Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

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

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…
This is the best beach in the world, according to TripAdvisor
Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece, took the top spot
Elafonissi Beach

If you’re yearning for pristine waters and pink sands, your search ends here. TripAdvisor has officially declared Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece, as the top beach in the world in its Travellers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Beaches for 2025.

Situated 45 miles southwest of Chania, Elafonissi is known for its turquoise waters and distinctive pink sand, making it a truly unique spot. Visitors flock here all year round to lounge on the soft sand and swim in the gorgeous, warm water. For the adventurous spirit, you can even cross a shallow lagoon to reach a deserted island, which boasts a historic lighthouse, a small chapel, and over 100 native plant species.
Other key findings

Read more
New study reveals the best road trips across the United States
Ready for a road trip?
Road trip

If you’re craving the freedom of the open road, you’re not alone. A new study by Journeyscape has identified the best road trips across the United States, ranking them based on key factors like the number of must-see stops, states covered, available hotels and restaurants, and overall experience. Each route was given a score out of 10, highlighting the best journeys for travelers. Here are a few of the top picks.
Roller Coaster Tour

Topping the list is the Roller Coaster Tour, a nearly 3,000-mile adventure from Wisconsin Dells, WI, to Jackson, NJ. This journey stops at major theme parks, guaranteeing adrenaline-pumping excitement along the way. But it’s not just about the coasters, the route also offers amazing scenery, taking travelers past the Great Lakes of Michigan and Erie, through the heart of the Midwest, and finally up to the East Coast for a grand finale at some of the country’s top amusement parks.
Pacific Coast Paradise

Read more
This Dominican airline is expanding to the US
Dominican airline Arajet expands to the US
Avenida George Washington, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Dominican flagship airline, Arajet, is expanding its network to the US. The carrier is adding flights between the Dominican Republic, Miami, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. In June, New York will join the list. Currently, fares to 25 destinations are available, and one-way tickets are priced from $84.
Arajet is increasing accessibility to travel
Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic Yi Wei via Unsplash

Arajet is the Dominican region's first low-cost airline, and because of that, it has increased travel accessibility for the 2.4 million strong diaspora community and tourists. The airline has existed for only two years, and during that time, it has improved local tourism, flying over 1.2 million miles in 2024, when it had an 80% on-time rate. With its new U.S. routes, the carrier now serves 26 destinations throughout 17 countries. 

Read more