Where Are The Best Beaches In Waikato, New Zealand?
Waikato’s coastal areas are quite contrasted, with its rugged black sand beaches on the west coast of the North Island, and its calm, sheltered white sand spots tucked in and around the Coromandel Peninsula over on the eastern side of the North Island. Here is your guide for where to go, whether you’re chasing big surf, hot water pools, or quiet – even secret – beaches to explore.
Best Beaches on the West Coast
The West Coast of the Waikato region is a continuation of that rugged coastline that comes down from the southwest areas of the Auckland region – think more black sand beaches, more pounding surf, more killer sunsets over the horizon in the West. This coastline is the Tasman Sea, a wide, vast horizon that stretches out to Australia.
⛱️ Sunset Beach / Port Waikato Beach
General Location: Sunset Beach is located at the mouth of the mighty Waikato River where it meets the western coast of the North Island. Nearest Civilisation: Port Waikato is a settlement in and of itself, and Sunset Beach is contained within its bounds.
Immediate Surroundings: Sunset Beach lies immediately south of the Waikato River Mouth, below the Port Waikato sand dunes. Beach Name: Sunset Beach is named for its western facing direction – there are epic sunsets to be had there! Getting There: Sunset Beach is easily accessed from the carpark at the surf life saving club in the Port Waikato village.
Vehicle Parking: There is a big carpark at Sunset Beach. Walking Options: The Port Waikato Dunes Walk is 6 kilometres (3.8 miles) and will take you a bit over an hour to head into the dunes and back. Swimming: Swimming at Sunset Beach should be done under the patrol of the surf life saving club, during peak season, as the west coast can be quite rugged and dangerous.
Surfing: There is great surfing at Sunset Beach. Dogs: Dog exercise areas are available at each end of Sunset Beach in designated areas. Amenities: Sunset Beach has public toilets, a nearby holiday park and surf life saving club – with a shop and the remainder of the settlement’s amenities a walkable distance away.
Camping: Campers can stay at the nearby Port Waikato Holiday Park. Go, Because: Sunset Beach – also known as Port Waikato Beach – is an impressive black sand beach, with its raging West Coast surf, and is a favourite with surfers and swimmers. Lifeguards patrol here, which is just as well, as some of those currents can be strong!
Something Extra: You can also walk to the mouth of the Waikato River – which is New Zealand’s longest river. There’s interesting rocks to explore when the tide recedes, impressive cliffs and sand dunes, good fishing, and abundant bird life. Last Updated: June, 2026.
⛱️ Ngārunui / Ocean / Main / Wainui Beach
General Location: Ngārunui Beach is located on the North Island’s west coast, at the entrance to the Raglan Harbour, which sits south of the slightly bigger Kaipara and Manukau Harbours in the more northern regions. Nearest Civilisation: The beach town of Raglan is a ten minute drive from Ngārunui Beach – 5 kilometres, or 3 miles.
Immediate Surroundings: Ngārunui Beach sits at the entrance to the Raglan Harbour, adjacent to Manu Bay. Beach Name: Ngārunui Beach translates to ‘big waves’ – a giveaway for the excellent surfing here. Ocean Beach and Main Beach are rather obvious alternative names, and Wainui Beach, as it is also known by, means ‘big water’. Getting There: Access to Ngārunui Beach is off Ngārunui Beach Road, off Wainui Road.
Vehicle Parking: There is lots of vehicle parking for Ngārunui Beach at the Wainui Reserve. Walking Options: The Ngārunui Beach Walk is a 1.6 kilometre (1 mile) return walk and will take you about half an hour, return. Swimming: Ngārunui Beach boasts great swimming – but its important to swim between the flags while lifeguards patrol in summer as the rips can be quite dangerous on this stretch of coastline.
Surfing: Arguably Ngārunui Beach is one of the best surfing beaches in the country!! Dogs: Dogs can be off lead at Ngārunui Beach down near the Wainui Reserve but need to be on a lead at the other end of the beach. Amenities: Toilets and changing rooms are available at Ngārunui Beach.
Camping: No freedom camping is permitted at Ngārunui Beach but Raglan Holiday Park – and several others – are just a short drive away. Go, Because: This Raglan beach – with its many names! – caters to surfers of all levels and has surf schools operating there, making it an all-rounder surfie destination, whether you are a pro or an amateur. I took a surf lesson here in 2013 and it was a lot harder than in Hawaii, where the breaks were even more beginner friendly, but it is a good place to learn regardless, and arguably one of the best surfing spots in the country.
Something Extra: Head up to the Wainui Reserve Lookout for fantastic views down over Ngārunui Beach. Last Updated: June, 2026.
⛱️ Kāwhia Hot Water Beach / Ocean Beach
General Location: Kāwhia Hot Water Beach sits on the North Island’s west coast, at the mouth of the Kāwhia Harbour. Nearest Civilisation: The town of Kāwhia is less than a ten minute drive from Kāwhia Hot Water Beach – 3.5 kilometres, or 2 miles.
Immediate Surroundings: Kāwhia Hot Water Beach sits on the ocean facing edge of the Kāwhia Peninsula, which encloses the Kāwhia Harbour. Beach Name: Kāwhia Hot Water Beach – also known as Ocean Beach – is named for the hot water that can be found when you dig down into the sand at low tide. The beach is also known as Te Puia Springs – with Te Puia translating to ‘hot spring’. Getting There: Kāwhia Hot Water Beach is accessed from the end of Te Puia Road as you leave Kāwhia township. There’s a steep, but short, track to the beach. Allow fifteen minutes to half an hour for the 1 kilometre (half a mile) track.
Vehicle Parking: There is vehicle parking for Kāwhia Hot Water Beach at the end of Te Puia Road, from where you need to take a short track toward the sand. Walking Options: While in the area, complete the Kāwhia Walk – a harbourside waterfront walk that is 1.3 kilometres (just over half a mile) long. Swimming: Yes! Kāwhia Hot Water Beach is a little unique – you’ll be able to dig your own pool in the sand at low tide and soak in a hot spring all of your own!
Surfing: Expert surfers will enjoy Kāwhia Beach – beginners, not so. Dogs: Dogs need to be on a lead at Kāwhia Hot Water Beach and kept away during summer – also in consideration of the hot spring water, the hot black sand, and their sensitive paws. Amenities: Toilets, a shower and a changing room are available at Kāwhia Hot Water Beach.
Camping: Campers can stay at nearby Kāwhia Campground on the harbour side of the peninsula. Go, Because: This quieter alternative to the more famous Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula is quite a unique place to visit, with its black sand, epic sunsets, views over the Tasman Sea, and most importantly, the hot water that will fill any little pool you can manage to dig two hours either side of low tide. The one on the Coromandel Peninsula is much more famous and can get crowded – why not head west instead, and try this one out?
Something Extra: Bring a spade, and go within two hours of low tide to dig your own pool. Bring a beverage too, to enjoy while you enjoy the fruits of your labour! Last Updated: June, 2026.
Best Beaches on the Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula has got to be one of the best beach destinations, not just in the region, but in the entire country. A hotspot for holidaymakers from all over the upper North Island, I have spent many a summer on these beaches. You really are spoilt for choice here, but these beaches next would be the best:
⛱️ Ōamaru Bay
General Location: Ōamaru Bay sits on the western side of the North Island’s Coromandel Peninsula. Nearest Civilisation: Ōamaru Bay is 6.5 kilometres (4 miles) north of Coromandel Township, which is where the main highway traverses the peninsula and carries on southbound down the eastern side (although you can still continue north on rougher roads..)
Immediate Surroundings: Ōamaru Bay faces out into the Hauraki Gulf. Turkey Island sits 1.5 kilometres (1 mile) approximately offshore. Beach Name: Ōamaru translates to ‘the place of Maru’. Getting There: Ōamaru Bay is accessed directly from Colville Road, that runs the coastline.
Vehicle Parking: There is some vehicle parking at Ōamaru Bay. Walking Options: Head over to neighbouring Shelley Beach at low tide. Swimming: There is great, safe swimming to be had at Ōamaru Bay.
Surfing: There is no surf at Ōamaru Bay. Dogs: Dogs need to be on a lead during daytime in summer at Ōamaru Bay. Amenities: Toilets are available at Ōamaru Bay.
Camping: Coromandel Shelley Beach Top 10 Holiday Park is just one bay over! We stayed there in the summer of 2011. Ōamaru Bay Tourist Camp is close as well.
Go, Because: Ōamaru Bay makes the cut as it is really close to the main Coromandel township, has a stretch of calm water, and is a lovely relaxing swimming beach with lots of accommodation options nearby. Its the easy, accessible option! Something Extra: If you have your own watercraft, paddle on out to Turkey Island for a look. Last Updated: June, 2026.
These next three beaches are all right at the top of the peninsula. They’re remote, they’re a bit of a drive, and a little more unspoilt and isolated as a result. The drive up to Fletcher Bay can be a little hairy – think narrow, cliffside one-way roads – but if you’re up for a bit of an adventure, go for it.
⛱️ Fletcher Bay
General Location: Fletcher Bay sits right at the top of the Coromandel Peninsula on the east of the North Island. Nearest Civilisation: The small town of Colville is an hour south of Fletcher Bay via Port Jackson Road – a hairy drive that is 29 kilometres (18 miles) but will still take you an hour.
Immediate Surroundings: Fletcher Bay is one of the northernmost bays of the Coromandel Peninsula, opens into the Hauraki Gulf, and looks out to Great Barrier Island. Beach Name: Fletcher Bay takes its name from one of the families that settled the area historically. Getting There: Access to Fletcher Bay is via the coastal Colville Road as it winds its way up to Colville, and from there, Port Jackson Road.
Vehicle Parking: Yes, there is vehicle parking at Fletcher Bay. Walking Options: Fletcher Bay is one end of the popular Coromandel Coastal Track, which is a 10 kilometre (6 mile) walk down the peninsula to Stony Bay – which takes 3.5 hours one way, or 7 hours return. Swimming: The swimming at Fletcher Bay is safe and very picturesque.
Surfing: There is no real surf to speak of at Fletcher Bay. Dogs: Dogs are banned from Fletcher Bay. Amenities: Basic toilets and showers are the only amenities at Fletcher Bay.
Camping: The Department of Conservation operates nearby Fletcher Bay Campsite. Go, Because: Fletcher Bay is remote and isolated – with magical scenery, sitting right at the top of the Coromandel Peninsula. It’s the last stop along the Port Jackson Road, and a starting point for the Coromandel Coastal Walkway down to Stony Bay, if you want to see even more by foot.
Something Extra: Fletcher Bay is known for great snorkelling! Take gear! Last Updated: June, 2026.
⛱️ Stony Bay
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
Stony Bay is the other trailhead for one of the country’s best coastal walks – a 10 kilometre (6 mile) walk between here and the top of the peninsula (Fletcher Bay). There’s good camping, fishing and diving here, and a stream for little ones to wade in.
⛱️ Waikawau Beach
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
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Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
The location of Waikawau Beach right up the top of the Coromandel Peninsula lends itself to that remote, untouched feeling. There’s a big campsite operating here, too – we spent New Years here in 2017. Next door is Little Waikawau Beach, Waikawau’s mini-me, another little slice of white sand paradise.
Moving down the eastern coast of the Coromandel Peninsula now, we have a trio of beaches, all fabulous in their own right:
⛱️ New Chums Beach / Wainuiototo Bay
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
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Vehicle Parking: xx Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
New Chums Beach has been voted as one of the best 10 beaches in the world, and features often in ‘best beach’ lists, both nationally and internationally. It is increasingly popular, but still has the secluded feeling as you can only get there by foot, and sometimes even dolphins can be seen in the surf. A track up to Motuto Point provides epic views. Walking over to New Chums from Whangapoua Beach will take you 25 minutes.
⛱️ Whangapoua Beach
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
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Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
Whangapoua Beach is a much loved beach with its quintessentially-Coromandel white sand, safe swimming, and clear waters. It’s also the access point over to the renowned New Chums Beach and has a lagoon as well, meaning you can swim away from the waves and currents if you are not so confident.
⛱️ Matarangi Beach
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
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Vehicle Parking: xx Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
Over the warmer months, the popular Matarangi Beach is home to a colony of New Zealand dotterel birds. It is a favourite holiday destination beach for many Kiwis and shares those beautiful sandy shorelines with the other Coromandel beaches on this list. There’s great bike paths nearby, good fishing here – and would be considered generally one of the better Coromandel beaches for its great swimming and surf. Dolphins and orcas have been seen here, so it does happen!
The next trio of beaches sit together on the land that juts out into the east (it’s the Kuaotunu Peninsula) and it’s between Matarangi and Whitianga as you come down the eastern coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. Visit one, two, or all three – they’re all next to each other and easy to see in one hit.
⛱️ Otama Beach
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
Otama Beach has it all: stunning waters, stretches of white sand, a lagoon, sand dunes caves, rock pools, and a rope swing. It’s white, sandy shoreline is an excellent place to spend a day!
⛱️ Opito Bay
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
Like Otama Beach, the colour of the sand and water is a massive drawcard for these magical Kuaotunu Peninsula spots. There is a walk up to the Opito Point Pā that is worth doing. There’s awesome snorkelling here – and access to Crayfish Bay via a 10 minute walk, which is our next magical beach on this list:
⛱️ Crayfish Bay
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
If Otama and Opito Bays were not beautiful enough, Crayfish Bay is the little secret gem further along from Opito Bay. The water is a bright turquoise, it’s incredibly private, and there’s little caves to explore, too. This one is one to take note of and will exceed expectations, if the previous two did not already! There’s more snorkelling here too, so bring a mask.
These next five beaches are within proximity to the beach town of Whitianga, which, after Thames, at the base of the peninsula, is the second largest town in the area. For this reason, many people base themselves in Whitianga for the duration of their holiday, and if the next beaches are on your must-see list, you should consider doing the same!
⛱️ Buffalo Beach (Whitianga)
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
Buffalo Beach is loved for its proximity to the town centre of Whitianga, to the ferry terminal, and to all the waterfront restaurants. A good one for ease of access and proximity to amenities!
⛱️ Cooks Beach (Mercury Bay)
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
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Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
Enclosed within the wider Mercury Bay, Cooks Beach is sheltered by the edges of the bay, providing clear, calm waters for swimmers – making it a great family beach. Nearby Shakespeare Cliff provides awesome views over Cooks Beach.
⛱️ Hahei Beach
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
Hahei Beach is the entry point to the famous Cathedral Cove – whether you are choosing to head over to the cove by foot or by watercraft. You can catch water taxis to the cove from Hahei Beach, enabling you to really enjoy the clarity of the water in these parts, but don’t make the mistake of overlooking Hahei Beach, a gem in and of itself.
⛱️ Cathedral Cove
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
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Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
Cathedral Cove is one of the country’s best beaches, and quite iconic, having featured in the movie, ‘The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian’ in 2008. The beach (and the Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve / Te Whanganui-o-Hei) is only accessible by foot or boat. Both are great summer pilgrimages to this beautiful cove – wait until you see its blinding white sands, sparkling blue water, and that famous rock arch that you can walk through and take a fun silhouette photo in. Go very early and off peak season if you want to (try) and avoid the crowds!
⛱️ Hot Water Beach
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
Hot Water Beach is incredibly popular because of the fact that two hours either side of low tide, you can take a spade down and dig yourself a hole to sit in. The water below the sand is hot – sometimes too hot! – and if you spend long enough, you can dig yourself quite a decent little hot pool – or poach someone else’s, when they’ve left! This beach is a famous one, so expect people – but it can also be enjoyed in cooler weather, due to the fact that you’ll be soaking in warmer temperatures.
I’ve coupled together Tairua Beach and Pauanui Beach, which sit on either side of the Tairua Harbour. They’re not far away from each other but youdo have to drive inland and then out again to get from one to the other, so they are twenty minutes apart by road.
⛱️ Tairua / Ocean Beach
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
Tairua Beach is a real favourite for many New Zealanders, with its incredible surf enjoyed by surfers and boogie-boarders alike. A climb up Paku Hill nearby affords gorgeous views over the beach and the Tairua Harbour. Fishing is good here, too.
⛱️ Pauanui Beach
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
Pauanui Beach is also one of the more popular destinations on the Coromandel Peninsula, with its long stretch of white sand, great surf, lifeguard patrols, nearby estuary, and Mount Pauanui at the end of the beach, offering a good little climb for the reward of a great, panoramic view. The swimming is safe, and the conditions at Pauanui frequently lend themselves to good kitesurfing and windsurfing!
As we continue to travel south down this stretch of coastline, the next two beaches of note are Pokohino Beach and the incredibly popular Whangamatā Beach.
⛱️ Pokohino Beach
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
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Vehicle Parking: xx Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
A challenging, 20 minute bush trek to Pokohino Beach means that it is not frequented by many, and a bit of a secret beach. You’ll be rewarded with caves to explore, rocks you can jump off, and rock pools you can look at at low tide – not to mention the major drawcard: the sheer beauty of this beach and the unbelievably clear water.
⛱️ Whangamatā Beach
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
Alongside Whitianga, Tairua and Pauanui, I’d put Whangamatā right up there with the most populous summer hotspots on the Coromandel Peninsula. Whangamatā Beach is so loved because of its gorgeous sand and surf – it’s actually world-renowned for surfing with international surfies flocking to it for its breaks, partly owing to the presence of the Whangamatā Bar.
Nearby Donut Island (otherwise known as Whenuakura Island) can be accessed by kayak and provides a bit of extra adventure for those with watercraft. It’s a blowhole that collapsed, creating a green lagoon with a hole in the top – a natural sun roof, lighting up the water below. An adjacent estuary means safe swimming options for all ages.
Waihī Beach is technically over the border and in the Bay of Plenty region, but as it lies just south of Whangamatā Beach (a 40 minute drive), I’ll include some details about it here.
⛱️ Waihī Beach
General Location: xx Nearest Civilisation: xx
Immediate Surroundings: xx Beach Name: xx Getting There: xx
Vehicle Parking: xx Walking Options: xx Swimming: xx
Surfing: xx Dogs: xx Amenities: xx
Camping: xx Go, Because: xx
Something Extra: xx Last Updated: June, 2026.
Waihī Beach is loved nationwide – another beach with a very long stretch of gorgeous white sand, with the added benefits of having awesome surf and lifeguards patrolling in summer, and considered a really safe swimming spot. It’s a stone’s throw from the port city of Tauranga, but an easily travelled distance from Auckland city, as well. It’s a whole little beach side town, with all the amenities, good walking, sheer beauty, and not to be missed.
From wild west coast surf to crystal-clear bays on the other side of the country, the Waikato region really does have the best of both worlds. Take your time exploring – guaranteed you will find new favourites of your own as you do that do not feature here; naming them all would be an impossible task in a region so rich in beautiful beaches.