Best scenic beaches in New Zealand, 2026
25 scenic beaches in New Zealand that score highest on the OnlyBeaches Index for what matters to scenic 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+
Ahu Ahu Beach
Ōakura, New Zealand
Wild black-sand and reef coastline just south of Ōakura with strong local surf culture.
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+
Akatore Beach
Taieri Mouth, New Zealand
A quiet coast-road beach south of Taieri Mouth with low visitor density.
5OBI 7.5+
Albatross Point Beach
Kawhia South Coast, New Zealand
Rugged exposed beach below striking coastal cliffs on the remote Kāwhia south coast.
6OBI 7.5+
Allans Beach
Portobello, New Zealand
A peaceful peninsula beach valued for wildlife and open sand without city crowds.
7OBI 7.5+
Amberley Beach
Amberley, New Zealand
A pebbly North Canterbury beach valued for camping-style holidays and big coastal skies.
8OBI 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.
10OBI 7.5+
Anapai Bay
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
A secluded northern Abel Tasman bay reached by track or boat and often missed by casual visitors.
11OBI 7.5+
Anaura Bay Beach
Anaura Bay, New Zealand
Beautiful sheltered bay with pale sand and calm summer swimming appeal.
12OBI 7.5+
Anaura North Beach
Anaura Bay, New Zealand
Quieter northern end of Anaura Bay area with local beach value.
Anawhata Beach
Anawhata, New Zealand
Wild black-sand beach with limited access and strong local-adventure appeal.
14OBI 7.5+
Anchorage Beach
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
A landmark Abel Tasman bay known for golden sand, sheltered water, and overnight-track appeal.
15OBI 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.
17OBI 7.5+
Aotea Beach
Aotea, New Zealand
Wide west-coast beach beside Aotea Harbour with black sand and a quiet local feel.
Aotea Harbour Beach
Aotea, New Zealand
Sheltered harbour beach area supporting relaxed local swimming, fishing and family visits.
19OBI 7.5+
Appleby Beach
Upper Moutere, New Zealand
A broad low-key Tasman Bay beach close to Richmond and Rabbit Island.
Apple Tree Bay
Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
A popular first-stop bay on the Abel Tasman Coast Track with accessible golden sand.
21OBI 7.5+
Aramoana Beach
Aramoana, New Zealand
Small Central Hawke’s Bay beach settlement with a real local holiday identity.
22OBI 7.5+
Aramoana Beach
Dunedin, New Zealand
A long Otago Harbour-mouth beach known for dunes, views, and wildlife.
23OBI 7.5+
Army Bay Beach
Whangaparāoa, New Zealand
Gateway beach near Shakespear Regional Park with calm coastal setting.
Ashburton River Mouth Beach
Ashburton, New Zealand
A wild river-mouth beach with strong local fishing identity rather than tourist polish.
Athenree Beach
Athenree, New Zealand
Quiet harbour-edge beach area with gentle water and local holiday-park appeal.