The North Island's Top Seaside Holiday Spots

Undoubtedly one of the country’s most well-known beaches, the glittering waters of Mount Maunganui stretch almost as far as the eye can see. The township of Mount Maunganui is trendy, it’s seaside, and it’s pinpointed by an iconic volcanic cone, certainly worthy of the climb.

As the saying goes, do the mahi get the treats, and after your climb (or jaunt around its base), treat yourself to an ocean swim, ice cream or a coffee or beer from a plethora of options scattered across town. Waterbabies are also spoilt for choice - the ocean side of the peninsula offers peeling waves perfect for surfers and boogie boarding, whilst the harbourside of Pilot Bay is usually sheltered and safer for young children. Mount Maunganui is especially popular over the New Year period, and cars are often gridlocked - though thankfully, it’s small enough to walk most places.

While the name might be something of a misnomer (it’s actually 88 kilometres long), untamed 90 Mile Beach is undoubtedly one the country’s longest. The seemingly endless stretch of sand forms part of the legendary Te Araroa trail, a hike spanning the length of New Zealand.

The stunning coastline of 90 Mile Beach is popular with surfers, swimmers and surf-casters alike, and the small community in the town of Ahipara will make you feel right at home. Fun fact: 90 Mile Beach is considered an official state highway, and it is a popular scenic route for 4WD explorers and a number of wild horses that frequently roam the area.

Ōakura is one of the major stops on the famed Surf Highway 45, a 90-minute coastal route that stretches from Hāwera in the south to New Plymouth in the north.

It’s a quaint seaside town offering a mix of laidback Kiwi baches and million dollar houses, with charming local businesses keeping visitors more than well replenished. Festoon and High Tide Cafe brew a great coffee, while the Black Sand Bistro specialises in pizza with ocean views.

The beaches in the wider Taranaki region are unique for their black sand, which is derived from the volcanic activity of the prominent Mount Taranaki.

A regular contender for the country’s annual Most Loved Beach award, the golden sands of Ōhope Beach stretch almost 11 kilometres long in the eastern Bay of Plenty Region.

The beach’s West End is sheltered by the hills of the Whakatāne headlands (which make for a decent hike), making it popular with surfers and families. Situated just down the hill from the township of Whakatāne, the population of the seaside village swells each summer (and the many campgrounds are usually full to the brim) but come winter it can feel like something of a ghost town - which can certainly have its appeal.

Most famed for its clifftop walk, Mangwahai is a relaxed beach town situated about an hour’s drive south of Whangārei. The sun-kissed beach offers excellent surf, but for those who want to put on their walking shoes and get active, the three-hour loop trail is a hike you won’t forget. The loop features elevated coastal views stretching all the way to the Coromandel, lush native bush (keep an ear out for the birdsong) and, of course, a low-tide journey across the rocks and golden sands of the beach. The local tavern is a welcoming spot, offering craft beer and pub food and often served to a soundtrack of live music.

Castlepoint is a popular destination for Wellington’s city dwellers seeking an escape from the grind of daily life. It’s home to not much more than an iconic lighthouse, a beachfront store with scooped ice cream, and a gigantic 162 metre high rock. It’s often windy, so perfect beach days are few and far between, however the sweeping landscape, picturesque scenery and limited but wholesome activities make it an incredibly desirable destination for those wanting to to hunker down with a book or a puzzle.

One of the country’s most popular surf beaches, Raglan ticks all the boxes for a beach getaway. Not only is there fantastic surf, there are sheltered swimming spots in the harbour (and a popular place for bridge jumping), interesting shops, multiple bars and eateries, and a surrounding mountainous landscape, ripe for exploring.

Raglan is also home to a coffee roastery of the same name, and an old wharf that has been repurposed into a bunch of artisan studios along with a classic Kiwi fish and chip shop. The vibe and sense of community in Raglan is a source of pride for locals, and with that offering, it’s not hard to see why.

The Karikari Peninsula is home to a collection of world-class, yet highly underdeveloped, beaches that each offer something different, depending on the day. Basic amenities can be found at Whatuwhiwhi Beach, idyllic views and waters at Maitai Bay, and excellent kite surfing conditions at either Rangiputa or Tokerau Beaches. The peninsula can feel like a world away from the rest of New Zealand, and if you’re planning on staying a while, it’s a good idea to stock up on supplies before you go.

Hahei may be a convenient launch pad for visiting Cathedral Cove (one of New Zealand’s most well-known natural attractions), but the local beach and friendly community are each drawcards in their own right.

The warmer temperatures up north often serve to prolong summer, ideal for those late-season swims. Counter any perceived chilliness with a visit to nearby Hot Water Beach, where digging into the sand is rewarded with water temperatures warm enough to soak in. Round the day out with a cold beer and wood-fired pizza from local Hot Water Brewing Company or an intimate dinner at Hahei’s Church Bistro.

A seaside settlement with little more than the bare essentials, Mahia is a secluded place that forces visitors to unwind and disconnect. Situated on New Zealand’s east coast, Mahia is one of the first places in the world to see the sun and to cap off the day; its sunsets are pretty spectacular, too. Climbing the Mokotahi Lookout as the sun goes down is an absolute must; the sun’s rays spanning the ocean are certainly a sight to remember. Time your trip to Mahia right, and you might even see a rocket launch into space - New Zealand’s very own Rocket Lab has a launch site not far from here.

An easy 45 minute drive from Auckland, Piha’s dramatic scenery is a sight that many Aucklanders are well acquainted with. The jagged cliffs crowning each end of the beach, the black sand and the huge ocean swells form a rugged landscape that is as popular with photographers as beachgoers. The waters are closely patrolled in summer as the currents can be dangerous, but that doesn’t stop the masses from enjoying themselves.