North Island New Zealand is a beach lover’s paradise. From rugged west coast surf breaks to calm east coast bays, the variety is stunning. Whether you're seeking a quiet retreat, safe swimming spots for kids, or legendary waves for surfing—these beaches offer a mix of accessibility, natural beauty, and local culture.
Here’s a curated list of the top 7 beaches across the North Island—blending popular destinations with lesser-known gems worth exploring.
🌊 1. Piha Beach (Auckland – West Coast)
Piha is iconic for a reason. With its dramatic black sand, rugged cliffs, and powerful waves, it's a favourite among surfers and photographers alike. Lion Rock, the central landmark, offers a short climb and panoramic views.
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🚗 45 mins from Auckland CBD
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🏄 Strong surf – lifeguards patrol in summer
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📷 Perfect for sunset photography
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⚠️ Not ideal for toddlers due to rips and strong currents
🏖️ 2. Mount Maunganui Main Beach (Tauranga – East Coast)
“Maunganui” is known for its resort-town charm and is often rated one of the best beaches in NZ. Enjoy calm swimming areas, cafes, and the Mt Maunganui summit walk which offers sweeping coastal views.
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🍦 Great for families – nearby ice cream and shops
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🚶 Coastal walking paths
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🏊 Calm surf, great for all ages
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📍 Easily accessible with good parking
🌅 3. New Chums Beach (Coromandel Peninsula)
This secluded paradise takes a little effort to reach (30-minute forest track from Whangapoua), but the reward is complete tranquility. No buildings, no roads—just untouched natural beauty.
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🥾 Walking required – no direct road access
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🏖️ Soft white sand, clear water
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🧘 Great for peaceful reflection or romantic dates
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🚫 No public facilities – bring water/snacks
🐚 4. Tāwharanui Regional Park (Warkworth)
A marine reserve with native bush trails and a stunning beach, Tawharanui is ideal for those who want a blend of walking, wildlife, and water. Birdwatchers will love it here too.
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🦜 Spot tui, kererū, and more
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🧺 Good picnic areas with BBQs
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🤿 Snorkelling possible in clear waters
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🛣️ 1.5 hrs from Auckland
🪁 5. Whangamata Beach (Coromandel)
One of the most popular summer beach towns. Whangamata’s long shoreline has room for everyone—from sunbathers to surf learners to families with young kids.
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🏄 Beginner surf lessons available
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🧴 Clean toilets, showers, and beach cafes
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🌞 Very popular during school holidays
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🧺 Best to arrive early for parking
🧺 6. Ocean Beach (Whangarei Heads)
Often overlooked, Ocean Beach is a wide and windswept bay that's ideal for peaceful getaways. Perfect for walking your dog, flying a kite, or enjoying a quiet swim with far fewer tourists.
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🐾 Dog-friendly (off-leash in designated areas)
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⛱️ Big open space – ideal for beach sports
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🌤️ Fewer amenities – bring what you need
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📷 Epic views at sunrise
📸 7. Raglan – Ngarunui Beach (Waikato)
Raglan is NZ's surfing capital, but its chilled-out town vibes attract creatives, families, and tourists year-round. The black-sand Ngarunui Beach is clean, scenic, and backed by a charming boardwalk.
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🏄 Surf schools on site
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🎶 Local cafés often have live music
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🐚 Rock pools & driftwood for kids
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🌅 Famous for epic west coast sunsets
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