New Zealand offers a great variety of landscapes from beaches to mountains, to geothermal parks, to volcanoes... The contrasts in shapes and colors are a paradise for photographers. Today I am sharing my selection of the 15 best beaches in New Zealand for photographers. Some great playgrounds!
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About the best New Zealand beaches
Types of New Zealand beaches
With about 15,000km of coastline (9,321mi), New Zealand is bound to have beautiful beaches.
And you can find a great variety of them:
- Sand or pebble beaches
- Black, white, gold or orange sand
- Flat and easy to access or hidden at the bottom of cliffs
There is so much to see!
Selection of the Best New Zealand Beaches
The difficulty is to reduce the list. And choosing the "best" beaches of a country is always controversial, because everyone has a favorite and preferences.
So to be clear the selection below is my choice of the most scenic beaches for photographers.
They don't have the best sand or are not the most dreamy types of beaches.
They are the ones with interesting visual appeal and rock formations. They create fantastic playgrounds for photographers.
Where are they? Top 6 beaches in New Zealand Map
To get you a little oriented, below is a map with my top 6 best beaches in New Zealand:
You can find practical maps to plan your road trip (including all the beaches listed here) in my eBook.
Be overwhelmed by the beauty not the planning!
Plan your perfect trip to New Zealand!
- 12 easy-to-plan Maps
- 200 scenic locations in NZ
- Tips to plan + make the most of your time
- 285+ large photos to decide where to go
- GPS coordinates direct to the carparks
Discover in photos my 15 best beaches in New Zealand
#1 - Wharariki beach - Photographers' wonderland
- South Island
- Location -
At the Northern West tip of South Island, near the Spit
Closest town is Collingwood
Nelson to Wharariki = 2h45 drive
Collingwood to Wharariki = 40min drive - Access -
It is really at the tip of the island.
The last 6km of road are unpaved.
Then you need to walk 30min to reach the flat area of the beach - Interest for photographer -
- The beach is rather flat, so at low tide water remains and creates wonderful reflections
- There is a cluster of small islets called the Archway islands. They are tall and have several arches. A pleasure to capture
- And in the tidal pools you can see seal pups having fun!!! a wonderful experience!
See more pictures in my article - Best time to visit -
You must go before low tide to have the time to see the reflections and the pups in the tidal pools. At high tide, the beach is covered with water.
If you can combine low tide with sunset, it would be the most amazing experience! - Where to stay nearby -
Collingwood is a cute little town at the northern end of the Golden bay. I enjoyed it.
I stayed at the Collingwood Park Motel . I loved the studio and the warm welcome of the owner - Check out photos and availabilities
Or check out the accommodation options in Collingwood.
Worth the detour on you New Zealand South Island itinerary ! (see my suggestions)
#2 - Motukiekie Beach - Off the beaten path New Zealand Beach
- South Island
- Location -
On the West Coast of South Island. South of the famous Punakaiki rocks
Punakaiki to Motukiekie beach = 20min drive
Greymouth to Motukiekie beach = 20min drive - Access -
There is nothing indicating the beach. You have to know to get there.
You park along the main West coast road (42°18'53.2"S 171°16’46.9"E) and then walk on the beach to reach the stunning seastacks
More info on how to get there (with photos) on my Motukiekie article.
Plan 30min walk each way. - Interest for photographer -
Beautiful sea stacks, colorful cliffs, many fascinating rock formations with various shapes, colors and textures
Again, the beach is flat so you get wonderful reflections
Plus it is home to a starfish colony, and you can see groups of them on the seastacks - Best time to visit -
Here as well you must visit at low tide.
You have to start the walk before low tide to have enough time to take photos and to walk back before the sea covers the beach.
If low tide coincide with sunset, it will be even better - Where to stay nearby -
If you want to stay in a city, spend the night in Greymouth - Check out the best rated accommodations
If you prefer to stay close to nature, I recommend staying at Punakaiki - Check out the accommodation options
I stayed in punakaiki at the Te Nikau Retreat. My apartment had a great view over the forest towards the sea (it was the only on with see view). Loved it! - Check out availability
#3 - Castlepoint - Most scenic beach in New Zealand
- North Island (One of my favorite places in North Island)
- Location -
Located on the South East coast of North Island
Off the beaten path as most people just race down to Wellington.
Wellington to Castlepoint = 2h30 drive
Napier to Castlepoint = 3h30 drive - Access -
Easy drive to the beach, just a big detour from the main road
From the carpark easy access to the beach and to the lagoon
Easy hike to the lighthouse - Interest for photographer -
- The lighthouse on a rocky promontory with great views of the bay and the lagoon
- The beautiful lagoon with colorful rocks shaped by the sea and wind
- The Deliverance cove track with fantastic views of the whole area
See more photos in my Castlepoint article - Best time to visit -
At sunrise (being on the East Coast)
Just know that it can be extremely windy - Where to stay nearby -
You can find accommodations in Castlepoint by the beach, mostly rentals - Check out options and book
I stayed at the Castlepoint Holiday park & motel. My unit was tired-looking but practical. However other units they had seem to be more modern - Check out photos and availabilities
#4 - Piha Beach - Best black sand beach in New Zealand
- North Island
- Location -
Some of the best black sand beaches in New Zealand can be found just West of Auckland.
It is difficult to pick the best one, but I really enjoyed Piha
Auckland center to Piha - 50min drive
Not to be missed on your North island itinerary - Access -
The road is ok but it is not so easy to access.
First you have to deal with the Auckland traffic jams
And then the road down to the beach is sinuous but locals are used to it and want to go fast. They get annoyed by you. One of my worst drives in New Zealand ( they were not many)
Once at sea level, There are many carparks at various ends of the beach - Interest for photographer -
The black sand
The lion rock in the middle
The Tasman lookout over the beach
The sandy path between Toitomo island and mainland - Best time to visit -
At low tide to be able to walk in the canyon created by Toitomo island
At sunset for a beautiful light - Where to stay nearby -
There are a few accommodations in Piha, mostly rentals (but limited and it gets busy, so book early) - Check out options and book
I stayed at the Piha Beachstay. I enjoyed the decor, the communal area and my patio with views of the forest - Check out photos and availabilities
#5 - Cathedral Cove - Best Beach in NZ (according to many)
- North Island
- Location -
In the Coromandel peninsula, South of Auckland
Near the town of Hahei
Rotorua to Cathedral Cove = 3h drive
Auckland to Cathedral Cove = 2h30 drive - Access -
Easy drive but quite a detour to go to the peninsula
Then you need to hike to reach the cove - 1h30 return with some slopes and stairs (but nice views)
In Summer you can't park at the departure of the walk - see your options in my article - Interest for photographer -
The beautiful cliffs views at the beginning
The patches of forest you walk thought
The stunning cathedral-looking archway
The seastacks
See more photos in my article - Best time to visit -
Once again you have to visit at low tide, to be able to walk under the archway without getting your feet wet
If you can combine with sunrise, it is perfect - Where to stay nearby -
The best option if you want to go to Cathedral cove at Sunrise is to stay in Hahei.
You can see the best rated accommodations in Hahei here.
I camped near Hot water beach.
Planning to rent a car in New Zealand? Check out the local company Snap Rentals
I selected it myself and paid my rental in full.
- They were very nice and responsive, they pick you up and drop you off at the airport
- The car I rented was in perfect condition
- In addition, they have all-inclusive insurance packages with AAA roadside assistance, which means I didn't have to worry (I think it's worth the price)
#6 - Moeraki - Most photographed beach in New Zealand South Island
- South Island
- Also known as Koehoke beach
- Location -
South East coast, North fo Dunedin
Dunedin to Moeraki = 1h - Oamaru to Moeraki = 30min
Christchurch to Moeraki = 3h30
Queenstown to Moeraki = 3h15 - Access -
Easy access to the beach, not far from the main road on the East coast - Interest for photographer -
The giant Moeraki boulders are a fascinating phenomenon
You have single giant ones perfectly round, series of smaller boulders, some that are cracked and one that is still half stuck in the cliff.
Many photo opportunities for one of the most famous places in South Island.
Check out my article for more photos - Best time to visit -
Sunrise and mid-to low tide is the best combination to photograph those giants - Where to stay nearby -
There are no accommodations at the beach itself. However there are some in Moeraki and Hampden. They are only 5 to10 min drive away.
If you want to stay close to the boulders to see them at sunrise, I recommend booking early.
Otherwise Dunedin is only 1h (check out accommodation options) away and Oamaru 30min away (check out accommodation options)
I stayed at the Moeraki Boulders Motel: It was clean and spacious. The owners are really nice. Not very modern but conveniently located - Check out price and availability
#7 - Cathedral Caves
- South Island
- Location -
In the Catlins region, on the South East coast
South of Dunedin
Dunedin to Cathedral Caves = 2h
Invercargill to Cathedral Caves = 1h20 - Access -
From the main road through the Catlins, you have to drive 2km of unpaved bumpy road
Then you have to hike down for 20min and walk 5 to 10min on the beach to reach the caves
5 NZD to be paid at the carpark attendant - Interest for photographer -
Beautiful walk through lush forest
The giant sea caves with great reflections inside
See more photos - Best time to visit -
Only open at low tide. Make sure you arrive before, to have plenty of time.
Even at low tide, you get tidal waves reaching the entrance of the cave, so pay attention - Where to stay nearby -
There are a few accommodations here and there in the Catlins.
I stayed at the Lazy dolphin lodge in Curio bay just by the beach - Check out photos and availabilities
#8 - Tunnel Beach
- South Island
- Location -
Just South of downtown Dunedin, on the South East Coast
Dunedin to Tunnel beach = 10min drive
Invercargill to Tunnel beach = 2h30 drive
Queenstown to Tunnel beach = 3h30 drive - Access -
Easy access to the carpark
Plan 1h return walk - steep slope but well maintained path - Interest for photographer -
The stunning cliffs including the arch that you can see along the walk
The man-made tunnel to reach the hidden beach
See more photos on my Tunnel beach article - Best time to visit -
Low tide, once again otherwise you won't be able to walk on the beach - Where to stay nearby -
The closest accommodation is the Tunnel Beach Barnstay - Check out photos and availabilities
You can also find some great accommodations in Saint Clair with sea views such as Hotel Saint Clair - Check out photos and availabilities
Otherwise Dunedin is only a 10min drive and has a large choice of accommodations - Check out the best rated ones
#9 - Cape Palliser
- North Island
- Location -
South shore of North Island, East of Wellington
Wellington to Cape Palliser = 2h drive (you have to go North first) - Access -
Beautiful drive along the shore. The last 3km are a gravel road
You can stop at different beaches along the way
And you can climb to the lighthouse: 252 small stairs - Interest for photographer -
The black sand
The hills dropping into the sea
The lighthouse and the view from its platform
You can find some New Zealand fur seals laying on the dark rocks nearby
See more photos in my article - Best time to visit -
Anytime - Where to stay nearby -
There is a small village nearby called Ngawi with a few options - check them out
I stayed further away in Martinborough. This town offers some beautiful options with the vineyards around - Check out the best rated options
I stayed in a beautiful room at the Martinborough Experience B&B - Check out photos and availabilities
#10 - Mangawhai Heads
- North Island
- Location -
Northlands, on the East Coast
Auckland to Mangawhai = 1h30 drive
Whangarei to Mangawhai = 1h drive - Access -
Sinuous road to access the region, but easy drive
Carpark close to the beach - short walking path down - Interest for photographer -
Rocky promontory, Rock features, dunes... a beautiful walk with great photo opportunities - Best time to visit -
Low tide to have complete access to the beach and the rocks - Where to stay nearby -
There is a good choice of accommodation sin Mangawhai and Mangawhai Heads - Check out the best rated options
I stayed at Mangawhai Chalets - I loved the decor, it felt peaceful! - Check out photos and availabilities
#11 - Tolaga
- North Island
- Location -
North of Gisborne on the East Coast
Gisborne to Tolaga = 45 min drive - Access -
Easy and beautiful drive along the shore
Carpark by the beach - Interest for photographer -
The beach itself is not the most fascinating
But it is home to a 600m long wharf which has been restored. It allows you to get great views of the cliffs.
And don't forget to also walk under it for some great perspectives! - Best time to visit -
Mid tide - Where to stay nearby -
Gisborne is a great departing point to visit the region - Check out the best rated accommodations
I stayed at the Captain Cook Motor Lodge, only 2min walk to the Gisborne beach - Check out photos and availabilities
#12 - Ngarunui
- North Island
- Location -
Just South of Raglan on the West Coast
Raglan to Ngarunui = 10min drive
Auckland to Ngarunui = 2h15 drive - Access -
Easy drive from Raglan
Good carpark - Interest for photographer -
Beautiful black sand and hills dropping into the sea
What I enjoyed the most were the different viewpoints where you could get different angles (on the hills or the access down at the beach) - Best time to visit -
Sunset, since it is facing West - Where to stay nearby -
Best to stay in the charming surf town of Raglan - Check out the best rated accommodations
I can't recommend where I chose to stay.
#13 - Matapouri
- North Island
- Location -
In the Northlands, on the East Coast
South of the Bay of Islands
Whangarei to Matapouri = 40min drive
Paihia to Matapouri = 1h20 drive - Access -
Easy road, carpark right by the beach
You can just enjoy the cove, or you can go for a hike to Whale bay - The loop takes 1h with staircases - Interest for photographer -
This was a great surprise, I think the cove has a beautiful shape
You can find some interesting rock formations
There is a hike to the Mermaid pool - but difficult with slippery steep slope (you have to use the trees to hold on) - I was underwhelmed by them
Nice loop around the head to Whale Bay but a bit of frustration because of the limited views - Best time to visit -
Low tide to be able to walk to the end of the beach and access the loop walk - Where to stay nearby -
There are a few rentals in Matapouri - Check out options
I stayed in Mangawhai before and in Paihia the night after - Check out the best rated accommodations in Paihia (Bay of Islands)
#14 - Wanaka Lake Beach
- South Island
- Location -
Lake Wanaka is in the heart of South Island, North of Queenstown
Queenstown to Wanaka = 1h10 drive
Christchurch to Wanaka = 5h drive - Access -
Easy drive, large carpark by the beach - Interest for photographer -
This is a lake beach. It is surrounded by mountains!
Its famous feature is the Wanaka tree, standing alone in the water - Best time to visit -
Sunrise - Where to stay nearby -
Check out the best rated accommodations in Wanaka
#15 - Sponge Bay
- North Island
- Location -
Just North of downtown Gisborne
On the East coast of North Island
Gisborne to Sponge Bay = 5min drive - Access -
Easy road
Carpark by the beach - 40 stairs to beach level - Interest for photographer -
This is a small beach, but I have a "crush" on it
From the carpark you can admire it from above with the cliffs and golden sand
And then you can walk down and appreciate the layers of the cliffs and the rock formations - Best time to visit -
Sunrise! - Where to stay nearby -
Gisborne is a great hub to visit the region - Check out the best rated accommodations
I stayed at the Captain Cook Motor Lodge, only 2min walk to the Gisborne beach - Check out photos and availabilities
Other famous New Zealand beaches
Famous Beaches in New Zealand
There are other famous beaches I have not included in this list. My choice were for great playgrounds for photographers. Those are not as much fun but they should be considered for your itinerary:
- 90 miles beach in the Northlands - The very long beach is used as a highway to Cape Reinga at low tide. But to be honest it is just a long flat white sand beach. Unless you are driving on it (with a 4WD) there is not much visual interest.
- Hot water beach - Where you can dig a hole and soak in hot water - learn more
- Abel Tasman beaches - the golden/orangy sand and dense vegetation around them bring a tropical fell to your pictures but I was not as inspired.
- In the North, the regions of the Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga are also famous. But again the features of the beaches, despite being beautiful are not as fascinating to photograph
Abel Tasman Beaches - Famous New Zealand beaches
Classic list - most beautiful beaches in New Zealand
Classic lists of 'best beaches in New Zealand' also include:
- Kaiteriteri beach - which changes completely with a lagoon at high tide
- Matai bay - which I loved with its double cove but whose beauty is difficult to capture because of the size
- Hokitika beach - I was not a big fan - but if you like building things with drift wood, this is the place for you!
- Mt Maunganui beach - for the white sand but it is a seaside resort town
Kaiteriteri beach
Matai bay NZ
Best beaches near...
- Auckland
- Nelson
- Christchurch
- Dunedin
- ...
The beaches near towns are often lined with buildings and not very scenic. So I don't stop there.
Dunedin has Tunnel beach which is only 10min drive
Nelson has Cable Bay which I love. It is only 20min away (but with big pebbles)
Cable bay NZ
New Zealand beach resort and accommodations
Even though New Zealand is made to be road tripped to see all the amazing landscapes, you may be looking for a beach vacation. In that case, below are a few beach resort options to consider:
- The Lodge at Kauri cliffs with exceptional views of the Matauri Bay and luxury- North Island, east Coast - Check out photos, prices and availabilities
- Papamoa beach resort, not far from Whakatane (and the cruise to White Island) - North Island, east Coast - Check out photos, prices and availabilities
- Paihia beach resort and spa, your getaway to the bay of islands - North Island, east Coast - Check out photos, prices and availabilities
- The White Morph Heritage Collection in Kaikoura, South island - Check out photos, prices and availabilities
- Ramada Resort by Wyndham Reia Taipa Beach in Doubtless bay, North Island - Check out photos, prices and availabilities
Extra FAQs about the NZ beaches
Is there a Pink Beach in New Zealand?
There is a beach referred to as Pink Beach.
It is located in the Shakespear Region Park, North of Auckland. And it is only accessible at low tide by hiking on the Tiritiri Track.
Its sand may appear pink, depending on the dominant type of crushed shells.
Temperature of New Zealand's beaches
What is the sea temperature for swimming?
- The further north you go, the warmer the sea gets.
- In summer, the water on the beaches of North Island is between 20 and 22°C, and for the beaches of South Island between 14 and 18°C
- In winter, the water on the beaches of North Island is around 15°C, and for the beaches of South Island around 8°C
- Learn more on my guide about the best time to visit New Zealand
Best NZ beaches for swimming
If you are also looking for the best beaches where you can swim, below are some great options:
- Whale Bay (close to Matapouri #13 on the list)
- Paihia beach in the Bay of Islands
- The cove near Coromandel (detour on the hiking path) - Gemstone bay is a reputed place to snorkel
- Curio bay where the dolphins might come swim with you! It is true, I saw them!
- Attention some of the most beautiful beaches are dangerous for swimming such as Piha, Ngarunui, Hot water beach, Mt Maunganui...
Whale Bay NZ
Best NZ beaches for surfing
But if your passion is surfing, New Zealand has some great spots to surf. Some of the most famous areas are:
- Raglan and its surrounding beaches - one of the most famous surfing town
- Piha beach, east of Auckland
- Fitzroy beach near New Plymouth
- Muriwai beach, not far from Auckland
- You can find a list of surfing spot in NZ on Surfing-waves
Surfing in New Zealand
Want to see more of NEW ZEALAND?
Which ones do you want to photograph?
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