Te Araroa · Gisborne / Tairāwhiti · New Zealand
Hicks Bay Beach
This is the beach at the edge—where State Highway 35 hugs the coast and breakers march in from the empty ocean between here and South America. Dark sand stretches north toward East Cape, backed by hills still scarred with erosion from decades of farming.
Reading live conditions…
Live from Open-Meteo · sea surface temperature and wave data modelled at 1-km grid resolution for Hicks Bay Beach. Numbers refresh at the hourly tick.
- Purity
- 0%
- Conditions
- 0%
- Crowd
- 0%
- Vibe
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The OnlyBeaches Index weighs four pillars against your chosen persona. Purity comes from water clarity and air-quality heuristics; Conditions from Open-Meteo waves, wind and temperatures; Crowd from historical patterns; Vibe from nearby events within 50 km. The score rebalances throughout the day.
This is the beach at the edge—where State Highway 35 hugs the coast and breakers march in from the empty ocean between here and South America. Dark sand stretches north toward East Cape, backed by hills still scarred with erosion from decades of farming.
Photos
8 captures from Hicks Bay Beach
About this beach
Where it is
Hicks Bay Beach
Te Araroa, Gisborne / Tairāwhiti, New Zealand
-37.5779°, 178.3004°
Top things to do
At Hicks Bay Beach
Beach Walks
Long dark sand stretches
Seascape Photography
Dramatic wave action captures
Coastal Exploring
Rock platforms and tidelines
Wave Watching
Pacific swells unloading power
Near this beach
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Hicks Bay Beach.
Questions people actually ask about Hicks Bay Beach.
Is Hicks Bay Beach safe for swimming?
Hicks Bay Beach is generally safe for swimming during calm summer conditions, particularly in the sheltered areas of the bay. However, it's an unpatrolled beach in a remote location, so swimmers should exercise caution and assess conditions before entering the water. The beach can experience variable currents and surf depending on weather and tides. Stay close to shore, swim during settled weather, avoid rough conditions, and never swim alone. Supervise children closely at all times. The broad, open nature of the beach means conditions can change, so local advice is valuable if available.
When is the best time to visit Hicks Bay Beach?
The best time to visit Hicks Bay Beach is during summer months (December-March) when weather is warmest and swimming conditions are most favorable. This period offers the best chance of calm seas and sunny days ideal for beach activities and sunbathing. The East Cape region experiences its driest weather in summer. Visiting during autumn (March-April) can provide pleasant conditions with fewer tourists at budget-friendly prices. The beach is scenic year-round, but winter brings cooler temperatures and more unpredictable weather. Consider visiting during the week rather than holidays for a quieter experience in this already-remote location.
