Best family beaches in New Zealand, 2026
25 family beaches in New Zealand that score highest on the OnlyBeaches Index for what matters to family travellers.How we rank →
1OBI 7.5+
Ahipara Beach
Ahipara, New Zealand
Southern gateway to Ninety Mile Beach with reliable surf and broad sand.
2OBI 7.5+
Ahuriri Beach
Napier, New Zealand
Compact Napier city beach valued for cafés, promenade access, and easy swimming feel.
3OBI 7.5+
Akaroa Beach
Akaroa, New Zealand
The main Akaroa harbour beach gives easy swimming and waterfront access in the historic village.
4OBI 7.5+
Amberley Beach
Amberley, New Zealand
A pebbly North Canterbury beach valued for camping-style holidays and big coastal skies.
5OBI 7.5+
Amodeo Bay Beach
Amodeo Bay, New Zealand
A small bay beach on the west coast that is easy to miss between larger stops.
Anakiwa Beach
Anakiwa, New Zealand
Sheltered Queen Charlotte Sound beach and gateway to the track.
7OBI 7.5+
Anaura Bay Beach
Anaura Bay, New Zealand
Beautiful sheltered bay with pale sand and calm summer swimming appeal.
8OBI 7.5+
Anaura North Beach
Anaura Bay, New Zealand
Quieter northern end of Anaura Bay area with local beach value.
9OBI 7.5+
Anchor Bay
Tāwharanui Peninsula, New Zealand
Premier Tāwharanui beach with clear water, sand and protected coastal park setting.
Anzac Bay
Athenree, New Zealand
Sheltered harbour-side beach near Bowentown, useful for families when ocean surf is rough.
11OBI 7.5+
Aotea Beach
Aotea, New Zealand
Wide west-coast beach beside Aotea Harbour with black sand and a quiet local feel.
12OBI 7.5+
Aotea Harbour Beach
Aotea, New Zealand
Sheltered harbour beach area supporting relaxed local swimming, fishing and family visits.
13OBI 7.5+
Appleby Beach
Upper Moutere, New Zealand
A broad low-key Tasman Bay beach close to Richmond and Rabbit Island.
14OBI 7.5+
Apple Tree Bay
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
A popular first-stop bay on the Abel Tasman Coast Track with accessible golden sand.
15OBI 7.5+
Aramoana Beach
Aramoana, New Zealand
Small Central Hawke’s Bay beach settlement with a real local holiday identity.
Aramoana Beach
Dunedin, New Zealand
A long Otago Harbour-mouth beach known for dunes, views, and wildlife.
17OBI 7.5+
Army Bay Beach
Whangaparāoa, New Zealand
Gateway beach near Shakespear Regional Park with calm coastal setting.
Athenree Beach
Athenree, New Zealand
Quiet harbour-edge beach area with gentle water and local holiday-park appeal.
19OBI 7.5+
Awakino Beach
Awakino, New Zealand
Quiet river-mouth beach settlement with a rugged King Country west-coast character.
Awatere Beach
Te Araroa, New Zealand
Remote East Cape beach near Awatere Valley and Te Araroa approaches.
Balaena Bay Beach
Wellington, New Zealand
A sheltered inner-harbour pocket beach that locals use for quick swims.
Bark Bay Beach
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
A key Abel Tasman track stop with a sheltered bay, estuary crossing, and golden sand.
Bathing Beach
Oban, Stewart Island / Rakiura, New Zealand
Oban’s easiest sheltered swimming beach, a short walk from the village.
Bay View Beach
Bay View, New Zealand
Accessible northern Napier beach with long coastal views and local use.
Bell Block Beach
New Plymouth, New Zealand
Accessible suburban beach with coastal walkway access and quieter local use.