When looking for beach spots to visit in New Zealand, it is extremely likely that the best ones are Northland beaches. Travelling around Northland is one of the more under-rated road trips for travellers to New Zealand, however it is one of my absolute favourites.
While the scenery is not on as much a larger scale compared to the South Island, the hidden coves and beautiful clear waters are not to be missed and are perfect for a summer road trip.
After spending many summers exploring Northland, I think I really have found the best beaches in this amazing region.
Why does Northland have the best beaches?
Northland is the northern most region of New Zealand, as suggested by its name, and gets some of the best weather in the whole country.
Due to its location the weather is far warmer than the more southern regions. This also brings the warmer more tropical waters and perfect swimming temperatures.
Not only is the water amazing to swim in, but the extensive coastline in Northland means there are plenty of incredible beaches to choose from.
You can head to Maitai Bay if you want are more calm and relaxing beach, or, you can head over to Ninety Mile beach for the more rugged and adventurous beach.
Wether you are exploring with family, friends or by yourself, Northland is the best place in New Zealand for beaches.
What are the Best Northland Beaches?
There are so many amazing beaches in Northland to choose from but what ones truely are the best. These 10 beaches are some of the best you will find. From more well-know beaches to hidden gems, this list has a beach suited to everyone.
Check out the 10 best beaches in Northland below.
Whale Bay
Whale Bay is located just past Matapouri Beach, around 40 mintues drive from Whanagrei. With some of the clearest water in the area, it is my top pick for one of the best beaches in Northland.
This bay is hugely popular due to its tropical feel. With stunning clear water and its white sand beach, it would be easy to assume that you are on holiday on a sunny pacific island. There are very few beaches which have this feeling, making Whale Bay quite a special place and the best beach for a summer road trip.
Whale Bay is accessed by a short 15 minute walk from the carpark to the beach on a well maintained track. There are limited spaces in the carpark at the top, so make sure you get there early enough to grab a spot.
The walk to the beach is all down hill, so is and easy stroll down. Coming back you will have to walk up the hill but it is not too steep, so just take your time and you will be fine.
Whale Bay is perfect for families with young children or people not so confident in water due to the bay’s surrounding rocks acting as a barrier and keeping the water very calm.
These rocks are also great for snorkelling if you are a beginner. You will be able to see a few varieties fish while looking for starfish and other creatures on the rocks.
Try to avoid Whale Bay during the peak of summer as it can get very crowded like most Northland beaches. The sandy area at the beach is not very large especially at high tide so it can be hard to find a dry spot to sit.
Whale Bay is a must visit beach for this summer. With crystal clear water it will become one of your favourite Northland beaches to go too.
I love this area and it is probably one of my favourites in Northland. If you get the chance, spend a bit of time in the Tutukaka Coast and check out some of the epic things to do there.
Oke Bay – Secret Northland Beach
Oke Bay is a true hidden gem of the best Northland Beaches. It is a bit harder to get here than most of the other beaches mentioned but the secluded beauty of it makes the drive worth it.
The best way to get to Oke Bay is by staying in Paihia and travelling from there. You can catch the 10 minute car ferry from Opua to Okiato then drive for just another 30 minutes to get to the parking spot on the side of the road near Oke Bay. From there it is just a 5 minute walk over the hill and down to the beach.
The water at Oke Bay closely rivals Whale Bay with how clear it is, however Oke Bay is a bit more exposed so the water can be a bit more rough. The water does get deep quite quick so once you get past the breaking waves it becomes magical.
Being a local secret it is never too crowded at Oke Bay, but the sandy part of the main beach is quite small and can feel busy with just a few groups there.
When the tide is slightly lower you can walk past the rocks to a bigger beach area with more space to spread out, so try to avoid going at high tide if you don’t want to be limited for space.
Oke Bay gets quite deep further out so it is often visited by marine life such as dolphins looking for a sheltered area. It is also perfect for snorkelling and diving closer to the rocks with lots of nooks and crannies to explore.
Add Oke Bay to your list of Northland Beaches to visit if you want a quieter but still stunning beach to go to. Everyone will be asking where you went once they see the photos you take of this beautiful Bay.
Uretiti Beach
Uretiti Beach is a large stretch of beach between Waipu and Whangarei. Its large sand dunes and clear waves make it one of the best Northland beaches to stop at on a trip up north.
The best way to access the beach is by the Uretiti Camp ground. Following the gravel road off to the left of the camp will lead you to a small carpark with a track straight down to the beach. With the shelter from the sand dunes this is a great spot to relax for the day.
Uretiti Beach is more exposed to the elements than many of the Northland beaches due to there only being a few small islands out in front of it. This does mean there can sometimes be some big waves so always be careful and swim to the conditions.
The sandy area at Uretiti Beach is quite large so it is great for larger groups to visit. There is plenty of space to set out large beach mats or tents and still be far enough away from other groups. The soft sand also makes it perfect to play some beach cricket or touch rugby.
A little warning that Uretiti Beach does allow nudist sunbathing and swimming. However, it is uncommon and being such a large beach it’s not likely you will come across anyone embracing this rule.
Uretiti Beach makes for a great beach stop for anyone visiting Northland. The endless space ensures you will never feel crowded and can enjoy the beach in peace.
Maitai Bay
The further north you go the clear the sea water gets and Maitai Bay certainly the best example of this. Often described as a tropical paradise Maitai Bay has some of the clearest water in all of New Zealand.
With soft white sand and lots of space to spread out around the beach, Maitai Bay is a great choice for everyone to have a relaxing day at the beach. Not only is the beach space perfect, but the rocky formations at the back end of the bay break apart the waves and leave the water calm and safe for all.
Maitai bay is fairly isolated, located at the end of a gravel road with just a small car park. There are no shops at the beach but there is a small town with a shop about 10 minutes drive away. Easily accessed bathrooms are available to use only a short walk up from the beach.
There are also a few walking tracks located around Maitai Bay. These are great if you want to stretch your legs and take a break from the beach. Most of the tracks are short and suitable for all fitness levels. However, it is always best to be safe and check out what the track is like on the DOC website before you go.
Maitai Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Northland due to is clear water and beautiful sandy beach. It should be at the top of your list for the beast beaches to visit in Northland.
Waewaetorea Island – isolated northland beach
Waewaetorea Island is probably one of the hardest to get to of the Northland beaches on the list, however its natural beauty makes getting there well worth it.
This beach provides something for everyone from snorkelling and walks to relaxing on the beach. It really is the best!
To get to Waewaetorea Island you will either need to go on a private boat or a group tour. There are plenty of boat tours that leave from Paihia so there are quite a few options to find something that suits. The tour will take you straight to the beach and you can explore from there.
The water is perfectly clear and perfect for those who want to snorkel and explore around the rocks. You will find a wide variety of fish as the Bay of Islands is known for having great conditions for marine life.
The warm waters also enable you to stay in the water longer and explore more.
A walk up to the top of the island is also a great option for those that want to see a little more. While it is a bit of the steep walk up the hill, it does not take long and the views from the top are well worth it.
Looking back down onto the beach you can truely appreciate how amazing the water is from this height, with views of the surrounding islands adding to the beauty.
There are a few trees on the edge of the beach but space in the shade is limited so make sure you have plenty of sun protection and all you will need for a day on the island.
Waewaetorea Island and its beach certainly is a hidden gem of Northland beaches. It will not leave you disappointed with its wide range of experiences for everyone to enjoy.
Book your Paihia Island Hopper Trip HERE!
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is a long surf beach located just out of Whangarei and is often overlooked as one of the beaches to visit in Northland.
With a nice big sandy area and lifeguards on duty, it is great for people wanting to enjoy a surf beach and feel safe while doing so.
One of the best things about this beach is how isolated it feels, without actually being far from shops and anything you might need. Surrounded by towering sand dunes and large mountains, Ocean Beach really makes you feel like you are away from everything and allows you to just enjoy the beach.
There is a large carpark with plenty of spaces but it is recommended to get there earlier in the day on hot weekends and public holidays. This is also where the bathroom facilities are located for you to use before heading down to the beach.
This beautiful Northland beach is a surf beach so for safety reasons everyone must follow the rules and swim between the flags. If conditions change lifeguards may make changes so make sure to check back every now and again.
If you are looking for other things to do in the area, the walk up to the top of Bream Head is a great option. Named the Te Whara Track, this walk is quite steep and does take a few hours, however the views from the top are unforgettable and make the tough walk well worth it.
Ocean Beach may not be one of the most popular Northland Beaches, but it is the best option if you are looking for something close to Whangarei and want to get out of the hustle and bustle.
Matauri Bay – family friendly best Northland Beach
Matauri Bay is a quiet little beach located 30 minutes drive north of Kerikeri in Northland. With a long stretch of sand and turquoise blue water, it is no surprise that is becoming an increasingly popular beach holiday for many New Zealanders and tourists alike.
This beach is a great spot to come visit for the day and relax or stay a few days and explore what the area has to offer.
Apart from enjoying the beautiful water, many travellers to the area enjoy the walk up the the Rainbow Warrior Memorial located on the headland to the north of the beach. Not only is this walk informative but the views along the way are stunning.
The beach is slowly becoming more developed which is starting to ruin its charm, however the beach is protected by the sand dunes so once you are one the beach you might not notice the building going on as much.
For an authentic kiwi stay, the local campground is right on the beach and has an awesome family vibe to it. It is quite a small campground so it never feels too over crowded and is great for getting to know others staying at the camp.
The facilities are well maintained and the reception has a small food section if you want to grab some lunch or top up your food supply.
Matauri Bay is a great spot for a beach road trip on the weekend. While it is not as isolated as other beaches, its is still one of the best beaches to visit in Northland for its great vibe and clear waters.
Tauranga Bay
Only a 20 minute drive north of Matauri Bay, sits Tauranga Bay. Mostly occupied by old style baches and the local campground, Tauranga Bay is a great spot to spend a few days and enjoy the beach and the local area.
The beach itself is quite large and never feels too crowded, with the grass bank above the beach great for those that don’t want to go down on to the sand.
Go for a walk up and down the beach and explore all the caves and rock pools or sit on the beach and relax to the sound of the crashing waves.
The surrounding area is home to some of the most stunning views and best beaches Northland has to offer. From picturesque walks, to bays that can only be reached by boat, Tauranga Bay has something for everyone.
Two of the nearby walks include the Kaiaraara Rocks (Dukes Nose) and St Paul’s Rock. The Kaiaraara Rocks (Dukes Nose) walk is about 5 hours long and is great for those who love a day hike. There is also the option for the water taxi to the Cove Lane which reduces the walk to about an hour up the hill. St Paul’s Rock track is far easier at only a 20 min walk up.
What makes Tauranga Bay one of the best beaches in Northland is how easily accessible it is many other cool locations, while still being able to enjoy the beach and relax. It’s a great spot that you will want to go back to every year.
Tapotupotu Bay – The Hidden Gem of Northlands best beaches
Tapotupotu Bay is the furtherest north of the best Northland Beaches with the turnoff to the beach being just before Cape Reinga. It is one of the more isolated beach with only a campsite and the occasional property along the road.
Due to its location, Tapotupotu Bay has an untouched feel to it. Native bush covers the surrounding hills and the clear blue waters glisten in the sun. This is everyones image of what an authentic New Zealand Beach looks like.
While Tapotupotu Bay is a bit of a drive away, the local campground provides and accomodation option to stay over night. It is basic with long drops and cold showers, but the beautiful surroundings more than make up of the lack of facilities. You can book a space at the campground through the DOC (Department of Conservation) website.
There is also a small lagoon by the campground at the far end of the beach. Tapotupotu Bay does have small surf so the lagoon is a great place to cool off if the ocean is too choppy.
On calmer days, the surf is perfect for beginner surfers or those wanting to have a bit of fun jumping through the waves.
Tapotupotu Bay is a great little stop and perfect for a Northland beach getaway. With minimal but adequate facilities, it will allow you to relax and enjoy nature without all the business of a popular beach spot.
Ninety Mile Beach
Ninety Mile Beach is without a doubt Northlands most well known beaches and is up the with the best there is on offer. With lots of different entry points covering a wide range of different landscapes, there is a large variety of landscapes to explore.
If you are staying in Paihia, you can also book group day tours that take you to all the best spots in the Far North including Ninety Mile Beach.
Like its name implies, Ninety Mile beach is extremely long, however the 90 miles part is a bit of an exaggeration. The beach is 88 kilometers long, which is just over 54 miles.
Because of its length cars are aloud to drive on the beach, which makes for a pretty cool experience. Make sure all normal road rules are followed and watch out of others using the beach.
At the far end of Ninety Mile Beach is the Te Paki Sand Dunes. This is an extremely well known spot for sand boarding due to the massive sand dunes that tower over the beach.
Bring your own board or hire one at the small shed for a low price. The walk up the dunes is a little tough, but worth it for the fun of sliding down the dunes.
Ninety Mile Beach is also one of the best beaches in Northland to watch the sunset due to it being west facing. Grab a picnic blanket and some snacks or park your car up on the beach and enjoy the show the sun puts on. The pink, orange and yellow colours are something you don’t want to miss.
Add Ninety Mile Beach to your list of beaches you have to visit when you are in Northland. Being on the west coast makes it unique and very different from most of the other beaches in Northland.
Road trip to Northlands best Beaches
Now that you know the best Northland beaches to visit on your next road trip, it’s time to start planning! The best thing about Northland is that every corner you turn there will be a nearby beach that will blow your mind. Go with an open mind and you might just find something unexpected.
