Beaches in New Zealand
3 Most popular beaches in New Zealand
- Maitai Bay: This heart-shaped bay is made up of two beaches: Maitai and Waikato. The curved, protective nature of the bay makes Maitai perfect for swimming and watersports such as paddleboarding and kayaking. The soft sands are perfect for sunbathing or sampling some of the best wines from the nearby Karikari estate.
- Maunganui Beach: The fact that the locals shortened the name of this beach and its surrounding town to “The Mount” should give you an idea as to just how relaxed the atmosphere is at Maunganui Beach. Consistently voted one of the best beaches in the country for its sand, swells, and amenities, Maunganui is perfect for all ages. If you want to see all that this beach has to offer, you can even take a small hike up the nearby Mauao to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.
- Ninety Mile Beach: Don’t let the name fool you. Ninety Mile Beach is 55 miles (88 km) long. It is more than enough beach for everybody, especially as it can be used as a highway by 4x4 vehicles. If you’re not driving across it, Ninety Mile Beach is perfect for active and adventurous travelers who wish to horseback ride, walk, surf, bodyboard, and much more.
Highlights of New Zealand Beach Tours
- Brave the black sands of Piha Beach, just an hour away from the city of Auckland. Sunbathe or relax on these interestingly colored sands, or take to the sea for some of the biggest waves. Further inland, you can enjoy the nature trails and the surrounding native forest.
- Explore the breathtaking rock formations of Cathedral Cove, one of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand, by kayak. This stunning spot has also been featured in films and music videos.
- Lay out your towel on Ōhope Beach, which consistently gets the most sunshine out of any beach in the country. The white sands and temperate waters make this destination perfect for a family beach trip.
- Find your adventurous side with various watersports and beachside activities on offer on beaches in New Zealand. Choices range from horseback riding to kayaking to kitesurfing and dune buggy drives.
- Strip off and enjoy the surf at nude beaches in New Zealand. Some of the best include Ladies Bay Beach, which despite its name is open to everyone, and Breaker Bay, not far from the capital city of Wellington.
- Grab your shovels and make your very own heated swimming pool on Hot Water Beach. Naturally heated mineral water bubbles up from beneath the sand to create your very own beachside spa.
Travel Tips for Beach Tours in New Zealand
- Plan your itinerary wisely and allow for ample travel time if you intend to see beaches up and down the country on your New Zealand trip. A lot of the roads off the main highways can be winding and slow, and you could easily miss the best time of the day to catch some rays if you are not careful!
- Have proof of your return or onward travel before setting off on your New Zealand beach adventure. Although the people are incredibly welcoming, immigration and travel requirements need you to fill out an Electronic Travel Authority before entering the country, which you can do online before your trip.
- Prioritizing the beaches can be a great way to save money during your holiday in New Zealand. Stretch your budget further by buying food for picnics at local grocery stores rather than buying out at nearby cafes and restaurants.
- Book your beach holiday during the shoulder seasons of March to May or September to November for good weather and affordable rates.
- Be respectful of the local people and wildlife on your beach tour of New Zealand, as the country has a very delicate ecosystem. Do not litter and always dispose of waste at designated sites.