8 Beautiful Beaches In New Zealand
Explore the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand with clear water and amazing scenery.
New Zealand isn’t short on beaches—but not all of them check both boxes: gorgeous water and jaw-dropping scenery. This list covers some of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand that are either famous for their crystal-clear water or have a setting that’ll seriously blow your mind.
Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula
Probably one of the most photographed beaches in New Zealand, Cathedral Cove is located on the Coromandel Peninsula and is famous for its natural rock arch and calm, turquoise waters. It's only accessible by foot, boat, or kayak—which adds to the experience.
The beach is framed by white cliffs and the carved-out arch makes for a one-of-a-kind photo backdrop. Swimming and snorkeling here are popular, and the water visibility is usually excellent in summer.
Highlights
- White sand and turquoise water
- Famous arch-shaped rock formation
- Best reached by kayak or hiking
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New Chums Beach, Coromandel Peninsula
Totally untouched and consistently ranked as one of the top hidden beaches in the world, New Chums Beach is only accessible via a 30-minute track through native bush. There are no buildings, no shops—just golden sand and insanely blue water.
If you're looking for something that feels completely remote and natural, this is it.
Highlights
- Secluded and undeveloped
- Gorgeous gold sand and clear blue water
- Surrounded by dense native forest
Tāwharanui Beaches, Auckland Region
Just 90 minutes north of Auckland, Tāwharanui sits inside a regional park that’s home to several beautiful beaches. Some have soft sand, others are more rocky, but they’re all worth checking out. It’s also one of the cleanest places to swim near Auckland, with clear water on most calm days.
The beach is ideal for surfing, swimming, and long walks, and you might even spot native birds in the nearby reserve.
Highlights
- Close to Auckland but feels remote
- White sand and clean, clear water
- Wildlife spotting in the park
Wharariki Beach, South Island
This isn’t your usual swimming beach—but when it comes to mind-blowing scenery, Wharariki is on another level. Located near the northern tip of the South Island, this wild beach is known for massive rock formations, sea caves, and baby seals playing in tide pools.
It’s usually super windy and dramatic, and that’s kind of the point—it feels like the edge of the world.
Highlights
- Huge sea stacks and caves
- One of the most scenic beaches in New Zealand
- Tide pools often have seal pups in summer
Koekohe Beach, Otago
Famous for the giant perfectly sphere shaped Moeraki Boulders, this beach has otherworldly vibes. These perfectly round stones look like they were dropped here from another planet. The beach itself has soft sand and stretches out along the Otago coast, where you often get dramatic skies and open sea views.
It's not so much a swimming beach, but it’s unreal for photography and just soaking in the landscape.
Highlights
- Famous spherical boulders
- Wild, wide-open scenery
- Photogenic at sunrise and low tide
Abel Tasman National Park Beaches
The beaches inside Abel Tasman National Park are some of the most beautiful in the whole country. The water here is bright blue-green, and the sand is soft and golden. Many people kayak from cove to cove or take walking trails along the coast.
Top beaches include Anchorage Bay, Awaroa Inlet, and Torrent Bay. You’re basically spoiled for choice here.
Highlights
- Crystal-clear turquoise water
- Multiple beaches with calm bays
- Great for kayaking and hiking
Ōhope Beach, Bay of Plenty
Located just outside Whakatāne, Ōhope Beach is known for its safe swimming, clean water, and epic views across to Whale Island (Moutohorā). It stretches out for over 11 km, making it perfect for walking, beach games, or just chilling.
It’s consistently ranked as one of the best family beaches in New Zealand, but the views and vibe make it great for all kinds of travelers.
Highlights
- Long stretch of clean, swim-safe beach
- Amazing views of Whale Island (Moutohorā)
- Great sunrises
Totaranui Beach, Abel Tasman National Park
Located at the northern end of Abel Tasman, Totaranui is a wide bay with soft golden sand and calm, clear water. It's a little more off-the-beaten-path than other beaches in the park, but that's what makes it special.
The water here glows in the sunlight, and the surrounding hills just add to the whole scene.
Highlights
- Golden sand and teal-blue water
- Surrounded by hills and forest
- Peaceful and less crowded