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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

My favourite place to spend summer in New Zealand is Wellington. Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand and is located at the bottom of North Island, it is famous for its windy weather, so if you do not like wind, like myself, pack some windproof clothing.

Wellington has so much to offer, I believe every traveler can find something they will like in Wellington.

1. Walk or bike to the Pencarrow Head lighthouses
There are two lighthouses at Pencarrow Head that can be reached from Burdan's Gate at the southern end of Eastbourne. Follow the gravel track along the harbour approximately seven kilometres. I like watching the ferries traffic along the way. You can go fishing, snorkel for paua also called abalone, or pick up some mussels on the way back from the lighthouses. Please check the local limits before taking fish or shellfish, on the ministry of fisheries website. The old lighthouse is on top of the hill, to go there follow the track provided.

2. Snorkling for Paua (Maori name for abalone) at Makara beach
Have you tried Paua, also known as abalone? You can find paua easily at Makara beach, what you need to do is snorkel to locate the paua then dive down to pick them up from the sea floor. After you pick up enough paua for the day, you can cook them on the beach. Check here for my paua recipe. Makara beach is also suitable for swimming, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying the views. For travellers who like tramping, they can try the famous six kilometre-loop track where you can see magnificent views, and go back along the beach. Makara walkway begins and ends at Makara Beach. The beach is at the end of Makara Road which runs from the south end of Karori Road.

3. Visit the botanical gardens
Wellington botanical gardens is a nice place to go for a walk during the day and if you come in summer you might be able to see the light festival at night time. The main entrance to the garden is on Glenmore Street. There are several ways to get to the garden:

• Cable Car - Cable Car Lane, off Lambton Quay. You can then take the downhill walk back to the city.
  Wellington Cable Car
• No 3 Karori Bus or No 13 Mairangi- catch the bus at Lambton Quay and get off at the Centennial and Founders' entrances on Glenmore Street. Metlink
• Walking - a popular route is from The Terrace through Bolton Street Memorial Park, through the Lady Norwood Rose Garden to the Main Garden. This takes about 20 minutes. 
• Car - the only public car park in the garden is next to the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. Parking is limited to 2 hours. Access is through Centennial entrance on Glenmore Street. Parking is also available along Glenmore Street.

4. Walk along the water front
Wellington waterfront is an interesting place to visit. There are so many activities you can try, such as: visiting cafes for lunch or dinner, kayaking on the harbour, jumping from the diving platforms into the sea, playing at Frank Kitts Park, visiting Te Papa museum, or walking around taking photos.

5. Kaitoke Regional Park
Just 45 minutes drive north of Wellington city. You can camp, ride a horse, swim in the river, go rafting and kayaking, go hunting or tramping. It has everything for the nature lover. Check out the video below. You can also find more information here: www.gw.govt.nz/Kaitoke/

I really enjoyed our afternoon trip to Kaitoke Regional Park, my favourite part was crossing the hanging swing-bridge over the river, which is really beautiful. I would love to visit this place again.