What the South Island offers in mountains, New Zealand’s North Island matches with its pristine beaches and uber cool beachside towns. Here, we uncover 7 must-visit coastal villages in the land of the long white cloud.
Waiheke Island
There’s not just one beach town here worth exploring but an island-full. Located a short 35-minute ferry ride off Auckland’s coast, Waiheke Island is made up of a community of creatives and is a holiday hot spot for the rich. The towns are tiny, but the safe beaches nuzzled next to vineyards are stunning.
Raglan
Known for its left-hand point breaks, Raglan is a surfer’s dream come true. Relaxed and arty with a beautifully rugged landscape, this west coast town is surrounded by farms that spill onto a black-sand beach. In summer the town hums with a steady flow of tourists, but visit in the low season and you’ll have the cafes, galleries and quirky boutiques to yourself.
Good morning Manu bay! #manubay #raglan #beach A photo posted by Micah Spear (@miikaa92) on
Napier
Art Deco fans will love this culture-heavy place. Set by the sea, Napier is a small city that received its stunning façade after an earthquake hit in the 1930s destroying the area’s original buildings. Brave the cold, and head down to Marine Parade for a quick dip.
Hahei
If you see a bunch of kids getting a lift to the beach in a tractor scoop, chances are you’re in Hahei where the farming machines trace the town’s roads to and then along the beach. A great base for exploring the Coromandel, particularly nearby Cathedral Cover, Hahei has a stunning beach, adorable holiday baches for rent and a tip-top ice creamery.
#beautiful #newzealand #northisland #hahei #coromandel #scenic #kiwi #nz A photo posted by Simon Grigg (@simonsayschch) on
Gisborne
Hugged by east coast beaches, Gisborne is the first place in New Zealand to see the sun each morning. Sunrise adventure, anyone? Big enough to stay in for a few days and not get bored, the beautiful beaches of Wainui and Makorori Beach are just minutes away.
Mount Maunganui
Bigger than most of the other beach towns listed, Mount Maunganui affectionately known as The Mount, sits on a peninsula on the east coast. Head here if you’re in need of a bit of café culture by the sea. Don’t leave without climbing Mauao, the dormant volcano that guards the beach, for spectacular vistas over Tauranga Harbour and the Pacific Ocean.
The view from the top of Mount Maunganui in Tauranga #mountmaunganui #tauranga #northislandnz #newzealand #adventures #autumn #nzmustdo #mustdonz #purenewzealand #lonelyplanet #walking #wanderlust #explore #tournz #travel #tourism #tramping #teamtravellers #turquoisewater #instapicoftheday #outdoors #traveling #live #liveauthentic #love #travelstoke A photo posted by @wanderlustnzandtheworld on
Mangawhai Heads
What do camping, fish and chips, vineyards and the big blue have in common? They all come together in this little Northland town. A favourite among Kiwis, Mangawhai Heads is small, quiet village about 90 minutes north of Auckland. Insider tip: Stop by the weekend market to taste test locally produced olive oils and wines. Mmmm!
Maungawhai heads ? #maungawhaiheads #nz
A photo posted by a m y e l w o r t h y (@hello_amz) on
(Feature image: Felipe Skroski)
