With more than 15,000 kilometers of stunning coastline, New Zealand is blessed with some of the world’s most diverse and scenic beaches. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of a perfect wave or the serenity of a quiet bay, Aotearoa’s beaches offer the best of both worlds — rugged surf breaks for adventurers and soft, golden sands for those craving relaxation. What are New Zealand’s Best Beaches?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you from Northland’s sun-kissed coves to the wild West Coast and the golden stretches of the South Island, showcasing the top beaches where you can both surf and unwind. We’ve included surf levels, local tips, and why each spot deserves a place on your coastal bucket list.
1️⃣ Piha Beach – Auckland, North Island
Raw energy and moody beauty just west of Auckland
Piha is more than a beach — it’s a symbol of New Zealand surf culture. Famous for its dramatic black sand, towering Lion Rock, and powerful swells, Piha draws experienced surfers from across the country. But even if you’re not ready to paddle out, it’s the perfect place for long coastal walks, photography, or simply soaking in the untamed beauty of the West Coast.
- Best For: Intermediate to advanced surfers; photographers; beach walkers
- Surf Scene: Consistent and challenging. Great for shortboards and barrels.
- Relaxation Factor: High drama, low crowds during the week. Stunning sunsets.
📝 Local tip: The Piha Lookout on the road in offers one of the most jaw-dropping panoramic views in New Zealand.
2️⃣ Raglan (Ngarunui Beach) – Waikato, North Island
Surf town soul meets world-class left-handers
Raglan is New Zealand’s surf capital, and for good reason. Manu Bay is home to one of the longest left-hand breaks on the planet, while Ngarunui Beach offers consistent, gentle waves that are ideal for beginners and longboarders. Beyond the surf, Raglan’s village offers organic cafes, art galleries, and eco-friendly charm.
- Best For: Surfers of all levels; creatives; wellness travelers
- Surf Scene: World-class breaks plus surf schools for learners
- Relaxation Factor: Great food, artisan shops, yoga classes, and hot showers at the campground
📝 Combine with: A trip to Bridal Veil Falls, just 20 minutes inland — one of NZ’s most beautiful waterfalls
3️⃣ Mount Maunganui (The Mount) – Bay of Plenty
Golden sands, surf schools, and coastal comforts
Mount Maunganui is beloved by locals and visitors alike. With its palm-lined promenade, wide sandy beaches, and vibrant town scene, it’s the kind of place where you can surf in the morning and grab a smoothie bowl right afterward. Main Beach is ideal for beginner to intermediate surfers, while Pilot Bay offers calm, protected waters for swimming and paddleboarding.
- Best For: Families, casual surfers, and beach town lovers
- Surf Scene: Ideal for learners, with multiple surf schools
- Relaxation Factor: High — think hot pools, beach yoga, and sunset strolls around Mauao (The Mount)
📝 Don’t miss: Climbing Mauao (30–45 min walk) for panoramic views over both beaches and the Tauranga Harbour.
4️⃣ Lyall Bay – Wellington, North Island
City surf break with a café culture twist
Located just a short drive from downtown Wellington, Lyall Bay is the capital’s best-known surf beach. It offers gentle rolling waves and a friendly, welcoming vibe that makes it popular with both beginners and longboarders. The beach is also flanked by quirky seaside cafés and a growing kite-surfing scene.
- Best For: Urban travelers, casual surfers, and brunch lovers
- Surf Scene: Friendly and mellow. Good for learners, with surf school options.
- Relaxation Factor: Excellent coffee, laid-back coastal energy, and easy access from the city.
📝 Top pick: Maranui Café — a colorful surf club café with killer views and even better eggs benny.
5️⃣ Wharariki Beach – Golden Bay, South Island
Remote and otherworldly
Not your typical sunbathing beach, Wharariki is one of New Zealand’s most cinematic locations. Set against the wild northwest coast of the South Island, this beach features rolling dunes, seal pups, and the iconic Archway Islands, best viewed at sunset. While surfable in the right conditions, it’s best known for its raw beauty and sense of isolation.
- Best For: Photographers, wildlife lovers, experienced surfers
- Surf Scene: Wild and unpredictable. Only for the experienced.
- Relaxation Factor: Absolute serenity. No shops, no crowds, just sand and sky.
📝 Tip: Time your visit with low tide to explore sea caves and tide pools.
6️⃣ St Clair Beach – Dunedin, South Island
Southern surf with style
St Clair Beach offers the best of both worlds: a solid surf break and a seaside promenade lined with elegant cafés, saltwater pools, and boutique accommodations. It’s a hub for Dunedin’s surf scene, but also ideal for those looking to relax by the beach with a glass of wine or a craft beer in hand.
- Best For: Beginners to intermediates, weekenders, and foodies
- Surf Scene: Consistent breaks with plenty of room to spread out
- Relaxation Factor: Very high — hot pools, beachfront dining, and a beautiful esplanade walk
📝 Don’t miss: The St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool — a warm soak with ocean views.
7️⃣ Wainui Beach – Gisborne, North Island
Sunrise surfing and East Coast charm
Wainui Beach, just outside of Gisborne, is a haven for surfers, especially at sunrise. It offers consistent, punchy waves that attract both locals and pros, and the area exudes East Coast authenticity — friendly vibes, fresh produce markets, and uncrowded sands.
- Best For: Early risers, shortboarders, peaceful beach lovers
- Surf Scene: Fast, hollow waves with multiple peaks
- Relaxation Factor: High — limited crowds, coastal reserves, and great air quality
📝 Culture tip: This is one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise — start your day with a morning paddle out.
8️⃣ Abel Tasman Beaches – South Island
A kayak-accessible slice of paradise
While not a surf destination, the beaches in Abel Tasman National Park are some of the most tranquil in the country. Accessible by foot, water taxi, or kayak, they offer crystal-clear water, golden sands, and the chance to unwind in complete peace. These beaches — such as Torrent Bay, Bark Bay, and Anchorage — are ideal for those who want to disconnect and reconnect with nature.
- Best For: Sea kayaking, paddleboarding, beach hiking
- Surf Scene: None — calm, sheltered waters perfect for relaxing
- Relaxation Factor: Unmatched. You’ll feel like you’ve found your own private island.
📝 Pro tip: Book a multi-day kayaking trip and camp overnight on the sand — pure bliss under the stars.
9️⃣ Ahipara (Shipwreck Bay) – Northland, North Island
Endless left-hand rides at the top of the country
At the southern tip of Ninety Mile Beach, Ahipara is home to Shipwreck Bay, a legendary surf spot with long, peeling left-hand breaks that are ideal for intermediate and advanced surfers. Beyond the surf, Ahipara offers a laid-back pace, beautiful sunsets, and a deep connection to Te Tai Tokerau’s Māori heritage.
- Best For: Experienced surfers, slow travelers, and Northland explorers
- Surf Scene: Long left-hand point breaks — one of the longest in the country
- Relaxation Factor: High — minimal crowds, epic sunsets, and beach 4WD adventures
📝 Local flavor: Stay at a local surf lodge or eco-campground and listen to stories from the locals — many of whom have surfed here for generations.
🔟 New Chums Beach – Coromandel Peninsula, North Island
A secret slice of paradise, untouched by development
Voted one of the world’s top undeveloped beaches, New Chums Beach (Wainuiototo Bay) is a secluded, white-sand beauty accessible only by foot. It’s not known for surf — although it can occasionally offer gentle waves — but it’s the ultimate beach for those seeking natural beauty and tranquility.
- Best For: Relaxation seekers, couples, and nature lovers
- Surf Scene: Rare and gentle — not a surf destination, but a good swim spot
- Relaxation Factor: Extreme — no buildings, no roads, no distractions
📝 Getting there: A 30–40 minute walk over rocks and through bush from Whangapoua — wear good footwear and check the tides.
🌊 Bonus Tips for Your Beach Adventures:
- Best surfing seasons:
- North Island: March–May & Sept–Nov
- South Island: Feb–April for warmer water
- Always swim between the flags — NZ beaches can have strong rips
- Surf hire and lessons: Available in most major beach towns
- Pack layers: Even summer evenings can get chilly, especially on the West Coast
💭 Final Thoughts: From Barrel to Hammock
Whether you’re riding world-famous waves in Raglan or reading a book in the soft glow of Abel Tasman’s evening sun, New Zealand’s beaches deliver unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. The country’s unique geography means you can find a pumping surf break and a quiet cove within an hour of each other — often less.
So grab your board — or your beach towel — and start exploring. Because in Aotearoa, every coastline is a story waiting to unfold.
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