Our Top 5: The most beautiful beaches on New Zealand's North Island
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Since New Zealand is an island nation, our absolute favorite route on our road trip naturally took us directly along the coast. For us, that meant: breathtaking views, exciting viewpoints, and the most magical sunrises and sunsets we've ever seen!
We simply love spending time at the beach, and we tried to be by the sea almost every day. Whether we arrived there after a long hike or rolled our van directly onto the beach to camp – most of the time we found ourselves in a small, hidden paradise. And often enough, we had this spot all to ourselves.
Today, we're taking you into the breathtaking nature of New Zealand's North Island. Here are our top 5 most beautiful beaches. We love sharing these absolute highlights with you, so you can fall in love with them just like we did!
1. Castlepoint Beach
Located directly on the East Coast, Castlepoint Beach is our absolute number 1. We found this place by chance using a camping app. There's a really cool lighthouse there, majestically perched on the cliffs. It might not be your typical sunbathing beach, but the rugged, natural beauty of this place is simply magical.
Funny tip: You can watch the Castlepoint Lighthouse live online anytime (perfect for showing your family back home live where you're currently exploring!).
2. Sandy Bay Beach
Our second favorite is Sandy Bay Beach. A wonderfully peaceful place, located in a small bay and thus wonderfully protected from the wind. There are even toilets and picnic tables here, making it the perfect spot for a truly relaxing beach and van life day.
3. Hahei Beach
Further up on the Coromandel Peninsula is Hahei Beach, our number 3. Yes, it's a bit more touristy here because of the famous Cathedral Cove nearby, but the crystal-clear, vibrant blue water is worth every visit.
Our insider tip: Be sure to visit the public toilets there – they have a huge glass window with probably the best view you'll ever have in such a place!
4. Waikanae Beach
Down on the West Coast, near Wellington, you'll find Waikanae Beach. An incredibly long, beautiful sandy beach. It's the perfect place for an endless sunset beach walk or an afternoon to simply unwind.
5. Whirinaki Bluff
Back on the East Coast, Whirinaki Bluff awaits you. The special thing here: the sand is pitch black! It might not be the best place for swimming, but the black sand contrasted with the white waves and this incomparable rugged beauty make it the perfect backdrop for spectacular coastal photos.
Take a piece of New Zealand home with you
After exploring the North Island for over two months, these numerous beaches really left a lasting impression on us. Each one has its own unique charm, and we hope you can discover these natural wonders for yourselves soon.
If you want to bring the salty feeling of New Zealand and its rugged coasts directly into your home, be sure to check out our jewelry with the iridescent New Zealand Paua shell (abalone). A small piece of the ocean to accompany you on your own adventures!