tapotupotu BeachWhite sand near Cape Reinga, at the country's northern tip, with a campsite.
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When to go
Travel guides most often name February to April as the best time to visit New Zealand.
Questions people ask
- Are there good beaches in New Zealand?
- Yes. The North Island has warm swimming beaches and the South Island has dramatic coast, with black-sand surf beaches on the west.
- Which beaches are good for swimming?
- The upper North Island beaches are warm from December to April, such as Hahei, Pauanui and the Bay of Islands. Swim between the flags.
- What to beware of in New Zealand?
- Rips are the main beach hazard. If caught, float, raise a hand and let it carry you out and along until it weakens.
