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

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.

⛱️ Kai Iwi Beach

Kai Iwi Beach is scenic and rugged, with epic cliffs and glittering black sand, unique to these West Coast beaches.

⛱️ Castlecliff Beach

Castlecliff Beach is family friendly, scenic with its black sand, and close to Whanganui’s city centre.

⛱️ South Beach

People love to off-road at South Beach, and drive through the dunes and along the beach.

Best Beaches on the Manawatū Coastline (Palmerston North)

And these four beaches are spots to add to a Palmerston North itinerary!

⛱️ Himatangi Beach

The dunes here at Himatangi Beach are the largest sand dune field in the country!

⛱️ Foxton Beach

The estuary back from Foxton Beach is a great bird watching spot.

⛱️ Waitarere Beach

Waitarere Beach is wide, so people love to take to it with motorcycles and land yachts!

⛱️ Waikawa Beach

Waikawa Beach has an adjacent estuary which is a great spot for kayaking.

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.