Beaches

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With around 15,000 kilometres of coastline and more than 25 marine reserves, ocean-scented scenery is entwined with New Zealand’s outdoorsy way of life.

Popular North Island beaches

Pack your sandals, shorts and sunblock, and always be prepared for spontaneous picnics. Wherever you are in the North Island, you’re never far from a day at the beach.

Discover South Island beaches

New Zealand knows all the moods of the sea. Whether you're looking for solitude, adventure or breathtaking views, South Island beaches are nature's gift to those seeking an unforgettable coastal escape. 

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Recommended experiences

  1. Hot Water Beach

    Coromandel

    Coromandel

    • tnz-car 30 min from Whitianga
    • tnz-car 1 hr from Coromandel Town
    • tnz-car 2 hr 20 min from Auckland

    Hot Water Beach is a must do when you are visiting The Coromandel. Dig your own hot pool just metres from the Pacific Ocean. Read on to learn more about Hot Water Beach.

  2. Ōhope Beach and Ōhiwa Harbour

    Bay of Plenty

    Bay of Plenty

    Luxuriate in the sun, sea and sand on beautiful Ōhope Beach or paddle a kayak around the bird nesting sites of Ōhiwa Harbour.

  3. Auckland's North Shore beaches

    Auckland

    Auckland

    Dip your toes into the North Shore's beachy lifestyle. A series of sandy bays stretches from Cheltenham to Torbay.

  4. Paparoa Beach Hideaway and Hot Tub

    West Coast

    West Coast

    Paparoa Beach Hideaway is a great place to hide away from your busy life or just sink into an indulgent holiday with loved ones and friends offering you privacy and seclusion. Enjoy a soak in the Cedar Hot Tub and Sunset on sea views.

  5. Onemana Beach

    Coromandel

    Coromandel

    Onemana Beach is a little gem of coastal paradise - it's likely you will love it so much you won't want to leave.

  6. Auckland's West Coast Beaches

    Auckland

    Auckland

    Auckland’s wild west is renowned for its rugged beauty; this is where the Tasman Sea's mighty surf crashes onto vast black-sand beaches.

  7. Tunnel Beach Walkway

    Dunedin

    GRADE: EASY

    Dunedin

    GRADE: EASY

    1 Hour (return) — 2 km

    • tnz-car 11 mins from Dunedin

    Explore the sea-carved sandstone cliffs, rock arches and caves at Tunnel Beach; look for fossils as you descend through the pioneers' hand-carved tunnel.

  8. Oreti Beach and Sandy Point

    Southland

    Southland

    Oreti Beach was Burt Munro's race track - a 26 kilometre stretch of perfectly smooth sand.