by Charlotte Bellamy

Created on: August 24, 2008

New Zealand is recognised for its scenic beauty, rugged terrain and low population. Being a country surrounded by sea, it has an amazingly diverse coastline. The Pacific Ocean has shaped the coastline of both the North and South Islands, and it is amazing to travel the whole country and see the difference in beaches in the North and South islands, but also on the East and West coasts.

I have to admit at this point that I appreciate wide open expanses of sand, crashing waves and not another soul in sight, rather than small white sand tourist laden beaches where I can only reach the water after dodging all the other towels and umbrellas; but hopefully I will not allow this to cloud my view and thus provide you with a valuable article on the best beaches to visit in New Zealand. All of these beaches I have visited personally. Whilst individual beaches are mentioned, some of my locations are more an area of the coast rather than a specific point on the map.

Let's start in the North Island;

*The Bay of Islands
Located in the north of the island are a beautiful collection of islands offering numerous beaches. Whilst the beach on the mainland just north of Pahia is ok, if you are staying in the area for more than 24 hours, the best beaches are just a short boat trip away. Take a day trip and your boat will anchor off a deserted beach for lunch and beach time. These beaches can be on uninhabited islands, and as such are untouched. The green slopes of grass and wildflowers merge into white sand, which in turn shelves gently into the crystal clear sea. A trip to one of these beaches is a real must, and a short climb from the beach to one of the hills overlooking the coast will reward you with panoramic views of this amazing coastline.

*Piha beach
If you are staying in Auckland, a short drive North West will reward you with a stunning vista of the next beach, before you descend the windy road to its sands. This beach is a real stunner, and the city inhabitants love it. Set in a fairly wide bay, the black sands of this beach meet with the water, and depending on the weather and time of year, you will experience crashing waves or quiet lapping waters. In the centre is Lion Rock, a solid piece of rock which resembles a lion's head, available for climbing when the beach gets too much! Great for both surfing and swimming, the waters are patrolled by lifeguards in high season.

*Coromandel Peninsula Cathedral Cove and Haihi
The whole of the Coromandel Peninsula offers beautiful beaches.

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