Summer Beach Holidays
New Zealand Summer Beach Holidays
Beach holidays in New Zealand are a classic part of the summer holiday experience. Read on to find top beach holiday destinations and ten of the most popular New Zealand beaches, as well as camping grounds, beach accommodation and tips for a great camping holiday.
Spending time at the beach can be one of the most relaxing ways to spend your summer holiday. Whether you spend a day or a week at a New Zealand beach, there’s nothing quite like a golden sandy beach or a secluded bay to let you escape from everyday life – with a dip in the ocean, a good book under the shade of a beach umbrella, or a game of frisbee on the beach.
Where to stay for your beach holiday
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to holiday at the beach, whether you're in the North Island or the South Island of New Zealand. For your summer holiday getaway, choose New Zealand beach accommodation from:
- Bach Houses - Bungalows, baches and beach holiday home rentals will give you room to move. You’ll enjoy privacy in your own accommodation – and baches are often within easy walking distance of the beach, if not on the beachfront itself! Be sure to book early, as top spots go quickly during the peak summer season.
- Beach resorts - For a luxury beach stay or romantic beach escape, a beachfront resort or health spa is the way to go. Enjoy ocean views, access to bays for water sports, and luxurious accommodation facilities at one of the many beachside resorts on New Zealand's beautiful coastline.
- Beach lodges - Boutique retreat or lodge accommodation near a sandy beach is ideal for those wanting beach accommodation ranging from basic to luxury. Opt for a beach retreat if you feel in need of privacy, seclusion and a complete holiday getaway!
- Camping grounds - A classic holiday accommodation option for many Kiwi families, a camping holiday will get you into the great outdoors for rest, relaxation and recreation. Hearing the sound of the sea, waking to birdsong and feeling the sand under your feet just outside your door - you'll get all this and more from your New Zealand camping ground experience.
Popular New Zealand beaches
At just over 15,000 kilometres in length, New Zealand's coastline offers many beaches and bays for your holiday. From stormy beaches to golden, sandy and calm beaches, there are beach destinations wherever you are - from one end of New Zealand to the other. Our top tenNew Zealand beaches are:
1. Kaiteriteri Beach
One of the most beautiful South Island beaches, Kaiteriteri is the destination of choice for many Cantabrians during the summer holidays. Book early to enjoy a stay at this sheltered beach near the entrance to the Abel Tasman National Park, with golden sands and some of the highest sunshine hours anywhere in the country.
2. Onetangi Bay
A stretch of golden sand and a view for miles out to sea - what more could you ask for? An easy ferry ride from Auckland City, Waiheke Island offers some wonderful beach experiences for relaxation, water sports and walks.
3. Karikari Peninsula beaches
Travelers visit the Far North for its subtropical weather and scenic beauty; situated on the western side of Doubtless Bay, the Karikari Peninsula offers stretches of sparkling, white sands and azure blue waters. Try Tokerua Beach, Matai Bay and Karikari Beach for a stunning beach holiday destination.
4. Hot Water Beach
Timing is crucial when visiting Whitianga's Hot Water Beach, on the northern end of the Coromandel Peninsula; for one to two hours either side of low tide, you can dig into the sand and create your very own hot water spa. Top spots can be found near the rocks and where you can see steam rising from the open sea at high tide - and, in case you wondered, there's no longer any geothermal activity in the area!
5. Catlins Coast bays
On the south-east coast of the South Island, the Catlins area is a fascinating Otago destination drawing visitors wanting to experience an untouched corner of New Zealand wilderness. Lush forests and unique native wildlife can be enjoyed in the Catlins, along with numerous secluded bays and sandy beaches along the Southern Scenic Route.
6. Mission Bay
Just a stone's throw from Auckland City, Mission Bay offers a city beach experience with golden sand, promenade and park. Perfect for a respite from the urban jungle of our biggest city, this bay is great for a day's escape: jogging, walking, cycling or rollerblading on the promenade; sailing or kayaking out on the bay; or just relaxing at a beach cafe on the shores of the bay.
7. Ninety Mile Beach
At the Far North of New Zealand, this magical and unforgettable Northland beach destination is famous throughout New Zealand. An unbroken stretch of white sand, 90 Mile Beach spans 88 kilometres (60 miles!) and offers thrills in the form of sand surfing, quad biking and 4WD tours. The desert-like length of sand culminates at the Cape Reinga lighthouse, where the waters of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet.
8. Mount Maunganui beach
A mecca for Bay of Plenty sun-seekers, Mount Maunganui is a popular swimming and surf beach which plays host to beach volleyball, parasailing and surfing events during the summer. Mount Maunganui itself is a prominent geographical feature on the skyline and an important natural monument in Maori legend and culture.
9. Coopers Beach
One of the most popular Doubtless Bay beaches, Coopers Beach is a safe haven, resplendent with pohutukawa trees and smooth golden sands that are ideal for a leisturely stroll or beach walk. There are many accommodation options, including beachfront baches and holiday homes.
10. Piha Beach
One of New Zealand's best known surfing spots, Piha Beach is less than one hour from Auckland City and attracts thousands of visitors during summer months. This famous stretch of sand is a great destination for holidaymakers seeking a surf beach, as well as those wanting a beach location close to bush walks in the Waitakere Ranges.
Summer beach sports and activities
Relaxation and New Zealand beach holidays go hand-in-hand, and while lounging on the beach is a great summer pastime, there are many beach activities and summer sports that are popular on NZ beaches. Get stocked up on sports gear before you leave and get active at the beach with:
- Beach volleyball - All you need is a net, a ball and a few friends to enjoy this fast-paced game.
- Cricket - Rally the family for this sport that's a hit with adults and kids alike.
- Touch rugby - Grab a ball and hit the sand for a game of touch followed by a cool beer.
- Frisbee - The classic beach sport; success is all in your throwing technique!
- Surfing - Whether you're a pro catching the big waves or a learner in the surf world, surfing is great for fitness and co-ordination.
- Beach ball - Great for young kids, beach ball games go right along with the sport of building sandcastles
- Beach fishing - It's a waiting game, but a great one if you land the big one!
Beach camping in New Zealand
A camping holiday is a 'must do' experience for Kiwis and visitors to New Zealand. Staying at one of the many New Zealand camping grounds lets you experience the beach with all your senses - the sound of waves crashing on the beach, the smell of fresh sea air and the feel of sand between your toes. For a successful Kiwi camping holiday, stock up on camping equipment before you head away. Waterproof tent, spare pegs, gas stove, portable lamp, sleeping bag, chilly bin and plenty of food are just a few of the camping essentials. Make a list to ensure you're prepared. Remember, too, you'll need to book early for the summer season - December until early March is the busiest time for New Zealand campsites.
Looking for more information on sunny beach holidays? Find New Zealand beaches and NZ camping grounds in the NZS.com directory.
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Seasons and Celebrations images from Flickr: Dyed Eggs, Chickees and Chocolate Bunnies.
