New Zealand Beaches
White Sand or Black Sand?

New Zealand Beaches make up one third of New Zealand's 10,000 miles of coastline.

With so many New Zealand Beaches where do you start or decide which one to visit? Since most international travelers flying to New Zealand begin their New Zealand Holidays in Auckland's North Island … let’s start there.

You will discover that the beaches are key recreational areas for the locals and tourists alike. Enjoy the coastal walkways, picnic and barbecue facilities, swimming and surfing, and of course, lots of water sport activities.

Check out the Best Beaches in New Zealand.

East Auckland
Traveling East from downtown Auckland is the scenic waterfront route around the eastern bays Tamaki Drive. Just a fifteen-minute drive along this route from Quay Street is the premiere beach with golden sands Mission Bay, and very much like a seaside resort town. Enjoy the Promenade, discover a bit of history, or unwind in the cafes.

The next beach is Kohimarama, also referred by the locals as Kohi is much quieter and best known for its small boat yacht club. Tamaki Drive's final beach is a seaside village, St. Heliers a great spot to enjoy sheltered swimming areas, lively seaside cafes and a range of water sport activities.

Eight miles east of Auckland is Bucklands Beach a northern suburb of Manukau City and directly south is Half Moon Bay. This bay is home to over 500 boats and sits in the heart of Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf with beautiful Rangitoto Island as its backdrop. With white sandy beaches, secluded coves and safe harbors this area is one of the world’s best cruising grounds with its choice of magnificent islands. This is also a departure point to Waiheke Island via a 45 minute ferry ride.

Waiheke Island
The second largest island in the Hauraki Gulf is a blend of farmland, forest, vineyards, olive groves and some of the finest white sand New Zealand Beaches. Just a 35 minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland this is a great place to have fun, relax, and enjoy the day. There are plenty of beaches to choose from on the island, with a range of beach activities.

Some of the most popular beaches are here in the north and include Oneroa with its busy, vibrant village and Little Oneroa a white sand sheltered bay lined with pohutukawa trees. Palm Beach set in a native bush and then Onetangi one of New Zealand Beaches favorite New Zealand Holidays destinations.

North Shore
Auckland’s North Shore and New Zealand’s 4th largest city has close to 100 miles of coastline. Getting there is a quick drive by car over the Auckland Harbor Bridge or a short ten-minute ride by ferry. The hub of the North Shore is Takapuna. Takupuna Beach has fine white sand and lava encased fossilized trees along with beautiful views across the harbor. North of Takapuna Beach is Milford Beach and to the south is Narrow Neck Beach, then Cheltenham Beach the southernmost beach in the North Shore next to Devonport.

Devonport a Quaint Picturesque Town
Once an historic fishing village, now a popular tourist destination and day trip. It’s easy to explore on foot and many places to visit. Check out the local culture, wander through the galleries, boutiques and cafes or take a ride on a Clydesdale drawn cart. Devonport sits on a peninsula jutting into the Waitemata Harbor accessed from Auckland by a ten minute ferry ride or a twenty minute car ride over the Auckland Harbor Bridge. With its deep water anchorage it was an ideal base for naval vessels and is home to the New Zealand Navy.

West Coast and the Black Sand Beaches
Known for rugged beauty with native bush and coastal rainforest Auckland’s west coast is a natural playground. Within 45 minutes of downtown Auckland you will find New Zealand’s best black sand surf beaches with wild waves and hundreds of walking tracks.

Piha Beach is New Zealand’s Most Famous Surf Beach
Piha Beach is recognized by its rugged cliffs and the majestic Lion Rock formation guarding it. This black iron sand beach also has a reputation for strong rips and currents.

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