{"id":42499,"date":"2021-08-10T10:00:06","date_gmt":"2021-08-10T08:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/?p=42499"},"modified":"2021-08-16T15:04:55","modified_gmt":"2021-08-16T13:04:55","slug":"beaches-new-zealand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecobnb.com\/blog\/2021\/08\/beaches-new-zealand\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Unforgottable Beaches in New Zealand"},"content":{"rendered":"

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?<\/h2>\n

Island of natural wonders, New Zealand<\/a><\/strong> is a country not to be missed. Between beaches, cliffs, and forests, nature<\/strong> is the watchword.<\/p>\n

Whether you’re visiting the North Island<\/strong> or the South Island<\/strong>, in New Zealand the water<\/strong> will always be your travel companion, that’s for sure.\u00a0I still remember the thrill of turning left and right and finding it always there, almost as if it were my North Star.<\/p>\n

\"beaches
Photo by Alessia Filippo<\/div><\/div>\n

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

Today we’re talking about the North Island and New Zealand’s top 5 beaches<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

1. Muriwai Beach<\/h2>\n
\"Muriwai
Photo by Alessia Filippo<\/div><\/div>\n

Let’s start from the State of Auckland<\/strong> at ‘Muriwai Beach’.<\/p>\n

Considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the west coast<\/strong>, 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<\/strong> that gives a unique touch to the setting.<\/p>\n

This characteristic is typical of the maritime areas to the west of the country and is given by the high presence of magnetite<\/strong> that makes the sand magnetic and dark-looking.<\/p>\n

\"Muriwai
Photo by Alessia Filippo<\/div><\/div>\n

The longboarding waves of ‘Muriwai Beach’ are just perfect for surfers!<\/p>\n

\"Muriwai
Photo by Alessia Filippo<\/div><\/div>\n
\"Muriwai
Photo by Alessia Filippo<\/div><\/div>\n

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

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

\"Muriwai
Photo by Phil Botha on Unsplash<\/div><\/div>\n

Although the area is home to many other birds, the colonies of ‘Muriwai Gannet’ are the most numerous and rich.<\/p>\n

\"Muriwai
Photo by Alessia Filippo<\/div><\/div>\n

2. Cathedral Cove Beach<\/h2>\n

An hour and a half outside the city of Auckland, here we are on the Coromandel Peninsula<\/strong>, which hosts some of the most stunning beaches in New Zealand.<\/p>\n

\"Cathedral
Photo by Alessia Filippo<\/div><\/div>\n

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

\"Cathedral
Photo by Alessia Filippo<\/div><\/div>\n

Walking through the rich green vegetation<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

\"Cathedral
Photo by Alessia Filippo<\/div><\/div>\n

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

\"Cathedral
Photo by Alessia Filippo<\/div><\/div>\n

3. Hot Water Beach<\/h2>\n

Not far from ‘Cathedral Cove Beach’, we are visiting a truly one-of-a-kind beach.<\/p>\n

\"Hot
Photo by Uwe Brodrecht on Flickr<\/div><\/div>\n

You won’t believe it, but the name ‘Hot Water Beach<\/strong>‘ holds its secret: the presence of hot water<\/strong>.\u00a0When 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.<\/p>\n

\"Hot
Photo by frischifresh on Flickr<\/div><\/div>\n

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

\"Hot
Photo by Jim Hoffman on Flickr<\/div><\/div>\n

Every day, at low tide<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n

4. Whangamata Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Considered one of the most gorgeous sights in New Zealand<\/strong>, ‘Whangamata Beach’ offers plenty of opportunities for sports enthusiasts and seekers of leisure.<\/p>\n

\"Whangamata
Photo by Alessia Filippo<\/div><\/div>\n

This site is perfect for surfers, kayakers, and SUP lovers<\/strong>. One of the truly unique activities available is definitely the kayaking experience exploring Whenuakura Island<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"Surfing
Photo by Dunedin NZ on Flickr<\/div><\/div>\n

This island, more commonly known as ‘Donut Island<\/strong>‘, 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<\/strong>.<\/p>\n