Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

Escape to the Most Drool-Worthy New Zealand Beaches this Spring

Mike Richard
By

best beaches new zealand
Image used with permission by copyright holder
We’re barely into the start of spring in the U.S., but, if you live in one of the 48 states (damn you, Florida and Hawaii!) where snow is a real possibility, chances are good you’re already dreaming of sun, surf, and warmer climes. As if you needed another reason to visit New Zealand, the country is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here are five of our favorites.

For Surfers: Piha

Best Beaches in the winter in New Zealand
Image courtesy of 100% Pure New Zealand Image used with permission by copyright holder

Situated less than an hour from Auckland, the black sand beach at Piha is arguably the best surf beach in New Zealand. This beach isn’t for the faint of heart as large; constant swells and craggy shoreline can prove dangerous for beginners. Back on solid ground, travelers can explore a beautiful waterfall hike, the area’s dramatic cliffs, and even abseil Piha Canyon.

Recommended Videos

For Bird Lovers: Muriwai Beach

Image courtesy of 100% Pure New Zealand Image used with permission by copyright holder

The black sand of Muriwai Beach stretches for roughly 40 miles, making it a worthy destination in its own right. However, the majority of visitors come for the bird-watching, specifically the beach’s large gannet colonies. Every year, from August to March, approximately 1,200 pairs of gannets make their nest on one of two craggy islands just offshore. The birds are loud, large (with a wingspan of more than six feet), and ungainly, making the colony incredibly entertaining to watch.

Related

For Chilling: The Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula
Sleeping God Canyon/Image courtesy of 100% Pure New Zealand Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Coromandel is the place to go for kiwis on vacation. The North Island area offers more than 250 miles of unspoiled beaches not far from Auckland. The vast white sand expanse is perfect for relaxing and stretching out on your own uncrowded patch of beach. When you’re ready for something more exciting, head inland to the mountains for waterfall hiking and canyoneering in Sleeping God Canyon.

For Hikers: Abel Tasman National Park

abel tasman national park
Image courtesy of 100% Pure New Zealand. Image used with permission by copyright holder

Abel Tasman National Park may be New Zealand’s smallest, but there’s no shortage of waterfront hikes. Every trail is a short walk to cool off with a dip or a snorkel amid the area’s calm, cool waters. The coastline here follows the extreme north edge of South Island and is a great place to spot fur seals and dolphins playing just offshore.

For Divers: Poor Knights Islands

poor knights island
Poor Knights Island (Photo: Steve Shattuck/Flickr) Image used with permission by copyright holder

Situated in the far north of North Island, The Poor Knights Islands are remote, rugged, and breathtaking. The tiny area is frequently ranked among the world’s top dive destinations. With its rough, sun-soaked waters, rich kelp forests, and many caves to explore, they offer no shortage of underwater adventure opportunities.

Images courtesy of 100% Pure New Zealand.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Mike Richard
Mike Richard
Contributor
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
These are the 8 new airlines you can use TSA PreCheck for
There are now nearly 100 airlines you can use TSA PreCheck for
person in airport walking to airport security checkpoint

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently expanded its TSA PreCheck program, bringing the total number of participating airlines to nearly 100. Travelers flying on the following airlines can now enjoy the benefits of expedited security screening.

Air Premia
Air Tahiti Nui
Air Transat
Bahamasair
BermudAir
Iberia
La Compagnie
New Pacific Airlines

Read more
The best bars in New York City: Our top picks
Here's where to belly up to the bar in NYC
The Quixote Bar.

If you're known as The City That Never Sleeps, you probably have a few good bars to your name. New York is the ultimate beehive, going strong regardless of the borough or time of day. That makes for a pretty rich NYC bar culture.

Sure, there are trending establishments that draw huge lines—look at you, Double Chicken Please. But there are also excellent dives, tremendous wine bars, and watering holes that make you reexamine the definition of a great cocktail.

Read more
Yellowstone vs Yosemite: Which national park should you visit?
A breathtaking view of Yellowstone National Park at sunset.

When speaking of national parks, two often dominate the conversation: Yellowstone and Yosemite. While both are crown jewels of the National Park System, each offers a distinctly unique experience. These parks attract millions of visitors annually, but which one reigns supreme for the summer traveler? Let's compare these iconic destinations.
Yellowstone National Park

Established in 1872 as the first national park in the world, Yellowstone National Park sprawls across three states: Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. Covering over 2.2 million acres, it’s a vast land of natural wonders. Here's what it's famous for:
Geothermal geysers
Yellowstone is home to over 10,000 hydrothermal features, including more than 500 geysers. The star of the show is Old Faithful, a geyser famous for its predictable eruptions. Besides geysers, the park boasts multicolored hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots.
An abundance of wildlife
Yellowstone’s ecosystem is a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors marvel at herds of bison roaming the valleys, spot elusive wolves in the Lamar Valley, and observe grizzly bears in their natural habitat. Just make sure that you're following the rules when it comes to interacting with animals. The park is a living showcase of wildlife management and natural balance.
Unparalleled views
The park's landscape varies from rolling grasslands to dense forests and high-altitude lakes. Yellowstone Lake is the largest high-altitude lake in North America, offering stunning views and fishing opportunities. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging backcountry adventures, catering to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
Yosemite National Park

Read more