17 of the Best Beach Towns in New Zealand
If you’re looking for beach towns in New Zealand, it’s fair to say you’ll be spoilt for choice.
New Zealand has around 15,000 km of coastline, and all along its shores you’ll find beautiful beaches and seaside towns to explore.
The North Island in particular is packed with fantastic beach towns, but the South Island has lots of great options, too.
I live in New Zealand and spend many of my weekends and holidays by the beach. My partner is a surfer, and both of us just love being by the ocean.
In this guide, I’ll share my favourite beach towns in New Zealand, including what to do there and where to eat and stay.
Some of these beach towns are home to surf spots. Others are simply laid-back seaside locales without surf, but with other nice aspects like cafes, walking trails, and, of course, beautiful beaches!
Whether you’re planning a larger New Zealand trip or a quick coastal getaway, here are 17 of New Zealand’s best beach towns.
Map of the Best Beach Towns in New Zealand
North Island Beach Towns
1. Russell
While it was once known as the “hellhole of the Pacific” due to its rowdy sailor culture, the historic Bay of Islands town of Russell is now nothing short of charming.
Russell was New Zealand’s first European settlement and seaport, and a sense of history still pervades the town. Wander through the town’s quaint streets and you’ll spot historic buildings and heritage sites—and plenty of great places to eat and drink.
For a drink with a view, head to the Duke of Marlborough Hotel, which has been in business since 1827 and sits right by the water. Hone’s Garden is the perfect spot for a relaxed meal; they make fantastic woodfired pizzas and have a great craft beer selection.
There’s a nice beach right in front of town (Kororareka Bay), but an even better spot is Long Beach (Oneroa Bay), which you can access via a 20 minute walk from town.
If you’d like to explore the wider Bay of Islands region, Russell makes a nice base for doing so. A great activity to consider is taking the ferry to Urupukapuka Island for walking, swimming, and picnicking.
Where to stay in Russell
- The Duke of Marlborough
- Camping: Russell Top 10 Holiday Park
2. Matakana
Now, Matakana isn’t a beach town per se—it’s not located right on the beach. However, it’s close to so many beautiful beaches that I consider it a beach town.
This lovely spot is located just an hour north of Auckland (traffic depending), but it feels a world away from the big smoke.
Best known for its fantastic Saturday Farmer’s Market, Matakana is an abundant place with incredible local produce, wineries, coastal walks, and stunning beaches all within close reach.
You should definitely visit the farmer’s market if you’re in town on a weekend, but there’s a lot more to do nearby, too.
Head to Omaha Beach for a swim and stroll along some pristine white sand. Visit Tawharanui Regional Park for coastal walks (I love the Ecology Trail) and hang out at beautiful Anchor Bay Beach. Or go to Goat Island for snorkelling and the lovely Goat Island Walkway.
For surfers (or just lovers of wild beaches), Pakiri Beach is a great destination; it’s located a 30-minute drive from Matakana, but it’s worth the effort to get there. You’ll find squeaky white sand and crystal-clear water—and good waves when the conditions are right.
If you like craft beer, you’re in luck—8 Wired Brewery in Matakana is an excellent place for a pint and meal, or venture to nearby Sawmill Brewery, one of my favourite breweries in the country.
After a day of relaxing adventures around Matakana, head to the boutique Matakana Cinema to catch a movie in a cosy setting.
Where to stay in Matakana
- Matakana Motel
- Camping: Whangateau Holiday Park or Tawharanui Regional Park
3. Raglan
Raglan is a relaxed surf town on the North Island’s West Coast, about 2 hours south of Auckland. It’s known for its famous surf breaks, black sand beaches, and laid-back bohemian atmosphere.
Surf (or watch the surfers) at Manu Bay or the other surf spots around town. Or go for a long, leisurely walk along the black sands of Ngarunui Beach, which is also a stellar spot to watch a West Coast sunset.
When you’re not hanging out at the beach, walk around the charming town of Raglan and see what this creative community is all about. Get a coffee from Raglan Roast, breakfast or lunch at the Shack, and dinner at Ulo’s Kitchen.
Head to the Raglan Wharf for the freshest fish & chips, and pop into the local artisan shops for some retail therapy. Tony Sly produces beautiful pottery, and Soul Shoes is the perfect spot to pick up a handmade pair of leather sandals.
If you’d like to venture a bit further afield, check out the impressive Bridalveil Falls, and drive out to remote Ruapuke Beach to check out the wild surf and walk along the sparkling black sand.
Where to stay in Raglan
- Bow Street Studios
- Raglan Sunset Motel
- Camping: Raglan Holiday Park
Continue reading: the best things to do in Raglan
4. Mangawhai
Mangawhai is a quintessential New Zealand beach town located about 100 km north of Auckland.
Just a short drive from the town of Mangawhai, you’ll find Mangawhai Heads, which is home to a gorgeous surf beach and the spectacular Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway, one of the North Island’s best day walks.
Fuel up for surfing or hiking at one of Mangawhai’s cafes; I love Brewed As for coffee and breakfast, and the cafe at the Bennett’s chocolate shop is usually good, too. And after a day of adventuring or just relaxing at the beach, head to Gringas for fresh Mexican food and margaritas.
If you happen to be in town on a Saturday, the Mangawhai Tavern Market is worth a visit for a bite to eat or perusing the stalls of locally-made goods and vintage items.
A bit further afield (just 15 minutes away from Mangawhai) lies one of my favourite beaches in New Zealand: Te Arai Beach. If you get a chance, I highly recommend making your way to this remote white sand beach for a swim, surf, or beach walk—you won’t regret it!
Where to stay in Mangawhai
- Tui & Nikau
- The Hideout
- Camping: Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park
5. Waipu
Waipu is a small town in Northland’s Bream Bay, with a lovely white sand surf beach at its doorstep.
Waipu Beach (also known as Waipu Cove) is a long stretch of beach that’s perfect for walking, swimming, and surfing (when the conditions are right).
From the south end of the beach, you can take off on the Waipu Coastal Walkway, which is best attempted around low tide. There are some rocky sections along the track, so be ready for a bit of scrambling if you choose to do this walk.
When you visit Waipu, there’s one other attraction besides the beach that nature lovers won’t want to miss: the Waipu Caves.
The Waipu Caves house thousands of glow worms, and are free to visit! If you plan to explore the caves, come prepared with a headtorch and shoes with good grip (because the ground in there can get slippery).
For food in Waipu, head to the Cove Cafe. And if you’re a coffee fan, Feoh Espresso is a must!
Where to stay in Waipu
Camp Waipu Cove is my favourite place to stay in Waipu.
The beachfront location is excellent, and they have a range of accommodation options, including cosy cabins and campsites for vans or tents.
6. Hahei
Hahei is a small but popular beach town in the Coromandel Peninsula, known for its proximity to two of the Coromandel’s best beaches: Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. It’s easily one of the best places to stay in the Coromandel!
If you’d like to explore the Coromandel, Hahei makes a great base. I almost always recommend this town to travellers looking for a place to stay in the Coromandel because its location is hard to beat!
You’ll definitely want to visit Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach when you’re in the area, but Hahei Beach itself is also a beautiful spot for relaxing, swimming, or strolling. And if you’re up for a walk, head to the Hereheretaura Pa Walk for incredible coastal views.
While shopping and dining options are somewhat limited in this wee town, you’ve got some good options. Hahei Beach Cafe is nice for breakfast or lunch, and the Pour House is a great spot for pizzas, plus craft beer and the most delicious spiced cider.
For shopping, the Cove is a lovely boutique shop to pick up a souvenir or some locally-sourced pantry items. If you plan to self-cater, I do recommend stocking up before reaching Hahei, as there isn’t a major supermarket in town.
Where to stay in Hahei
- The Church Accommodation
- Camping: Hahei Holiday Resort
7. Whangamata
Located in the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, Whangamata is a relaxed beach town that swells in population (and popularity!) during the summer months.
Whangamata Beach is one of the best surf beaches in New Zealand, but it’s a lovely place to visit even if you don’t surf. The long sandy beach is nice for a walk, and on a sunny day, it’s hard to beat a swim in the ocean!
In town itself, you’ll find a main strip filled with eateries and shops.
If you’d like to hire some surf equipment, head to Whangamata Surf Shop and they’ll sort you out. For food in town, I highly recommend Port Road Project for breakfast and coffee; for a takeaway dinner, Soul Burger is always my go-to.
If you happen to be in Whangamata when conditions are calm, a great activity is hiring a kayak to paddle out to Whenuakura (Donut) Island, a protected wildlife sanctuary. You aren’t allowed to step foot on the island, but paddling around it is a magical experience.
For a lovely walk near Whangamata, head out on the Wentworth Falls track, which leads you through native bush to a pretty little waterfall.
Where to stay in Whangamata
- South Pacific Motel
- Camping: Opoutere Coastal Camping, located 15 minutes from Whangamata
8. Waihi Beach
Waihi Beach sits on the cusp of the Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty region, in a gorgeous little paradise of sunshine, sand and sea.
This laidback beach town is well-loved by New Zealanders, but not many international visitors seem to hear about it—and believe me, it’s well worth a visit for anyone who loves the beach!
Walk along Waihi Beach, which stretches for 10 km of soft white sand. There’s occasional surf here, too. When you’ve had enough of the beach (how?!), wander down the town’s main street to visit cafes and shops.
The Secret Garden is a neat spot for drinks and food. For beachfront dining, head to Flatwhite. On the outskirts of town is Surf Shack Eatery, where you’ll find hearty burgers. For shopping, pop into Sunday Homestore to check out their lovely selection of housewares and gifts.
At the northern end of Waihi Beach, there’s a stunning coastal trail that takes you to Orokawa Bay, a secluded beach that’s perfect for a picnic. I highly recommend this trail if you’re keen for a walk—it takes about 45 minutes each way on a clearly-marked path amidst lush native bush.
Where to stay in Waihi Beach
- Amongst the Nikau
- Camping and cabins: Beachaven Holiday Park or Tasman Holiday Park Waihi Beach
9. Mount Maunganui
While it’s technically a suburb of the city of Tauranga, Mount Maunganui feels like a beach town in its own right. This bustling seaside destination (often referred to as “the Mount”) is a summer hot spot for surfers and beachgoers, and it’s home to a plethora of cafes, restaurants, and shops.
At the helm of the Mount sits its namesake volcanic cone—Mount Maunganui. You can hike up Mount Maunganui for a killer workout and panoramic views, or cruise along the mellower Mount Base Track, which circles the mountain in an easy loop.
Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach is a popular surf spot, and the beach stretches for ages. It’s an excellent spot for a leisurely beach stroll. On the other side of the peninsula is Pilot Bay, which has sheltered waters and good opportunities for kayaking and stand up paddling.
When you’re not hiking or hitting the beach, go for a soak in the Mount Hot Pools, an open-air hot pool complex with soaking pools filled with heated ocean water. If you’re in the mood for some shopping, visit Paper Plane Store for a lovely selection of gifts and housewares.
You’ll have no shortage of options for dining out in Mount Maunganui. For cafes, head to the General or Tay Street Cafe. Rice Rice Baby is excellent for dinner; they make awesome Vietnamese food and great cocktails in a fun atmosphere.
And if you’re a craft beer fan, head to the Rising Tide for a generous selection of local beers, plus delicious dumplings and burgers to pair with your pint.
Where to stay in Mount Maunganui
- Mission Belle Motel
- Camping: Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park
Continue reading: the best things to do in Mount Maunganui
10. Ohope
Ohope is a small beach town in the sunny Bay of Plenty region.
With 11km of soft white sand to sink your toes into at Ohope Beach, this laid-back destination is the perfect spot to unwind and relax.
At the western end of the beach (often just called “West End”), you’ll find a popular surf spot that’s often beginner-friendly. And in summer, the water can be delightfully warm—I’ve had some of my favourite ocean swims ever at this beach!
If you’re keen for a walk, I highly recommend taking the trail to secluded Otarawairere Bay, a shelly beach cove that’s best accessed around low tide.
When you’re ready for a bite to eat, head to Moxi Cafe for coffee and breakfast or lunch; for dinner, Cadera is always my go-to choice for awesome Mexican food and margaritas.
Where to stay in Ohope Beach
- Ocean View Motel
- Camping: Ohope Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
11. New Plymouth
The coastal city of New Plymouth is located in the North Island’s Taranaki region, where you’ll find black sand surf beaches, hiking and biking trails nearby, and an excellent dining scene.
New Plymouth is somewhat of an off-the-beaten-path place, and it’s often missed by international visitors. But if you like coastal scenery AND mountains, I really can’t recommend this destination enough; it’s got it all!
For beaches, head to the black sands of Back Beach or Fitzroy Beach for surfing, beach strolling, and sunset-spotting. Further afield are even more gorgeous black sand beaches, including Tongaporutu (Three Sisters) Beach to the north, and the beaches of Oakura and Opunake to the south along Surf Highway 45.
If you like biking or mellow walks, cruise along the beautiful New Plymouth Coastal Walkway. Pukekura Park is another lovely place to visit, with a network of paths weaving between botanic gardens and water features.
For outdoor adventures nearby, make your way to Egmont National Park (Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki), home to the impressive Mount Taranaki, a symmetrical volcanic cone.
Egmont National Park is filled with hiking trails amongst lush green “goblin forests.” My favourite trail in the park connects Taranaki Falls to the Wilkies Pools; another popular day hike is the track to the Pouakai Tarns.
There are so many good places to eat and drink in New Plymouth. For cafes, I recommend Monica’s, the Federal Store, or Bleached. Billow is an excellent bakery for sourdough bread and pastries. And for dinner, Ms White pizzeria is a great choice, as is Shining Peak Brewery.
Further reading: the best things to do in New Plymouth
Where to stay in New Plymouth
- The Devon (they have free bikes you can borrow!)
- One Burgess Hill (it’s a bit out of town, but such a gorgeous property.)
- Camping: Belt Road Holiday Park or Fitzroy Beach Holiday Park
South Island Beach Towns
12. Tahunanui, Nelson
Tahunanui is a seaside suburb of Nelson, a sunny city that sits at the top of the South Island.
Nelson is a small-sized and lovely city, and Tahunanui makes a good base for exploring the city and surrounding region.
Head to Tahunanui Beach for a long beach stroll and a swim or paddle in the calm waters here. If you’re keen to go for a paddle, you can hire paddleboards from Paddle Nelson.
For breakfast while you’re in town, visit Tahuna Beach Cafe for coffee and a breakfast bun. You’ll also be just a short drive away from the Nelson city centre, which has heaps of cafes and restaurants to choose from—my favourite spots are Little Dove Cafe and Hawker House.
From here, you can launch off on a number of day trips around the Nelson Region. Rabbit Island, Mapua, and Cable Bay are a few of my favourite destinations close by.
Where to stay in Tahunanui, Nelson
- Beaches Nelson
- Camping: Tahuna Holiday Park
13. Kaiteriteri
Kaiteriteri is a small resort town near Abel Tasman National Park. It’s located right next to the golden sands of Kaiteriteri Beach and makes a great base for exploring the national park.
This popular holiday destination becomes chock-full of visitors during peak summer season, but during shoulder seasons, it’s relatively quiet and peaceful here.
At Kaiteriteri Beach, you can hire kayaks to paddle on the clear waters of Abel Tasman National Park, or simply bask on the beach and go for a swim.
If you’d like to hike part of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, you can hop on a water taxi that’ll whisk you away from Kaiteriteri to the track, where you can do a day hike on a section of the trail.
Another gorgeous walk here—and an underrated one—is the walk from Kaiteriteri to Little Kaiteriteri and Stephens Bay. The track offers stunning coastal views and has several bays that are good for swimming and picnicking along the way.
While dining options are somewhat limited in Kaiteriteri, Kaka Point Cafe is a good spot for a coffee and treat. You’re also not far from Motueka, which has lots of good choices for food. In Motueka, my favourite cafe is Toad Hall, and my top recommendation for dinner is the Smoking Barrel.
Where to stay in Kaiteriteri
Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve has options for nearly everyone, including apartments, cabins, and campsites.
14. Takaka, Golden Bay
Takaka is the main town in Golden Bay, a remote coastal region of New Zealand that sits in the northwestern corner of the South Island.
While Takaka isn’t right on the beach, it’s a hub for accessing Golden Bay’s many gorgeous beaches, walks, and attractions.
There is so much to do in Golden Bay. It’s one of my favourite regions of New Zealand and while it’s pretty remote, the journey to get there is worth it.
Some of the best things to do in Golden Bay include visiting Wharariki Beach, seeing Pupu Springs, walking to Wainui Falls, and having a meal and craft beer or cider at the iconic Mussel Inn. You can also go kayaking at Tata Beach, or head into the west side of Abel Tasman National Park for coastal hiking and more beaches.
In Takaka itself, you’ll find Golden Bay’s only major supermarket, plus some good eateries and shops selling things like tie-dyed clothing and crystals (I consider this town the hippie capital of NZ). For food in Takaka, Wholemeal Cafe is a great choice; Bacca Bakery is also well worth visiting for pastries and bread made with their homegrown, house-milled flour.
Where to stay in Golden Bay
I like to stay in one of the coastal villages near Takaka—either Pohara or Ligar Bay are great choices!
Accommodation: Pohara’s Beach House
Camping & cabins: Pohara Top 10 Holiday Park
15. Kaikoura
Surfers and wildlife lovers alike flock to Kaikoura for its bounty of waves, marine life, and coastal charm.
Sitting between Picton and Christchurch on the South Island’s East Coast, Kaikoura is a ruggedly beautiful place where snow-capped mountains meet the sea.
The main beach in Kaikoura is a pebbly shingle beach, and it’s not always a safe swimming spot; however, it is a stunning place to enjoy views of the ocean and Kaikoura Ranges.
There are multiple surf spots around Kaikoura, including Mangamaunu and Meatworks; if you need any gear or local advice, I’d head to Coastal Sports in town.
Kaikoura has plenty to offer besides surfing, too. My favourite thing to do in Kaikoura is walking the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, which offers panoramic coastal views and opportunities to see NZ fur seals.
Another popular activity is taking a cruise to see whales, dolphins, and other marine life. And indulging in the local specialty—fresh seafood—is never a bad idea. Coopers Catch in town is good for fish & chips, especially if you get them for takeaway to enjoy at the beach!
Where to stay in Kaikoura
- Sudima Kaikoura
- Camping: Peketa Campground
16. Sumner, Christchurch
Sumner is a coastal suburb of Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city, but it feels like its own little seaside village.
In Sumner, you’ll find a lovely beach and streets filled with eateries and shops. It’s an excellent place to grab a coffee and go for a stroll along the beach, people-watching along the way.
Whenever I’m in Sumner, I have to pay a visit to Bohemian Bakery for a morning pastry and coffee; it’s such a cute spot. If you’re around town later in the day, head to Miss Peppercorn for Sichuan food, or Sumner Post Office for a craft beer and woodfired pizza.
A 10-minute drive from Sumner lies Taylor’s Mistake, a surf beach that happens to also be the trailhead for the epic walk from Taylors Mistake to Godley Head. It’s one of the best day hikes in the South Island.
Sumner makes a lovely day trip from Christchurch city, especially if you combine your outing with the Taylors Mistake to Godley Head walk!
Where to stay near Sumner
I like to stay in Christchurch and drive out to Sumner for a day trip; the West Fitzroy Apartments are my top choice for accommodation in Christchurch.
For camping somewhat near Sumner, the Godley Head / Awaroa DOC campsite is a basic but beautiful spot.
17. St Clair, Dunedin
St Clair is an oceanfront suburb of Dunedin, a coastal city in the southeast corner of the South Island.
Dunedin is known for its epic surf breaks, and St Clair is no exception. Even if you don’t surf, it’s fun to grab a coffee and watch the surfers do their thing.
Go for a leisurely beach walk from St Clair to St Kilda Beach, and keep a lookout for the sea lions and fur seals that frequent this area.
At the south end of the beach, you’ll find the St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool, which is a nice spot for a swim. There’s a cute cafe attached to the pool—the Long Dog Cafe—where you can enjoy a coffee or treat with incredible ocean views.
For dinner, go to the Esplanade, an Italian eatery with fantastic woodfired pizzas and pasta dishes.
From St Clair, you can drive to a number of excellent destinations close by, including the Tunnel Beach Walkway and Otago Peninsula.
And, of course, Dunedin will be right at your doorstep—and it’s a lovely city to explore. Visit the world’s steepest street (Baldwin Street), the Botanic Gardens, and Tuhura Otago Museum. If you’re in town on a weekend, don’t miss the Otago Farmers’ Market, held on Saturday mornings throughout the year—it’s top-notch and the perfect way to get a taste of the local food scene.
Where to stay in St Clair
- Hotel St Clair
- Majestic Mansions
Thanks for reading my guide to the best beach towns in New Zealand!
I truly hope this has helped you plan your next beach getaway, and that you love these places as much as I do.
As always, please leave a comment if you have any feedback or questions for me. I really love hearing from you!
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Keen to visit some of these beach towns on a New Zealand road trip? Start planning with one of my NZ road trip itineraries ↴
