Best beaches in New Zealand, 2026
Top-rated New Zealand beaches by water quality, conditions and crowd
The top 25 beaches in New Zealand ranked by the OnlyBeaches Index — a 1-10 score that blends Purity, Conditions, Crowd and Vibe.How we rank →
1OBI 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.
Anawhata Beach
Anawhata, New Zealand
Wild black-sand beach with limited access and strong local-adventure appeal.
3OBI 7.5+
Anchor Bay
Tāwharanui Peninsula, New Zealand
Premier Tāwharanui beach with clear water, sand and protected coastal park setting.
4OBI 7.5+
Army Bay Beach
Whangaparāoa, New Zealand
Gateway beach near Shakespear Regional Park with calm coastal setting.
5OBI 7.5+
Awana Beach
Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
Beautiful east-coast Great Barrier beach with surf and low crowds.
Big Manly Beach
Whangaparāoa, New Zealand
Sheltered Hibiscus Coast beach popular for swimming and families.
7OBI 7.5+
Blackpool Beach
Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Sheltered Waiheke beach on the southern side, good for quiet coastal time.
Blind Bay
Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
Quiet Great Barrier bay valued for shelter and off-the-main-route feel.
9OBI 7.5+
Browns Bay Beach
Browns Bay, New Zealand
Popular suburban beach with a village centre and broad family appeal.
10OBI 7.5+
Buffalo Beach
Whitianga, New Zealand
Whitianga’s main town beach with easy access and broad Mercury Bay views.
Cactus Bay
Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Remote eastern Waiheke bay prized for seclusion and clear water.
12OBI 7.5+
Cathedral Cove
Hahei, New Zealand
Iconic limestone arch and cove scenery make it the Coromandel’s signature beach.
13OBI 7.5+
Cheltenham Beach
Devonport, New Zealand
Sheltered Devonport beach with classic Rangitoto views.
14OBI 7.5+
Cooks Beach
Cooks Beach, New Zealand
A broad Mercury Bay holiday beach with calm sections and easy village access.
Crayfish Bay
Opito Bay, New Zealand
A small cove near Opito Bay best suited to adventurous beach seekers.
Enclosure Bay
Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Small rocky-sandy Waiheke bay known locally for clear water and snorkeling.
Fantail Bay Beach
Fantail Bay, New Zealand
A remote northern-west coast beach with dramatic scenery and a rugged feel.
Flaxmill Bay
Flaxmill Bay, New Zealand
A sheltered bay near Ferry Landing that suits relaxed swimming and boating.
Front Beach
Ferry Landing, New Zealand
A small sheltered beach beside Ferry Landing with close access to Whitianga ferry links.
20OBI 7.5+
Goat Island Beach
Leigh, New Zealand
Key beach for the Goat Island marine reserve experience.
21OBI 7.5+
Hahei Beach
Hahei, New Zealand
A beautiful village beach and key base for the Cathedral Cove coast.
Harataonga Beach
Great Barrier Island, New Zealand
Beautiful remote Great Barrier beach with camping and island-wilderness appeal.
23OBI 7.5+
Home Bay Beach
Motutapu Island, New Zealand
Quiet island beach and anchorage with strong Hauraki Gulf day-trip value.
24OBI 7.5+
Hot Water Beach
Hot Water Beach, New Zealand
Famous for natural hot-spring pools dug in the sand near low tide.
Jones Bay
Tawharanui Peninsula, New Zealand
Small regional-park bay near Tāwharanui, useful as a quieter local option.