Unspoiled nature, sandy beaches, and warm thermal water, breathtaking cliffs, longboarding waves for surfers… Are you ready to discover the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand?

Island of natural wonders, New Zealand is a country not to be missed. Between beaches, cliffs, and forests, nature is the watchword.

Whether you’re visiting the North Island or the South Island, in New Zealand the water will always be your travel companion, that’s for sure. I still remember the thrill of turning left and right and finding it always there, almost as if it were my North Star.

beaches New Zealand
Photo by Alessia Filippo

New Zealand, in Maori Aotearoa, enjoys a cultural richness as well as a natural treasure. From the forests and birdsong of the native birds to the caves and glaciers of the South Island, we are spoilt for choice.

Today we’re talking about the North Island and New Zealand’s top 5 beaches:

1. Muriwai Beach

Muriwai Beach
Photo by Alessia Filippo

Let’s start from the State of Auckland at ‘Muriwai Beach’.

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the west coast, it is located just 40 minutes far from the city of Auckland. Its charm is given not only by the great waves that break on the rocks but especially by the black sand that gives a unique touch to the setting.

This characteristic is typical of the maritime areas to the west of the country and is given by the high presence of magnetite that makes the sand magnetic and dark-looking.

Muriwai Beach, beaches new zealand
Photo by Alessia Filippo

The longboarding waves of ‘Muriwai Beach’ are just perfect for surfers!

Muriwai Beach
Photo by Alessia Filippo
Muriwai Beach
Photo by Alessia Filippo

If you would rather observe the ocean from above, paragliding is the perfect opportunity to do so. Once you have landed, you can explore the area overland by taking the ‘Muriwai Beach Loop Track‘. This route takes about an hour and a half and is a fantastic chance to learn about the Muriwai Gannet colonies.

You should know that this bird species migrate from the territories of Australia every year to come here in the months of July-October. ‘Muriwai Gannets’ are tropical seabirds easily recognized by their black and white plumage and golden head.

Muriwai Gannet
Photo by Phil Botha on Unsplash

Although the area is home to many other birds, the colonies of ‘Muriwai Gannet’ are the most numerous and rich.

Muriwai Beach
Photo by Alessia Filippo

2. Cathedral Cove Beach

An hour and a half outside the city of Auckland, here we are on the Coromandel Peninsula, which hosts some of the most stunning beaches in New Zealand.

Cathedral Cove Beach, beaches new zealand
Photo by Alessia Filippo

From the parking lot, we’re walking to ‘Cathedral Cove Beach’, on the southern edge of Mercury Bay. This beach is in fact accessible only by sea or by taking a route of about 45 minutes through the surrounding forest.

Cathedral Cove Beach
Photo by Alessia Filippo

Walking through the rich green vegetation, like explorers looking for Neverland is amazing. And we finally land on the shore of the beach, as if we were the first to touch these waters.

Cathedral Cove Beach
Photo by Alessia Filippo

When you arrive at ‘Cathedral Cove Beach’, you can relax on the shore, walk along the promenade and try out various activities including kayaking, diving, and snorkeling.

Cathedral Cove Beach, beaches new zealand
Photo by Alessia Filippo

3. Hot Water Beach

Not far from ‘Cathedral Cove Beach’, we are visiting a truly one-of-a-kind beach.

Hot Water Beach, beaches new zealand
Photo by Uwe Brodrecht on Flickr

You won’t believe it, but the name ‘Hot Water Beach‘ holds its secret: the presence of hot water. When I went there it was winter, and I was by the sea immersed in a warm and pleasant natural pool that I had dug. Let me explain.

Hot water beach
Photo by frischifresh on Flickr

An underground river of hot water is flowing from the depths of the Earth to the surface in the Pacific Ocean area, more specifically in the ‘Hot Water Beach’ spot.

Hot Water Beach, NZ
Photo by Jim Hoffman on Flickr

Every day, at low tide, you can dig and find this water source. Creating your own warm water pool and relaxing while looking at the horizon of the Pacific Ocean is priceless.

4. Whangamata Beach

Considered one of the most gorgeous sights in New Zealand, ‘Whangamata Beach’ offers plenty of opportunities for sports enthusiasts and seekers of leisure.

Whangamata Beach, beaches New Zealand
Photo by Alessia Filippo

This site is perfect for surfers, kayakers, and SUP lovers. One of the truly unique activities available is definitely the kayaking experience exploring Whenuakura Island.

Surfing nz
Photo by Dunedin NZ on Flickr

This island, more commonly known as ‘Donut Island‘, has long been kept secret. Even today, despite becoming one of the tourist favorite areas, it remains a priority of the local people who encourage visitors to help preserve it.

By participating in the guided tour, you will leave from ‘Whangamata Beach’ and kayak safely across the ocean to the island. Upon arrival, a 12-meter high cave will accompany you to its small lagoon, the heart of ‘Donut Island’.

pohutukawa tree
Photo by Kristina D.C. Hoeppner on Flickr

Among the rocks of the island, here are the ‘pohutukawa trees‘, recognizable by their bright red flowers.

Whangamata Beach, beaches New Zealand
Photo by Alessia Filippo

I have to say, this is my favorite beach. Looking at the horizon I could feel the vastness of the Ocean. Beyond the horizon, only infinity.

5. Mount Maunganui Beach

A little further south, the ‘Mount Maunganui Beach’ whose name comes from the homonymous mountain that stands out in the landscape.

Mount Maunganui beach
Photo on en.wikipedia.org

Ascending Mount Maunganui, 232 meters above sea level, will offer an opportunity to admire the Bay of Plenty it overlooks. This now extinct volcano has a wide variety of easy trails at both the base and summit.

Mount Maunganui Beach
Photo by Alessia Filippo

Once on the beach, you can surf, swim with dolphins or simply relax while exploring the shore and its islets.

Mount Maunganui Beach, beaches New Zealand
Photo by Alessia Filippo

The Mount Maunganui area is also very nice in the evening, with the ‘Gourmet Night Market‘ full of fresh and local products.

Takapuna beach, beaches New Zealand
Photo by Alessia Filippo

These are just 5 of the beaches New Zealand can boast of. Fresh, lush, and of unparalleled beauty.

Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Photo by Alessia Filippo

New Zealand is a unique destination precisely because it balances local nature conservation and tourism.

And you, do you know any other beautiful beaches in New Zealand?