Dec14, 2022posted by Carol.L
Fun Kiwi Beaches to Visit this Summer
The summer holiday season is a time to make memories with family and friends. In New Zealand we are spoilt for choice of seaside locations to spend our summer days. Take a break at the beach and enjoy swimming, water sports, a traditional Kiwi BBQ or simply relax in the sun. Whatever you are into here is a great selection of places to waste away a summer day.
Northland
- Te Tii Bay, Paihia - Located at the northern end of Paihia town, Te Tii Bay is a golden sand beach lined with pohutukawa trees. This usually calm beach is good for swimming and fishing and has a popular children’s playground at one end. See the Pohutukawa trees in full bloom during the months of November and December – the beginning of New Zealand’s summer.
- Opononi Beach, Hokianga - This popular fishing and swimming spot in the Hokianga Harbour is opposite the shops and hotels in Opononi. This beach is lined with pohutakawa trees, enormous sand dunes and a beautiful harbour. Enjoy an evening picnic on the beach and watch the sunset.
- Coopers Beach, Doubtless Bay - Located on the south-side of Doubtless Bay Coopers Beach is a 2.5km long crescent-shaped beach with soft golden sand. Laze the day away under a Pohutukawa tree and watch the young ones explore rock pools or splash in the breakers.
Bay of Plenty
- The Strand Reserve, Tauranga - Tauranga’s city centre has one of the most stunning waterfront settings in the country, featuring tidal steps, a pier with bombing platform, and Hairy Maclary sculptures. Enjoy a bite to eat from the local shops while sitting on the steps and soak up Tauranga’s beautiful harbour.
- Ohope Beach – Voted New Zealand's Best Beach 2021. Located 10 minutes south of the Whakatane, Ohope Beach is a popular holiday destination in summer that is safe for swimming, and great for water sports such as surfing, boating and diving. At just 11 km long, this beach is perfect for romantic walks and picnics. The playgrounds at Ohope Beach are a favourite with children. Hot mineral pools and a golf course with spectacular coastal views are among other attractions.
- Mount Maunganui Main Beach is a superb place to swim, surf and sunbathe on the soft white sand. This unique beach sits between the Mount’s renowned mountain ‘Mauao’, and Leisure Island, both of which are within easy walking distance, as is the Mauao base track and summit walking tracks. The beach is loved by surfers and boogie boarders as they ride in on the waves.
Coromandel
- Buffalo Beach, Whitianga – Stretching for 5kms, Buffalo Beach is the main swimming beach in Whitianga. Sheltered from the harbour makes this a safe family swimming beach for lazy afternoons, snorkelling, kayaking and jet skiing. Named after the H.M.S. Buffalo wrecked there in 1840, this beach also offers good fishing and shellfish collecting.
- Hot Water Beach - Whether you are local or visiting from out of town, Hot Water Beach is something you must experience. The river of hot water underground flows to the surface of the Pacific Ocean where you can dig you own hot pool in the sand. The best time to do this is at low tide, or 90 minutes either side of low tide. Besides the ability to dig and soak in your own hot pool, Hot Water Beach also offers great surf, cafés and art galleries.
- Pauanui - Pauanui Beach is a wonderful option for a leisurely walk, a romantic sunrise or a photo opportunity. On the water you'll find a pleasant break for surfers, which is good for beginners and a right-hand point break for the more experienced. There is also an estuary which is a safe water playground for kids with calm safe waters for swimming and water sports.
South Island
- Tahunanui Beach, Nelson - The closest beach to the Nelson city centre, Tahunanui is a recreational paradise in the form of a 1.75km stretch of sand. The beach is great for swimming, running or walking. It is also an oasis for stand-up paddle boarders and sunseekers. There are plenty of activities at the beach reserve including a hydroslide, bmx track, model railway, go-kart track, mini golf course, zoo, playground, skatepark, roller skating rink, laser tag course, trampoline park, sack slide, beach volleyball court and bumper boat park just a few steps away from the sand dunes.
- Rapahoe Beach, Greymouth – Located a 10-minute drive north of Greymouth, Rapahoe Beach is over 2km long and is bound by the Point Elizabeth headland. The sandy beach provides an excellent location for surfing, swimming, fishing and walking. Enjoy magnificent sunsets and semi-precious stone collecting at this uncrowded peaceful location.
- St Clair Beach, Dunedin – Located just minutes from the central city, St Clair is a popular spot for surfing, swimming, walking and dining out. This sweeping white-sand beach has New Zealand's most reliable surf break and a café lined boulevard to watch the action. Surfing lessons and board hire are available on the esplanade. Dating back to 1884 the Saint Clair hot saltwater pool is located at the South end of the beach. This is an open-air pool is the ideal place to relax and take in the stunning scenery.
