New Zealand has various types of coastline such as: sheltered, white or black sandy beaches, high cliffs, or rocky beaches which are unique and beautiful.. This coastline has a total length of 14,000 kilometres (8,700 mi), which is the 10th longest in the world (Wikipedia). David and I plan to do a circum-navigation of the NZ coastline in a 4WD when we retire.
Here are some of my favourite New Zealand Beaches:
1. Muriwai Beach and Kapara Harbour
Muriwai beach is located on the west coast of the North Island which makes it ideal for sunset viewing. It's only a 10-minute drive from the end of the North-Western motorway in Auckland. The beach is covered with black sand as are other beaches on the west side of The North Island. Muriwai beach can be accessed from both Muriwai road and Rimmer road. The main attraction is the gannet colony, located at the end of Muriwai road.
1. Muriwai Beach and Kapara Harbour
Muriwai beach is located on the west coast of the North Island which makes it ideal for sunset viewing. It's only a 10-minute drive from the end of the North-Western motorway in Auckland. The beach is covered with black sand as are other beaches on the west side of The North Island. Muriwai beach can be accessed from both Muriwai road and Rimmer road. The main attraction is the gannet colony, located at the end of Muriwai road.
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If you have a 4WD you will enjoy driving on the beach to the Kapara Harbour and you might see some seals on the way. Keep driving north to visit the lagoon, where you can fish or collect some pipis at low tide.
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2. Kawakawa Bay
Kawakawa Bay is about a 50-minute drive south from Auckland CBD via State Highway 1 and Clevedon-Kawakawa Road. Park your car at the car park at the end of Kawakawa road. Kawakawa bay is really popular in the weekends, so you might find it too crowded. If you want to walk to a quiet bay, turn right when you get to the beach at low tide, after 100 metres you will find a track going up the hill. This track will lead to the next bay which might be more suitable. Don't forget to check the tide timetable before you go because there is no access at high tide.
Kawakawa Bay is about a 50-minute drive south from Auckland CBD via State Highway 1 and Clevedon-Kawakawa Road. Park your car at the car park at the end of Kawakawa road. Kawakawa bay is really popular in the weekends, so you might find it too crowded. If you want to walk to a quiet bay, turn right when you get to the beach at low tide, after 100 metres you will find a track going up the hill. This track will lead to the next bay which might be more suitable. Don't forget to check the tide timetable before you go because there is no access at high tide.
3. Makara Beach
Makara Beach is a 40 minute drive north from down-town Wellington and is very different from the beaches in Auckland as it is covered with smooth stones. Makara Beach is suitable for every traveller and for those who like tramping you can try the famous six-kilometre loop track. The beach is at the end of Makara Road which runs from the south end of Karori Road. My favourite activity is collecting paua, also called abalone. For more information about Makara Beach see my post about Wellington.
Makara Beach is a 40 minute drive north from down-town Wellington and is very different from the beaches in Auckland as it is covered with smooth stones. Makara Beach is suitable for every traveller and for those who like tramping you can try the famous six-kilometre loop track. The beach is at the end of Makara Road which runs from the south end of Karori Road. My favourite activity is collecting paua, also called abalone. For more information about Makara Beach see my post about Wellington.
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4. Whatipu
Whatipu is a great place that has so much to offer such as: fishing, camping, tramping, and sightseeing. There are some caves to explore, sand dunes to slide on, a lighthouse on a rock, and various walks. The view from the top of one of the walking tracks is really amazing as you can see in the photo below. Camping sites and a lodge are available to hire. Whatipu is a scientific reserve, so no open fires are allowed as many wild animals live in this area like seals, various types of birds, rabbits and possums.
Whatipu is 42km from downtown Auckland. Head west to Titirangi and then follow Huia Rd. Take care driving on Whatipu Road as this is a narrow, winding, gravel road. Please note that swimming is not recommended due to dangerous currents and there are no life-guard's patrolling this area.
Whatipu is a great place that has so much to offer such as: fishing, camping, tramping, and sightseeing. There are some caves to explore, sand dunes to slide on, a lighthouse on a rock, and various walks. The view from the top of one of the walking tracks is really amazing as you can see in the photo below. Camping sites and a lodge are available to hire. Whatipu is a scientific reserve, so no open fires are allowed as many wild animals live in this area like seals, various types of birds, rabbits and possums.
Whatipu is 42km from downtown Auckland. Head west to Titirangi and then follow Huia Rd. Take care driving on Whatipu Road as this is a narrow, winding, gravel road. Please note that swimming is not recommended due to dangerous currents and there are no life-guard's patrolling this area.
5. Piha
It is probably one of the top tourist destinations in New Zealand especially for surfers. However, you can also just enjoy the view. I like climbing one of the hills and watching the surf crash on rocks.
It is probably one of the top tourist destinations in New Zealand especially for surfers. However, you can also just enjoy the view. I like climbing one of the hills and watching the surf crash on rocks.
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