The Top 10 most beautiful beaches in New Zealand
New Zealand is known for a breathtaking landscape. From beautiful mountain views to deep jungle adventures and steep cliffs. And in between you will find some of the most stunning beaches in the world. Especially in the North of the country, the tropical beaches are inviting you into a hidden paradise. Some can be found in a beautiful and peaceful bay with a calm and clear blue water while others are rougher and you can watch the power of the waves from the top of the cliffs.
The beaches in New Zealand could not be any more diverse. And each one has its own charm making you fall in love with the country more and more. When travelling through New Zealand, make sure to not miss out on the Top 10 beaches on the North and South Island.
Apple Tree Bay, Abel Tasman National Park – the best beach of New Zealand´ s National Parks
The Abel National Park has a few hidden gems of beaches you need to visit. Some of them are only accessibly by water while others can be reached by foot as well. The National Park is one of the most beautiful areas in the South Island. It is perfect if you are looking to get some time off in the nature and just enjoy at the beach.
The Apple Tree Bay is one of the most stunning beaches in the area. You can either reach it by kayak (going on a kayak tour in the National Park is a must-do) or by foot if you follow the trail to the Apple Tree Bay Campsite.
The bay is quiet and calm and if you are lucky you get to enjoy the beautiful view (almost) all by yourself. You are in the middle of a National Park and one of the remote areas of New Zealand. This is a place to stay and enjoy the moment!
Best for: kayaking, relaxing, swimming
Matauri Bay, Northland – New Zealand´ s treasure of beaches in the tropical North
The Northland holds some of the most unexpected treasures of New Zealand´s beaches. Some travellers and locals also call the area the “tropical North” as you first would not expect to find such beautiful beaches in the country.
One of the absolute favorites is the Matauri Bay. It is relatively big and can only you can reach it by a steep and narrow gravel road down into a little valley. There is a beautiful campsite directly at the beach and you can park for free in the area. The clear blue water and the white sand create a stunning image and it´s hard to leave.
The Matauri Bay is made for a day at the beach and you can spend the night on the campsite.
Best for: swimming, relaxing, camping
Sandy Bay, Northland – a small but beautiful beach in New Zealand
Let´s stay up north and spend another day at a beautiful beach. The Sandy Bay is known to surfers and beach lovers all over New Zealand. With spots to camp directly at the beach, it is a popular area and some travellers come multiple times. The bay is quite big and you can go on long beach walks while watching the surfers catching the waves. There is as well plenty of place to enjoy a relaxed day at the beach or have a picnic with some friends.
Best for: surfing, relaxing, camping
Fletcher Bay, Coromandel Peninsula – one of the hidden & remote beaches in New Zealand
Welcome to one of the remote beaches in New Zealand. The Coromandel Peninsula is known for remote bays, clear blue water and paradise views. If you dare to go a little off road and drive off the beaten path, you should check out the Fletcher Bay.
The Fletcher Bay is located directly at the Eastern top of the Peninsula. You can only reach it by car after quite a long drive over some gravel roads. There are two campsites in the area, one is directly in the Fletcher Bay.
No service, no internet and just yourself and nature – that’s what the Fletcher Bay is all about. Stay at the campsite and spend a night in the Bay. The beautiful view of the water and the bay surrounded by green hills is a typical Coromandel sight.
This is a little secret tip for anyone, who wants to get their most out of their New Zealand adventure and not miss out on any of these beautiful beaches. And the drive is totally worth it!
Best for: swimming, camping, hiking
Tunnel Beach, Dunedin – showing the wild beaches in New Zealand
A beach with a totally different atmosphere is the Tunnel Beach. The beach is located a little outside of the city Dunedin on the South Island in Otago. The beach got its name due to the amazing rock formation which has been shaped like a tunnel.
You can either get down to the beach to stand in between the impressive cliffs or watch the power of the waves from above. The beach is not suitable for swimming but rather a place to come and witness the power of nature.
To reach the beach, follow the signs out of Dunedin to the parking lot. From here, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the beach by foot.
Best for: hiking, watching the waves (no swimming!)
Matapouri, Northland – a place to stay
Matapouri is located a little North of Whangerei. The cute little town is mainly known for the great beaches in the area. The Matapouri Bay looks like out of a fairytale. The clear blue water, the wide beach and the view over the coast will make you fall in love instantly.
You can easily do this as a day trip from the Auckland area or stay in Matapouri for some days. Just enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and get some quality time at the beach.
Best for: relaxing, swimming
Piha Beach, Auckland – New Zealand´ s Black Beach
The Piha Beach is one of the best beaches you can visit from Auckland. Even though it is located outside the city, many travellers visit on a day trip from Auckland. Piha Beach is known among the surfers and popular for its dark black sand. The black sand is one of the reasons why the beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand and therefore brings you a completely new perspective.
You can climb up the Lions Rock on the beach to get the view from above and watch the waves come in. Or you can enjoy a long walk along the beach and feel the black sand under your toes.
The area and the landscape of Piha Beach is unique in New Zealand and therefore it is, for some travellers, the best beach to visit in the area. Make sure to not miss out on it!
Best for: surfing, going on walks
Elliot Bay, Russel, Bay of Islands (a total gem of beaches in New Zealand)
This is an exclusive secret tip for a unique beach in New Zealand. The Bay of Islands is a beautiful area in the Northland with countless hidden bays looking straight like out of paradise. It is located close to Russel, a cute little village which can be reached by the car ferry from Opua.
Elliot Bay is a hidden bay in a remote area with little to no service or population. There are a few houses and you will meet some travellers in their van but apart from that, it´s just you and nature. The bay is quiet and peaceful and you ideal for a swim or simply enjoy the view from the beach. The bay is well-known to surfers and beach lovers in the area.
In 2020, the public access was threatened due to a purchase of the land.
Thanks to fundraisers and the active support of the locals, the Elliot Bay can still be accessed by the public and you can enjoy this incredibly place in nature.
It is places like the Elliot Bay who will make you realize how special New Zealand is and how many hidden places you will discover while travelling the country.
Best for: surfing, hiking, relaxing, swimming
Papamoa Beach, Tauranga – one of New Zealand´ s surfer beaches
This is the place to be, the best beach in New Zealand for surfers. From beginners to professionals, the beach is made for surfing. The city Tauranga is a hotspot for surfers from all over the world and on the beach, you will not only see many surf lessons, but as well competitions and much more.
The Papamoa Beach is the main beach of the city reaching all the way from Papamoa to the foot of Mount Maunganui. It is perfect for a long beach walk, some sports or simply enjoying the view. If you have always dreamt of learning how to surf and hit the waves yourself, this could be your chance.
Best for: surfing, walking on the beach, relaxing
Lonely Bay, Coromandel –
Lonely Bay is a small beach. It is not as popular as some of the others on the list of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand. And that´s exactly why you need to visit the Bay.
It is located next to the well-known Cooks Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. But instead of following the crowd, you should spend the day in the remote Lonely Bay. It can be reached from the city of Whitianga either by ferry or you drive all the way over Highway 25.
Lonely Bay can be a lonely beach. It is quite small and not all travellers and tourists know about the bay. As most people choose the Cooks Beach, you can (with some luck) enjoy the bay all by yourself. There are some rocks to climb on to get a better view of the area and you can go for a refreshing swim in the mostly calm ocean.
Best for: relaxing, swimming, snorkeling
How to best travel to all the beaches in New Zealand
The best way to visit all the different beaches is by going on a road trip through the country. Not convinced yet? Check out The Top 10 reasons on why you need to go on a road trip through New Zealand.
