If you’re looking to hit the road in New Zealand this summer, then you will have an abundant amount of terrific summertime destinations to choose from. The island is packed with a wide number of amazing beaches, from secluded coves to well-known hotspots. The sheer amount of great destinations may be overwhelming, so make sure your trip is well planned out before you pack up the campervan hire and hit the road. Below you can find the top summer destinations to choose from.
Hot Water Beach
This wonder of a beach comes with something you just won’t find at any other beach in the world: underground hidden hotsprings. These springs burble up from below with refreshingly healing water full of vital minerals. Visitors come prepared with shovels and dig out a hole for themselves before high tide, then relax as the hole is filled by the hot waters. These natural hotsprings are truly one-of-a-kind and definitely something you will want to experience on your journey.
Piha Beach
Just west of Auckland lies one of the best surfing spots in the world, the famous Piha Beach. Surrounded by jagged cliffs and the majestic Lion Rock, the scenic beauty of this beach is enough to take your breath away. This is a great hiking destination, and if you happen to be a surfer you are definitely going to want to take advantage of some of the best waves the world has to offer.
Karekare
Also in the Auckland area, Karekare is known for its miles of majestic sand and surrounding green hills. This is a wild beach in the truest sense of the word, perfect for hiking, picnicking, and swimming when the water isn’t too rough. The remote, secluded vibe of this beach makes it perfect for getting away from the throngs of visitors attracted to many of the other beaches in the area.
Kaiteriteri Beach
With the top rate of sunshine hours of any beach in New Zealand, not to mention the miles of golden sand spreading out in all directions, this is the perfect beach for a good old fashioned beach day of sunbathing and swimming. Plus, its location at the tip of Abel Tasman National Park makes it convenient for hiking as well.
Whale Bay
Another one of the world’s best surfing spots, Whale Bay is a funky, laid back beach community featuring absolutely gorgeous sights and some of the best waves in the entire world. Here you will find a thriving nightlife and food scene, full of great organic restaurants and offbeat shops. The overall laid back, hippie atmosphere has made this a favorite destination for surfers, backpackers, and campervan journeys for decades.
Mission Bay
If kayaking is your thing, then Mission Bay is definitely a must-do. There are many kayak rental spots and miles of coastline to get out and paddle. This is definitely not a secluded beach, offering a thriving nightlife scene, an abundance of restaurants and food stands, and many shops to explore.
New Chums Beach
If you really want a secluded, wild beach experience, then New Chums can’t be beat. First of all, you will need to take a 40 minute hike just to get to the beach. Next, you will walk through the waters of a shallow lagoon in order to reach the oceanside. This work will be completely worth it, however, once you behold the rugged splendour of thre beach. White sand, wild bush, and the expanse of ocean await you at the last undeveloped beach in New Zealand.