The Most Breathtaking Beaches We’ve Seen in New Zealand
Real Insights from Real Writers
With around 15,000 km (9,320 mi) of coastline, it was hard to know when to end this list of New Zealand’s stunning beaches.
You are spoiled for choice of sandy beaches in Abel Tasman, Stewart Island and the Bay of Islands, while regions like Hawke’s Bay, Fiordland and Auckland have some real hidden gems.
We try to cover all types of beaches on this list with tree-lined beaches, warm swimming beaches, rugged beaches, surf beaches and more. Furthermore, many beaches are known for their surf breaks, rock formations or for simply being pristine.
Everyone has a favourite beach in New Zealand, so share yours with us on one of our social media channels!
So, without further ado, here are what we consider some of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches!
Side note: Our beach recommendations come from experienced travel writers who have visited these beaches, as well as a few recommendations from readers we couldn’t ignore. Scroll to the bottom of the page to learn more about us.
Table of Contents
1. Cathedral Cove
Topping our list of the most stunning New Zealand beaches is Cathedral Cove.
Let’s start with the beach that features in every brochure, every Instagram feed, and everything you can think of to do with New Zealand landscapes. Cathedral Cove also features in The Chronicles of Narnia, as well as a few music videos.
The beautiful rock formations can be explored by kayak, walking or boat tours.
Location: Grange Road, Hahei, Coromandel, North Island. Note that parking is not permitted at Grange Road. Paid car parking is available at Cathedral Cove Adventures, 150 Lees Road, Hahei.
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Medlands Beach
It’s hard to avoid the Abel Tasman National Park when talking about New Zealand beaches. It’s hard to even pick out standout beaches in the Abel Tasman National Park – a national park famous for its golden sand beaches backed with native forests – but we’ll give it a go.
One of the many mind-blowing beaches in the Abel Tasman National Park is Medlands Beach. It’s small yet often secluded, making it a perfect spot for lunch when kayaking or doing the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
Location: Abel Tasman Coastal Track, Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Tasman, South Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Awaroa Inlet
Another Abel Tasman classic, Awaroa Inlet is a series of beaches that change with the tide.
If you are doing the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, be sure to cross the Awaroa Inlet at low tide. Otherwise, water taxis are available (mostly in summer) to take you across the water.
Location: Abel Tasman Coastal Track, Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Tasman, South Island.
© www.nelsontasman.nz4. Ninety Mile Beach
It’s not actually 90 miles. It’s more like 55 miles. Ninety Mile Beach has a lot to offer, considering its size.
First and foremost, this stretch of beach is used for driving on, as it’s actually a registered highway.
Second, there are some awesome locations for sand dune boarding, most popularly at Te Paki Stream.
Most travellers access Ninety Mile Beach through bus tours, by staying in Ahipara or via the Te Paki Coastal Track.
Location: Ahipara, Northland, North Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com5. Sandfly Bay
And another Abel Tasman beach… This one is another accessed by water taxi or the Abel Tasman Coastal Track.
Water taxis into Abel Tasman National Park operate from Kaiteriteri and Marahau.
Its unspoiled beauty makes Sandfly Bay one of the most stunning New Zealand beaches, despite the unappealing name.
FYI, we haven’t personally had issues with sandflies when we visited, but you can always prepare with the 10 Ways to Stop Sandfly Bites.
Location: Abel Tasman Coastal Track, Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Tasman, South Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Torrent Bay
This long-stretching beach in the, you guessed it, Abel Tasman National Park is a warm swimming spot and popular drop-off point for water taxis in the Abel Tasman National Park.
Find out more about exploring this national park in the 10 Must-Dos in the Abel Tasman National Park.
Location: Abel Tasman Coastal Track, Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Tasman, South Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Bark Bay
… Ok, one more. We swear this is the last one we will mention in the Abel Tasman National Park.
Bark Bay is particularly epic as it has a campsite and Great Walk Hut at the back of the beach.
Imagine waking up to a sunrise on this beautiful New Zealand beach…
Location: Abel Tasman Coastal Track, Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Tasman, South Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Onetangi Beach
Waiheke Island is home to many beautiful beaches. What’s more, it’s just a quick ferry journey from Auckland.
Once you arrive at the ferry building in Waiheke, take the bus or hire a bike to reach Onetangi Beach in, well, Onetangi.
Location: Onetangi, Waiheke Island, Auckland, North Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Piha Beach
With rugged coastal cliffs, “Lions Rock” and black sand, Piha Beach is a favourite with local Aucklanders.
It’s also a super popular surf spot, but there are dangerous rips, so if you’re new to surfing, be sure to go out with an instructor.
We also love the fact that Piha Beach is one of Auckland’s amazing black sand beaches, adding a dash of uniqueness.
With all that in mind, Piha Beach is one of the most frequented beaches in New Zealand.
Location: Piha, Waitakere Ranges, Auckland, North Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Hot Water Beach
What makes Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel so awesome is in the name: dig your own hot water pool!
Yes, at low tide, a section of the beach becomes exposed where a hot water spring runs under the sand. Dig up the sand and find the hot water beneath.
The best way to describe where the spot is is to take the Pa Walkway near the Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park, turn left when on the beach, and then dig between the small rocky island and the rocky cliff on the beach.
Or just dig where everyone else is digging…
Location: Pye Place or Hot Water Beach Road, Hahei, Coromandel, North Island.
11. Ngarunui Beach
Raglan‘s (and New Zealand’s) most popular surf spot is Ngarunui Beach.
It’s the surf capital of New Zealand with consistent waves. We also love the black volcanic sand!
Find out more about where the best breaks are in 10 Places to Surf on the North Island.
Location: Raglan, Waikato, North Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com12. Waimarama Beach
Enjoy warm swimming with a deep low tide at Waimarama Beach.
Waimarama Beach is one of the many hidden gems of Hawke’s Bay.
There are so many good beaches in this North Island region that we put together this whole other list of 10 Beautiful Beaches in Hawke’s Bay.
Location: Waimarama, Hawke’s Bay, North Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com13. Maitai Bay
Considered one of New Zealand’s jewels, Maitai Bay is hidden on the Karikari Peninsula in the Northland region.
Relax in warm swimming waters in this sheltered bay, which is perfect for any true beach bum.
What’s more, there’s even a campsite, so you have no excuse to leave!
This white sand beach is a local favourite, and in fact, if you ask around Kerikeri and Paihia, it is the “best beach in New Zealand”.
Location: Karikari Peninsula, Northland, North Island.
© David Kirkland - Tourism New Zealand14. Okiwi Bay
Swap sandy beaches for pebbly beaches at Okiwi Bay, which is a super popular destination during the Kiwi holidays. Otherwise, it’s a quiet and isolated bay for the year.
Kayak to the dramatic coastal cliffs, walk the Goat Hill Track or follow the road to French Pass for one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand.
Location: Okiwi Bay, Marlborough, South Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com15. Dead Man Beach
Don’t be put off by the name. This is one of many beautiful beaches within walking distance of Oban on Stewart Island.
Take the eastern coastal track and follow for about 2 hours to reach this usually deserted beach.
More info can be found on 10 Free or Cheap Things to do in Stewart Island.
Location: Oban, Southland, Stewart Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com16. Bathing Beach
Exactly what it says on the tin: this is one of the quiet beaches just minutes away from Stewart Island‘s only town, Oban.
Just walk over the hill on the east side of town and tah-dah!
Location: Oban, Southland, Stewart Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com17. Mission Bay
Mission Bay is one of the closest beaches to Auckland Central.
Either walk or take the bus to Mission Bay and enjoy the water features, barbecues and proximity to bars and restaurants after a long day bathing like a boss.
Plus, this beach has a killer view of Rangitoto Island.
Location: Mission Bay, Auckland, North Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com18. Ohope Beach
The locals will kill us for telling you about this place, but Ohope Beach is one of the most popular beaches for a Kiwi holiday.
The ridiculously long beach has many beachfront accommodations, so if you fancy a beach getaway, this is your place. (We list places to stay in the 10 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Whakatane & Ohope).
While you’re in the area, check out the 15 Best Things to Do in Whakatane & Ohope.
Location: Ohope, Bay of Plenty, North Island.
19. Koekohe Beach
This beach is famous for one thing and one thing only: the Moeraki Boulders.
The perfectly spherical boulders are best seen at low tide. Plus, there are loads of cracked and open boulders to make for some pretty interesting photos.
Find Koekohe Beach between Dunedin and Oamaru on the South Island. Plus, discover more about visiting this beach in The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Moeraki Boulders.
Location: Moeraki, Otago, South Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com20. Wharariki Beach
With more stunning scenery attributed to rock formations, Wharariki Beach is often seen as among some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Arguably, it is also one of the windiest, so it’s best to come here for the scenery rather than the bathing.
Access is via a 20-minute farm track at the end of Wharariki Road.
Location: Wharariki, Golden Bay, Nelson Tasman, South Island.
21. Mt Maunganui Beach
This is the main beach of the seaside resort town of the same name. Mt Maunganui Beach, to locals, is simply known as “Main Beach”.
The beach is ideal for surfing in suitable conditions, paddleboarding and either hiking up Mauao, an extinct volcano at the end of the beach offering stunning views, or exploring the causeway-connected island of Leisure Island.
Find out more in The Complete Guide to Tauranga & Mt Maunganui.
Location: Mt Maunganui, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, North Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com22. Farewell Spit
What makes Farewell Spit a truly unique beach in New Zealand is its longest sand spit in New Zealand. Not only that, it’s one of the country’s most protected areas.
The only way to make your way down the spit is by taking a tour certified by the Department of Conservation, such as Farewell Spit Eco Tours.
Farewell Spit is an ever-changing environment and home to a diverse ecosystem. That’s why we consider it one of the 20 Epic Natural Attractions in Golden Bay.
Location: Farewell Spit, Golden Bay, Nelson Tasman, South Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com23. Tatapouri Beach
New Zealand is one of the first countries in the world to see the sunrise of the new day, particularly in the Gisborne region of the North Island. However, there are so many beaches along this stretch of coast that are well worth seeing the sunrise from.
Nevertheless, we narrowed it down to Tatapouri Beach, not only for the sunrise but also because you can feed wild stingrays with Dive Tatapouri!
Location: Tatapouri, Gisborne, North Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com23. Kawhia Beach
The awkward moment when you realise that Hot Water Beach isn’t so unique. Yes, there is another hot water beach on North Island, which is a real hidden gem.
Kawhia Beach is near the small coastal town of Kawhia. At low tide, walk over the dunes and dig your very own hot pool in the sand.
Check out things to do on the road to Kawhia Beach in the 15 Free Things to Do in Waitomo.
Location: Kawhia Beach, Kawhia, Waikato, North Island.
© NZPocketGuide.com25. Wainui Beach
Popular amongst surfers, Wainui Beach is surrounded by reserves and protected land, making it a must-stop in the Gisborne area.
Location: Gisborne, Tairawhiti Gisborne, North Island.
© NZPocketGuide.comMore About New Zealand Beaches and Landscapes
If New Zealand’s beautiful landscapes have captured your imagination, you’re in for a treat! Our stunning country offers a diverse array of natural wonders that will leave you breathless. From cascading waterfalls to pristine lakes and picturesque bridges, there’s so much more to explore. We’ve handpicked some articles that will inspire your next Kiwi adventure:
- 15 Most Wonderful Waterfalls in New Zealand – Discover the country’s most awe-inspiring cascades
- 10 Mind-Blowing Lakes in New Zealand – Explore our crystal-clear alpine lakes and tranquil coastal lagoons
- 10 Picture Perfect Bridges in New Zealand – Cross some of the most photogenic spans in the country
These articles are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to New Zealand’s natural beauty. So pack your camera, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready to experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth!
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
- Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
