New Zealand beaches best places to go, best time to go, what to do nearby

KEY BEACH LOCATIONS INCLUDE…

Check out Auckland’s Takapuna or Coromandel with Hot Water Beach. Then there is Mt Maunganui Main Beach or Bay of Islands coves and listen to bird song.  Find towering sand dunes in the Far North Te Paki or Hokianga Harbour. Discover into the glorious gold sandy beaches of Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson and dip your toes in crystal clear blue water.

Brisk winter days encourage you to explore your wild side with the wind and iron sands whipping the air into a fury as the sea and sky merge into a blue / grey light at Muriwai and other Auckland west coast beaches.

Ponder about your surfing credentials while watching lycra clad surfers in Raglan and Taranaki’s Surf Highway. Consider joining a surf school for surfing lessons.

TIPS FOR A HASSLE FREE DAY AT THE BEACH ARE

• Toilets and changing rooms nearby
• Playgrounds and outdoor showers
• Cafes for parent’s coffee buzz
• Ice cream vendors
• Shady trees and an estuary and walk to explore

WHAT CAN YOU DO AT THE BEACH TO KEEP KIDS ENTERTAINED?

The classic thing to do at the beach to keep kids entertained is to build a sandcastle. Let’s start with an oldie but goodie, sandcastle building tips and tricks. Sandcastles are a great family selfie moment. Transitory and energetic and remember lots of sunscreen as you are exposed  … read more What to do at the beach … sandcastles.

WHAT ARE SOME TIPS FOR A GOOD DAY AT THE BEACH WITH THE KIDS?

Tips and tricks to summer beach activities for kids with ants in their pants is building a driftwood mansion. Sandcastles are for little kids with older children feeling the challenge of bigger things in life. Think driftwood and start looking. Driftwood building is very satisfying with the option of flying a flag (T-shirt) from the parapets.  The kids need amusing, that annoying brother / cousin is itching to do something. Beach sports is always a goodie and you can obviously recruit complete strangers who see the cricket stumps being set up and volunteer to field.

TEENAGERS AND THE BEACH WHAT TO DO WITH BORED TEENAGERS?

Bored teenagers at the beach can be invited to an impromptu spa massage. It’s glorious, the gentle exfoliation and rhythmic relaxation of muscles as heated oils soften and soak into the skin. Try out your own DIY beach massage. The ingredients are simple, a day at the beach. The beach is the original wellness destination and the best bit, it’s free.

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF NZ, NORTHLAND BEACHES

Beach highlights for Northland, NZ beaches are

• Subtropical climate
• Proxmity to outstanding Maori attractions including Waitangi Treaty Grounds
• Bay of Islands bird sanctuaries with quiet small sandy coves to throw down a towel
• Ninety Mile beach is often on visitor’s bucket list

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF NZ, AUCKLAND BEACHES?

The top things to do at Auckland beaches are:

• Pop across the road to a plethora of cafes and restaurants in Takapuna or Mission Bay
• Indulge in winter wild magic on the West Coast surf beaches with tumultuous surf and driftwood galore
• Explore Hauraki Gulf islands and beaches on a ferry day trip from Auckland CDB

WHAT ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF CORMANDEL BEACHES?

• Quirky Hot Water Beach with its welling geothermal warm springs
• Beaches fringed with pohututukawa trees in spring bloom
• Beaches with nearby camping grounds and art galleries to linger in