New Zealand TravelWith over 15,000 kms of pristine coastline available around New Zealand we have some of the most diverse beaches in the world, ranging from pure white silica sands in the northern reaches of the North Islands East Coast, to the black iron sands of the wild West Cost beaches.
Cape Maria Van Diemen
Starting at the very top end of New Zealand we have the spectacular Cape Maria Van Diemen, a small peninsula to the left of the Cape Reinga Lighthouse in the far North of New Zealand, this beach is secluded for most of the year as access is very difficult with a long walk from the Cape Reinga Lighthouse.
This beach boasts a stunning walkway that starts at the Cape Reinga lighthouse on the left hand side, and winds down the cliff to the beach below, here the sand is beautiful golden color, the walk to the peninsula is difficult as the sand is soft but the rewards are worth it with spectacular views out across the ocean.
Following along on this stunning walkway your next stop is Twilight Beach this the start of the wild west coast, this beach is one of the most secluded in the northern regions of New Zealand, the only access is walking in from the lighthouse or across the farm land from the main road to Cape Reinga, there is an overnight campsite available at Twilight Beach if you carry in a tent and supplies.
Tapotupotu Beach
Tapotupotu Beach is an other great place to visit while in the far North of New Zealand, there is a fantastic camping ground available here right on the beach front, all supplies must be taken in as there are no shops in this area, the beach here is only small with an estuary to explore to the right.
The Te Paki Coastal Track starts here on the left hand side of the beach the track starts just before the rocks, the walk takes you through to Sandy Bay a secluded small beach with a rocky coastline a great place to take a break, from Sandy Beach the track heads inland slightly and takes you through to the Cape Maria Van Diemen Walkway at the Cape Reinga Lighthouse.
Spirits Bay
Spirits Bay is the most Northern Beach accessible by vehicle at the very top of New Zealand, this beach is secluded for the best part of the year although the camp ground can be crowded during the summer months, this is a fantastic place to explore with a rocky and secluded coastline to the right hand side of the beach that runs down to the North Cape.
The Spirits Bay Beach is extensive in length running from Hoopers Point to the left, right along to Pandora on the right hand end of the beach, the walk to Pandora will take a few hours though soft sand, at Pandora there is a walkway returning back to the main road, Pandora is secluded year round with only hikers passing through the area during summer months.
Ninety Mile Beach
Ninety Mile Beach is New Zealand’s longest beach spanning from Ahipara in the south to Kahokawa and Scotts Point in the North, the best access to this stretch of beach is from Ahipara or from the Te Paki Stream at the northern end of the beach.
The Te Paki Sand Dunes are located at the northern end of Ninety Mile Beach, the access here is sign posted from the main road out to Cape Reinga, this is a great place for the entire family to explore with giant golden sand dunes accessible from the track the drive out is through the Te Paki Stream, tour buses go through here so park off the main track.
Parengarenga Harbour
Parengarenga Harbour is a great place to visit while up north, this harbor is accessible from the main roads, there are two settlements here Paua and Te Hapua, Paua is accessible from the main road to Cape Reinga while Te Hapua is accessible only from the Spirits Bay road.
The harbor is a fantastic place to explore by kayak with the rich Silica Sands out on the harbor entrance directly in front of Paua and the many estuaries in the area you can spend several days exploring the area, this place is remote so care should be taken and respect the locals and the environment while here.
Great Exhibition Bay
Great Exhibition Bay is one of New Zealand’s most secluded and isolated beaches, access here is mostly by boat or with a kayak from Paua at Parengarenga Harbour, the sand here is pure silica sand which is a vibrant white in color you can walk the length of the beach but need to be picked up by boat as this is the only access to this pristine beach.
