Where Are The Best Beaches In Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand?
Manawatū-Whanganui’s coastline may not be as varied as in other parts of the country, but, if you take the time to explore, you’ll see why locals frequent these spots so much. Featuring fossils, cliffs, dunes and estuaries, these would decidedly be best beaches to check out along the Manawatū and Whanganui coasts.
Best Beaches on the Manawatū Coastline (Whanganui)
These four beaches are worth a visit if you are basing yourself in, or passing through Whanganui.
⛱️ Ototoka Beach
General Location: Ototoka Beach is located south of the Taranaki Bight, as the coastline curves into the Manawatu-Whanganui Region and down then toward Wellington city. Nearest Civilisation: Ototoka Beach is a 25 minute drive up the coast from the small city of Whanganui, 23 kilometres, or 14 miles.
Immediate Surroundings: The body of water that Ototoka Beach opens up into is the Cook Strait, that separates the North Island from the South Island. The end of Ototoka Stream – and the Ototoka Waterfall – are just on the beach.
Beach Name: Ototoka translates to ‘the place of flowing water’ which makes sense, given Ototoka Waterfall is down near the beach! Getting There: There’s a few minutes walking involved to access Ototoka Beach. Vehicle Parking: Yes, there is clifftop vehicle parking at Ototoka Beach before you descend onto the sand on foot.
Walking Options: The Ototoka Beach Track will take you ten minutes, return, and will take you down over the black sand toward the fossils, which are remains, fossilised in the cliffs, from well over one million yeas ago! Swimming: A combination of currents and potential contamination mean it is not a good idea to swim at Ototoka Beach.
Surfing: Only take to the surf at Ototoka Beach if you are advanced, as the waves are very powerful. Dogs: Dogs need to be kept under control – on a lead unless they are very well behaved – at Ototoka Beach. Amenities: A single toilet is available at Ototoka Beach.
Camping: Yes! Self contained campers can freedom camp at the top of the cliffs where the carpark is for Ototoka Beach. Go, Because: The cliffs at Ototoka Beach are layered, showing fossils and different time periods layered upon each other, and there’s a waterfall flowing over them onto the beach.
Something Extra: There’s actually really great rock pools at Ototoka Beach, so stay for low tide and wander down to them. Last Updated: May, 2026.
⛱️ Kai Iwi Beach / Mowhanau Beach
General Location: Kai Iwi Beach is located on the long, sweeping arc of coastline underneath Mount Taranaki that curves down to the bottom of the North Island. Nearest Civilisation: Kai Iwi Beach is a fifteen minute drive north of the small city of Whanganui – 15.5 kilometres, or 10 miles.
Immediate Surroundings: The Mowhanau Stream flows onto Kai Iwi Beach, which, beyond the immediate shoreline, is part of the Cook Strait, the body of water that separates the North Island from the South Island.
Beach Name: Kai Iwi in this context is assumed to just mean ‘food of the tribe’ as the word-for-word translation is ‘eat bone’. Do not confuse Kai Iwi Beach with the very popular Kai Iwi Lakes in Northland! Its other name is Mowhanau Beach, translation to ‘a place for the family’.
Getting There: Kai Iwi Beach is accessed from Whanganui along Rapanui Road and then the turnoff to Mowhanau Road. Vehicle Parking: There is abundant vehicle parking at Kai Iwi Beach. Walking Options: A great option is Kai Iwi Beach to Okehu Stream – it’s 2 kilometres (1.2 miles) up the sand – one-way – and will take you an hour and a half return.
Swimming: There is often good swimming at Kai Iwi Beach, but run off from the stream after rainfall can contaminate the water so check for local council restriction notices before jumping in. In summer, lifeguards patrol the surf. Surfing: There is surf at Kai Iwi Beach but serious surfers may be better off at more consistent beaches. Dogs: Dogs can be off lead north of the Kai Iwi Stream at Kai Iwi Beach, but on lead otherwise.
Amenities: Toilets, showers, changing rooms and a tap, a playground, and a café, which is part of the adjacent holiday park, are all available at Kai Iwi Beach.
Camping: Kai Iwi Beach Holiday Park is the place to stay for those wanting to camp. Go, Because: Kai Iwi Beach is scenic and rugged, with epic cliffs and glittering black sand, unique to these West Coast beaches.
Something Extra: The barbecues available at Kai Iwi Beach are said to be fuelled by wood, so stay for dinner and smoke up some fish or char some veges as you watch the sun set over the west. Last Updated: May, 2026.
⛱️ Castlecliff Beach
General Location: Castlecliff Beach is located immediately west of Whanganui, at the mouth of the mighty Whanganui River, on the sweeping curve of coastline south of Taranaki. Nearest Civilisation: The city centre of Whanganui is 6 kilometres or 3.2 miles away – an eight minute drive from Castlecliff Beach. It is very much Whanganui’s ‘city beach’.
Immediate Surroundings: Castlecliff Beach is where the mighty Whanganui River flows out to sea. There are breakwaters here between the beach and river mouth – great spots from which to cast a line out. The Castlecliff Coastal Reserve spans this area.
Beach Name: The area is built on sand dunes, not cliffs. Castlecliff Beach was just a name suggestion from someone historically who thought it described the coastal environment well. Castlecliff Beach is not to be confused with the Wairarapa’s Castlerock Beach! Getting There: Castlecliff Beach is easily reached from the city centre and has road access down to the beach.
Vehicle Parking: Vehicle parking is available at Castlecliff Beach. Walking Options: You can actually walk between Kai Iwi Beach and Castlecliff Beach at low tide along the black sand – a two to three hour journey one way (Kai Iwi Beach to Castlecliff Beach Walk) – totalling 12 kilometres one way (or 7.5 miles).
Swimming: Lifeguards do patrol Castlecliff Beach in summer. The surf can be dangerous, so stick to these times. Surfing: Surf by the river mouth at Castlecliff Beach.
Dogs: Part of Castlecliff Beach is off-lead but most of it is on-lead for dogs. Amenities: Castlecliff Beach has toilets, showers, changing rooms, a café, a playground and a skatepark.
Camping: Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park located right by the beach is the place to be for campers. Go, Because: Castlecliff Beach is family friendly, scenic with its black sand, and close to Whanganui’s city centre. Something Extra: Castlecliff Beach is littered with driftwood from the Whanganui River, so go for a wander and see if you can find a piece to take home! Last Updated: May, 2026.
⛱️ South Beach
General Location: South Beach is located immediately southwest of the city of Whanganui, on the long, curved coastline running from Taranaki down to the bottom of the North Island. Nearest Civilisation: South Beach is a seven minute drive (6 kilometres, or 3.2 miles) from the city centre of Whanganui.
Immediate Surroundings: South Beach is immediately south of Castlecliff Beach, on the other side of the Whanganui River Mouth – featuring the southern of the breakwaters. The airport sits right behind the beach!
Beach Name: South Beach is simply called South Beach because of its position to the river mouth. Likely it shares its name with many other beaches in New Zealand! Getting There: Wikitoria Road and Airport Road serve as the route to South Beach from Whanganui city centre. Vehicle Parking: Vehicle parking is available at South Beach, and 4WD vehicles are allowed to go on the beach.
Walking Options: One walking option at South Beach is the Whanganui River South Beach Walk – 1.5 kilometres (1 mile) up near the airport and back, which you’ll only need quarter of an hour for. Swimming: Swimming at South Beach is dangerous – go north to Castlecliff Beach instead when lifeguards are patrolling.
Surfing: There are good surf breaks at South Beach. Dogs: Dogs can run off-lead at South Beach. Amenities: Toilets and a picnic area are available at South Beach.
Camping: There is no camping at South Beach specifically. Go, Because: The fishing/surfcasting is excellent at South Beach. Something Extra: People love to off-road at South Beach, and drive through the dunes and along the beach. The area is long. Just take a 4WD! Last Updated: May, 2026.
Best Beaches on the Manawatū Coastline (Palmerston North)
And these four beaches are spots to add to a Palmerston North itinerary!
⛱️ Hīmatangi Beach
General Location: Hīmatangi Beach is located on the long stretch of curved coastline beneath Taranaki on the west of New Zealand’s North Island. Nearest Civilisation: Hīmatangi is the ‘local beach’ for residents of the city of Palmerston North – it’s a half hour drive (it’s 36 kilometres, or 22 miles).
Immediate Surroundings: Hīmatangi Beach faces right into the Cook Strait, which is the body of water between the North Island and the South Island. It sits on the Manawatu Coast and is home to our largest dune complexes – the two parts of which of the Waitarere and Foxton sand dune complexes (which are two different ages, one younger, one older). The Kaikokopu Stream ends at Hīmatangi Beach, also.
Beach Name: Hīmatangi translates to ‘fishing for Matangi’ (who was a warrior chief of Maori legend). Getting There: Hīmatangi Beach is accessed from the end of Hīmatangi Beach Road, which is off the main state highway. Vehicle Parking: Vehicle parking is available at Hīmatangi Beach.
Walking Options: People love to walk the 10 kilometres (6 miles) down to Foxton Beach. You can walk on the sand and low tide is recommended. Allow three hours one way.
Swimming: Lifeguards patrol Hīmatangi Beach in summer – only swim when they are on duty, for your safety. Surfing: There is small surf at Hīmatangi Beach. Dogs: Dogs need to be on lead at Hīmatangi Beach if they are near the mouth of the stream.
Amenities: Hīmatangi Park has toilets, a takeaways shop, a playground, a BMX track and a skatepark. Camping: Campers can stay at Hīmatangi Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, very close by. Go, Because: The dunes here at Himatangi Beach are the largest sand dune field in the country! They’re 20 kilometres long (12 miles) so take a 4WD.
Something Extra: It is sometimes possible to see our little blue penguins in the sand dunes – or even the native spoonbill! Keep an eye out as you venture in. Last Updated: May, 2026.
⛱️ Foxton Beach
General Location: Foxton Beach is located on the Manawatu Coast, a big sweeping arc of coastline south of Mount Taranaki on the west of the North Island. Nearest Civilisation: Although a half hour – approximately – from Palmerston North city and the town of Levin, the closest town to Foxton Beach (other than the Foxton Beach settlement) is Foxton itself, 11 minutes’ drive inland (8 kilometres, or 5 miles).
Immediate Surroundings: Foxton Beach lies immediately north of the mouth of the Manawatu River and opens out into the Cook Strait. Beach Name: Foxton Beach is the namesake of Sir William Fox, one of New Zealand’s early leaders in the 1800’s. Getting There: Easy beach access to Foxton Beach is from Marine Parade.
Vehicle Parking: Yes! There is a carpark at Foxton Beach.
Walking Options: Spare an hour for the Foxton Beach Sunset Walkway, which is just under 3 kilometres (1.8 miles). Spot native birds in the Manawatū River Estuary on the way! Swimming: Lifeguards patrol Foxton Beach during summer and under their watch is the safest way to swim at the beach.
Surfing: Foxton Beach is the best surfing beach in the district! Dogs: Dogs can be off lead at Foxton Beach – just keep them clear of the surf club and swimming area. Amenities: Foxton Beach has eateries, a playground, toilets and barbecues all close by – with a boat ramp up from the river mouth a little way.
Camping: Foxton Beach Holiday Park is nearby but there is also a designated spot for freedom camping at Foxton Beach. Go, Because: The estuary back from Foxton Beach (Manawatū River Estuary) is a great bird watching spot.
Something Extra: Before you leave the area, be sure to visit Off The Loop – which is a wakeboarding park on man-made lake, one of only a few parks like this in the country. Beginners welcome! Last Updated: May, 2026.
⛱️ Waitarere Beach / Okatia Beach
General Location: Waitarere Beach is located on the Horowhenua Coastline, south of Taranaki on the lower half of the North Island’s west coast. Nearest Civilisation: Waitarere Beach is equidistant from towns Levin and Foxton, a fifteen minute drive from each – 15 kilometres (10 miles) from the former, and 17 kilometres (11 miles) from the latter.
Immediate Surroundings: Waitarere Beach opens up into the Cook Strait. It sits just north of the Kapiti Coast and the Hudson Stream flows onto the beach.
Beach Name: Waitarere translates to ‘copiously flowing waters’. Getting There: Waitarere Beach is accessed from Waitarere Beach Road. Vehicle Parking: There is vehicle parking at Waitarere Beach.
Walking Options: Stroll down Waitarere Beach 1.2 kilometres (half a mile) to the area of the remains of the ship Hydrabad. It was beached in 1878 and is positioned under the present-day sand dunes. Swimming: Lifeguards patrol Waitarere Beach in summer – swim when they are on duty.
Surfing: There is good surf at Waitarere Beach. Dogs: Dogs can run off lead at Waitārere Beach. Amenities: There are toilets, showers, changing rooms, a restaurant, a café and a playground at Waitārere Beach.
Camping: Campers can stay at Waitārere Beach Park Avenue Motor Camp. Go, Because: Waitarere Beach is wide, so people love to take to it with motorcycles and land yachts!
Something Extra: Head over to Middle Earth Adventure Park, a low ropes course in the nearby pine forest. Last Updated: May, 2026.
⛱️ Waikawa Beach
General Location: Waikawa Beach is located on the Horowhenua Coast, south of Taranaki, and north of the Kapiti Coast. Nearest Civilisation: The town of Levin is an 18 minute drive from Waikawa Beach (19 kilometres, or 12 miles).
Immediate Surroundings: Waikawa Beach is immediately north of the boundary of the Wellington Region. Waikawa Stream flows out onto the beach and Waikawa Estuary sits right behind the beach.
Beach Name: Waikawa translates to ‘bitter water’. There’s a Waikawa Bay in the Marlborough Sounds and a Waikawau Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, but these are quite separate. Getting There: Waikawa Beach is accessed from Waikawa Beach Road which runs off the main state highway. From the carpark, it’s a kilometre’s walk (half a mile).
Vehicle Parking: Vehicle parking is available at Waikawa Beach. Walking Options: The Waikawa Beach Walk is a stroll up the sand and back and a great option if you have a spare hour. It’s 2.5 kilometres return (1.5 miles) and a great way to appreciate this stunning black sand spot.
Swimming: There is no lifeguard patrol at Waikawa Beach – head north to Foxton Beach or Waitarere Beach instead for safer swimming, when patrolled, or head up Waikawa Stream to the recreation reserve for safer swimming. Be cautious after rainfall as contamination may affect water quality.
Surfing: Reasonable surf can be found at Waikawa Beach. Dogs: Dogs can be off lead on the beach itself at Waikawa Beach. Amenities: Next to the Waikawa Estuary is Hank Edwards Reserve with toilets, a picnic area, a playground and a basketball hoop. There’s a bridge to cross the stream and many choose to swim in this area instead.
Camping: The Department of Conservation manage Waikaway Campsite nearby. Go, Because: Waikawa Beach has the adjacent estuary (Waikawa Estuary) which is a great spot for kayaking. Something Extra: Horses can access the beach, and so can 4WDs, so pick your means of transport, and go explore! Last Updated: May, 2026.2026.
Epic cliffs and wide open beaches make this stretch of coastline a great mix of scenic and experiential stopping points. It’s a region whose coastline feels a little more untouched; there’s just something special about the lower North Island.