Although blessed with miles of stunning coastline, the weather in New Zealand means swimming at beaches is not a year round activity like many other Pacific Islands.
In summer though, beaches are very popular all over the country, and there is the full range of options.
Northland, Auckland, the Hauraki Gulf, and Coromandel offer some great beaches, great swimming, and a warmer climate. The black sand beaches (Piha, Muriwai) on Auckland’s west coast are very popular, but they are also very rough and dangerous for swimming. This does not stop people however, and the local beach patrol saves many people from the surf every year.
On Auckland’s east coast, North Shore beaches are much more sheltered and calm, and great for families. Takapuna beach, and Arkles Bay in Whangaparoa are just two of many nice beaches in the Auckland area.
The remote coastlines of Northland and Coromandel are also home to some stunning beaches. In Northland, the sand can be very fine and soft, and the beaches around the Karikari Peninsular (e.g. Matai Bay) and Whangarei are particularly nice. Ninety Mile Beach is also great for trekking. In Coromandel, Cathedral Cove and Hahei are beautiful, and Hot Water Beach is unique in that you can dig yourself your own thermal hot pool in the sand.
The great beaches continue all around the coast, through the Bay of Plenty, the East Coast, and to the Napier region.
Away from the cities, it is not hard to find a beach all to yourself in New Zealand, but you do need to be careful about swimming, as rips are common, and the surf can be dangerous.
Further south, the supply of gorgeous beaches doesn’t stop, but in some places the weather can be a little cooler. Christchurch gets very hot in summer though, and Sumner, Brighton, and Taylors Mistake are all popular. In the Nelson region, and the Abel Tasman National Park, there are also magnificent beaches and a great climate. Kaiteriteri Beach is one such gem.
Surfing is also very popular in New Zealand, and the best known surfing spots are:
• Mangawhai, Auckland
• Piha and Muriwai, Auckland
• Manu Bay, Raglan
• Tairua, Coromandel
• Fitzroy, Taranaki
• Mt Maunganui, Tauranga
• Ocean Beach, Napier
• Lyall Bay, Wellington
• Eastern Christchurch beaches
• St Clair, Dunedin
