Good old kiwi summer holidays mean endless days of lazy swims, picnics, hokey pokey ice creams and the sand crunching between your toes. And - if you’re lucky – ending the day by sitting on the beach and watching a magic sunset. There are a handful of New Zealand beaches that stand out more than others for the show they put on at the end of the evening, so we’ve put together what we think are the five best beaches in the country to watch the sun set.
In the South Island of New Zealand, a sweet-little coastal town where the mountains meet the sea is just waiting to greet you. Here you can relax and let the worries of the world wash away as the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash to the shore, surrounded by fresh sea and mountain air.
Windswept volcanic black sand, thundering waves crashing to shore, and a cheeky colony of marine birdlife are just some of the sights that greet you on a visit to Muriwai, one of Auckland’s famous wild west coast beaches, and undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s most iconic.
A much-loved holiday spot for New Zealanders and international tourists alike - Paihia in the winterless north - is the main gateway to the beautiful marine playground of the Bay of Islands.
Hailed as the ‘Jewel of the Bay of Islands’ the long stretches of sand and calm waters lapping at the shore, just metres away from the little seafaring town, has helped Paihia become globally recognised as one of New Zealand’s best beaches.
Located in the beautiful sun-drenched Mercury Bay area, on the Coromandel Peninsula, is Whitianga, a thriving coastal town that provides an easily accessible base to get out and explore some of New Zealand’s best beaches.
The town of Whitianga itself is a relaxing slice of coastal paradise that is perhaps most famous for its delectable Whitianga Scallop Festival – one of New Zealand’s most popular seafood festivals that takes place annually in September.
