These are the beaches on the North Island that you really must visit! These scenic locations provide days’ worth of adventure, from Hahei Beach’s ideal swimming conditions to rewarding hikes up Paritutu Rock above Back Beach. It’s the pinnacle of summertime excursions, complete with some of the nicest beaches on the North Island, New Zealand!
1. Hahei Beach, Coromandel
Hahei Beach is a hidden gem on the Coromandel Peninsula’s east coast. The sparkling ocean and fine white beach may take you right to the Mediterranean on the ideal summer day. In the protected bay, boats are docked, and big trees line the beach, offering some shade. There are numerous islands in the area, and Te Whanganui a Hei Marine Reserve, is close by.
Hahei Beach is a great place for swimming and relaxing, but it’s also a bustling town with a fantastic ice cream shop, a brewery, and lots of water sports. You can easily reach Cathedral Cove by boat trip as well, so while you’re there, check out another outstanding north island beach. The Hahei Beach Resort is almost on the beach, making it the ideal location to leave your vacation vehicle and enjoy this picture-perfect beach town.
3. Back Beach, New Plymouth
There are countless unusual beaches along the powerful west coast. Think of steep rock sides and black sand. Back Beach is close to Paritutu Rock, a former volcanic crater that is located underneath Paritutu Centennial Park. You can reach the summit after a strenuous 15-minute trek and enjoy expansive views of Mount Taranaki and New Plymouth.
Beginning with a shuffle down the sand dunes or steps in the rock to reach the water, the journey to Back Beach begins. Exploring the pitch-black sand and grassy paths will occupy the hours. The Oakura Beach Holiday Park is really close to this beach on North Island.
This is a simple stop, thanks to the Back Beach parking lot. Pitch your camper and go exploring for the day. Stay put in the comfort of your RV or tent to enjoy a breathtaking sunset!
4. Whale Bay, Matapouri, Northland
A classic North Island beach with the added appeal of remoteness is Whale Bay. After driving down the stunning Tutakaka Coast, take a 10-minute hike through lush vegetation to reach Whale Bay’s shoreline. Pure beaches, indigenous trees, and crystal-clear water can be found here.
Sandy Bay Beach, which is located further up the coast, is also very worthwhile to visit. From the neighboring Tutukaka Holiday Park, you can either drive to Whale Bay or explore the nearby opportunities for freedom camping.
4. Whangamata Beach
Another outstanding North Island beach located on the Coromandel Peninsula is Whangamata Beach. From Tauranga, you can travel here in just 1.5 hours, making stops in several charming tiny villages. Enthusiastic surfers swarm to Whangamata Beach, which has world-renowned surf breakers.
The expansive beach is ideal for family beach days and leisurely strolls. The Whangamata Motor Camp’s powered sites, which are fewer than 100 meters from the beach, will be useful.
5. Ngarunui Beach, Raglan
The primary beach in Raglan is Ngarunui Beach, which stretches along the coast for around 6 kilometers of sand that may be walked on. This beach features tremendous surf and black sand in the traditional Waikato and West Coast style.
Together with groups of swimmers and sunbathers, those looking to improve their surfing talents come here. Explore the stores, cafes, and pubs to get a true sense of Raglan. The Raglan Holiday Park’s prime location on Marine Parade makes it impossible to imagine a more accessible location.
