Best Beach Holidays in NZ
What do you get when native bush, clear water, and lush sand come together in a country with 15,000km of coastline? Hundreds of picturesque beaches to sun, swim, and surf at all summer long! New Zealand punches well above its weight when it comes to the beautiful beaches it has to offer. Every Kiwi you ask will come back with different favourite beaches. We’ve picked out our favourites in the North and South Islands, so you’ll know where to spend your beach holidays in NZ this summer!
February is here and we all want to get in as much beach time as possible before the end of the hot weather. Pack your bags, your friends and whanau, and head out to some of the fabulous beaches around Aotearoa. Here are our top picks.
Explore the glorious North Island coast
The North Island has some incredible scenic spots, and its supply of great beaches is no exception. If you’re travelling in the North Island this summer, make sure you check out these iconic beaches. Make sure to slip, slop, slap, and wrap.
Matapouri Bay, Whangārei
Prepare to be wowed by the pristine water and stunning white sand at Matapouri Bay! Enjoy the relaxed surf, the rock-strewn, tree-covered coast, and be sure to jump off the bridge at high tide. The town is known as a slice of old-school Kiwiana, hosting a great general store selling fish and chips, ice creams, and coffee. What more could you need? Top tip: take one of the walking tracks over to Whale Bay while you’re here. Taking approximately 40 minutes, you’ll love this little bonus beach too.
Cathedral Cove, Coromandel
It should be a crime not to visit Cathedral Cove at least once in your life! This wonderful spot is one of Coromandel’s worst kept secrets, so make sure you plan ahead and arrive early if you decide to take the 45-minute walk down to the Cove. If a bit of a hike isn’t for you, you can catch a ferry or kayak too! Cathedral Coves main attraction is the impressive natural archway that looks out to the shore, accentuated by the clear water and golden sand.
Piha Beach, Auckland
Travel through the ancient forests of Auckland’s Waitākere Ranges to the famous Piha Beach. Undoubtedly Aotearoa’s most famous surfing beaches, Piha is utterly striking to look at with mighty cliffs and rough surf. 45- to 60-minutes’ drive from the CBD, Piha has sparkling black sand and is proudly guarded by Lion Rock. We warn you, the black sand gets hot, so make sure you’re prepared for a towel-hopping run over the dunes! Also, make sure you only swim and surf in areas patrolled by lifeguards. The waves can get rough here and the beach is known for its rips and strong currents.
Discover the tranquil beaches of South Island
When you plan your beach holidays in NZ, don’t forget to add in a day (or maybe two) at one of the magnificent beaches down in the South Island. Home to fur seals, yellow- and blue-eyed penguins, and many sea animals, bring your camera or phone with you as no doubt you’ll be snapping pics for Insta!
Curio Bay, The Catlins
A great destination for families and travellers, Curio Bay is famous for its Petrified Forest, a 180-million-year-old Jurassic forest. The Petrified Forest is a piece of NZ history and was alive before New Zealand split from Gondwana! Today, you can see fossils of tree stumps and logs on the cliffside when you walk through the forest, but hands off – don’t try and take fossils home with you.
You’ll also have a good chance to spot some hector dolphins, yellow-eyed penguins, fur seals, sea lions and other wildlife. If you have some time, explore the southernmost point in the South Island – Slope Point. And if you’re up for some hiking, the Waipohatu Waterfall Track has two beautiful, quiet waterfalls. Just don’t wear your new shoes because the track is a little muddy!
Wharariki Beach, Golden Bay
You might recognise the golden sands of this spot! Wharariki Beach is well known for its dramatic landscape of caves, archways and sand dunes, so it’s a must-see for photographers across the world. Before you visit, remember to charge your phone or camera and clean some storage space for photos. The scenery will wow your social media followers. Whether you prefer to take a stroll at low tide or canter along the beach on horsebacks with Cape Farewell Horse Treks, make sure to add Wharariki Beach to your beach holidays in NZ.
Kaiteriteri Beach, Abel Tasman
With golden sand and turquoise water, Kaiteriteri Beach is about one hour drive from Nelson and the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. Perfect for a family getaway, you can explore the walking tracks, swim in the clear sea or paddle in a kayak this summer. But they do say this spot is great to visit in winter too – the sea is calmest, and the weather is crisp, the perfect season for the local wildlife to come out and play.
Book your beach holidays in NZ with VR Group
When you’re booking accommodation for your beach holidays in NZ, you can’t go past our 16 hotels across the country. We have a range of different stylish and comfortable rooms to suit every need and traveller. Book your beach getaway now before summer is over!