Best Beaches in New Zealand for Relaxation and Water Sports
New Zealand is among the most desirable tourist destinations in the world. Thus, if you are looking for a leisure destination filled with diverse landscapes, suitable for a variety of activities, and unique experiences, look no further.
Are you looking for a relaxing experience, or are you seeking adventure? Either way, New Zealand can exquisitely accommodate both. So, prepare your New Zealand e visa for an experience of a lifetime.
From unique beaches where digging a hole in the sand can fill up with natural mineral water to the landscapes you saw Frodo and Samwise trek in The Lord of the Rings, to bungee jumping, skydiving, surfing and kayaking, there is something for everyone in New Zealand.
Why are the beaches in New Zealand special?
New Zealand boasts various beaches ranging from clear white sand and black (volcanic) sand beaches to those with dramatic rocky coastlines.
You can relax on the pristine white sand beaches or use the rocky beaches as your personal adventure playground. Want to soar with the waves? Many shores in this country are a surfer’s paradise.
Summer in New Zealand lasts from December to February. It is the perfect time to visit the country if you love water sports.
Beaches in New Zealand to Relax in
New Zealand’s beach variety can offer up unique experiences for ones who think of beaches as a spot to relax and forget about their daily bustle in life. From the fluorescent Ninety Mile Beach to the stunning Cathedral Cove, here are a few examples of the best Kiwi beaches to relax on.
Ninety Mile Beach, Northland
The Ninety Mile Beach, also known by its official Maori designation, Te Oneroa-a-Tōhē, is a long sandy beach located in the far north of New Zealand’s North Auckland Peninsula.
The beach stretches from Ahipara Bay to Scott Point, which is near the remote Cape Reinga. It is suitable for relaxing activities such as long walks along the shoreline or for driving on the hard-packed sand.
A scenic beach picnic while partaking in fishing for toheroa can also be a suitable experience on the Ninety Mile Beach.
Coromandel Peninsula
This breathtaking beach is known for its pristine hot water beaches as well as misty forests. It is highly sought-after by tourists looking for a place to relax beside nature.
One of the must-visit activities in the Coromandel is relaxation in the naturally-heated mineral waters. On-site day spas are present for a pampering session as well.
Cathedral Cove, Coromandel
Cathedral Cove can be referred to as New Zealand’s most famous patch of sand, and is renowned for its white sand beaches adorned around a picturesque natural archway.
A secluded spot nestled in nature, it is an ideal place for relaxation. Get your New Zealand travel visa today to leave the daily stresses behind.
Karekare Beach, Auckland
The Karekare Beach is a black sand beach situated on the west coast of New Zealand. The volcanic rock formations around the area have led to the creation of the unique black sand.
This beach is famous for long walks, exploring the picturesque landscapes around the area including the cliffs, streams and the Karekare Falls.
The Best New Zealand Beaches for Adventurers
If you are an adventurous soul, many beaches in New Zealand will offer you the experience of a lifetime. Surfing, paddle boarding or swimming are the most popular water sports in these beaches.
Piha Beach, Auckland
Piha Beach is a notable black sand beach in Auckland. This beach is renowned for great surfing activities and it was in this beach that two Californians, Bing Copeland and Rick Stoner introduced modern surfing to New Zealand.
This beach is known for its surfing schools, which help beginner surf enthusiasts learn the sport. The Piha beach also hosts surfing competitions for seasoned surfers and several Surf Lifesaving organisations exist in this location as well, to ensure safety.
Waihi Beach, Bay of Plenty
Waihi is a white sand beach in the Bay of Plenty which is famous among surfers and swimmers. Stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and fishing are also available water sports amenities in the beach.
Waihi Beach also has surf schools accommodating beginners to learn the sport, while also providing accommodations for veteran surfers.
Mount Maunganui Beach, Tauranga
The fame of Mount Maunganui Beach is justified if you look at TripAdvisor’s rating of this beach as the best in New Zealand.
Multi-sports events are held here as well, something to enjoy for people of all ages, beginners in water sports as well as experienced enthusiasts.
This is a must visit place with a New Zealand travel visa.
Ahipara Beach, Northland
Ahipara Beach is situated on Northland’s west coast. The waves of this beach are suitable for surfing, especially for beginners. The soft and flat waves can help learners pick up the basics fast.
The long waves characterizing this beach are also suitable for a variety of water sports, including kite surfing and paddle boarding.
Beaches suited for both leisure and adventure
In case you want to visit New Zealand in a group composed of both leisure-seekers and adventure-seekers, there are beaches that are suited for all members of the group.
Muriwai Beach, Auckland
If you are looking for a beautiful and unspoiled natural environment, the Muriwai Beach is a must-visit destination for you in New Zealand.
If you are looking for a relaxing experience, you can participate in exploration, fishing and visit the beachside cafes. However, this beach provides plenty of options for outdoor activities, such as surfing, kite surfing or surfcasting.
Akaroa Beach, Canterbury
Akaroa Beach is situated in the heart of an ancient volcano and is a hub for experiencing natural beauty as well as adventures.
This historic French settlement offers explorers a look at art, culture and scenic walks alongside stunning views of nature. There are several water sports facilities on this renowned beach for the adrenaline junkie.
Swimming with dolphins, seals and penguins or kayaking and paddle boarding, whichever is your preference, Akaroa has something catered to you.
Which watersports should you experience at New Zealand’s beaches?
The New Zealand beaches can be hubs for experiencing various watersports, suited to different levels of skill.
Surfing: Surfing is the most popular water sports activity in New Zealand. Different beaches organize competitions and experiences for veteran surfers. Most beaches also accommodate surfing schools, where beginners can learn the craft.
Kayaking: Different beaches in New Zealand offer kayaking options as ways of exploring the coastline, travelling to unique islands and land formations on the ocean surface.
Paddle boarding: Paddle boarding is another water sport used for exploration on many New Zealand beaches.
Fishing and surfcasting are other water sport options available for tourists in New Zealand.
Making the most of your New Zealand Beach Vacation
To make the most of your vacation to New Zealand, first ensure that you can seamlessly enter the country and stay there. For that, depending on your nationality, you will require either an approved New Zealand e visa, or if you are from a NZ visa waiver nation, then you will need to get a New Zealand eTA approved.
Make sure to confirm your bookings ahead of time, as December-February is the peak travel time in NZ. So, late bookings might get rejected or cancelled at inopportune moments, ruining your plan.
If you are planning to participate in water sports, then ensure all the necessary safety precautions are taken, and contact the lifesaver agencies or the lifeguards to avoid emergencies.
And do not forget that you must practice cultural sensitivity, respect local traditions and respect the natives, treating members of the Maori tribe sensibly.
Ready to Visit NZ’s Pristine Beaches?
New Zealand offers a variety of options for a beach vacation. From tranquil relaxation or adrenaline-fueling adventure, both are within your grasp in this country.
New Zealand also offers remote zones, locations free from human interference, and scenic off-the-beaten-path scenery, which are must-visit areas. Going out of your way to explore these places can be beneficial to your experience.