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TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre
New Zealand has some of the finest coastline in the world, with many spectacular beaches and coves. Most of the best beaches are in the North Island. As it is generally warmer than the South Island, the North Island beaches are also more suitable for swimming and sunbathing.
Wherever you are travelling in the North Island you won't be too far from the coast. If you love beaches, these are where to find the best in the North Island. Most of them are on the east coast, which is the sheltered side of the island. However, the west coast, although wilder, offers its own appeal.
Northland
- The Far North: Ten Best Beaches
- Lower Northland (Auckland to the Bay of Islands): Ten Best Beaches
- Northland Nude Beaches
- Ninety Mile Beach
- Mangawhai Beach
Auckland
- Guide to Auckland Beaches
- Auckland's North Shore Beaches
- Whangaparaoa Peninsula Beaches (North of Auckland)
- Auckland Nude Beaches
Coromandel Peninsula
Remote, yet little more than an hour and a half from Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula has many beautiful beaches to explore.
Discover Coromandel Peninsula's beaches:
Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty is a broad sweep of coastline on the east coast of the North Island, to the immediate south of the Coromandel Peninsula. It is one of the sunniest parts of New Zealand and a great place to enjoy the sea.
Discover the Bay of Plenty's beaches:
- Mount Maunganui (near Tauranga)
- Ohope Beach
Best Beaches for a New Zealand Holiday
All but one of these are in the North Island:
