But if you’re driving friends and family crazy counting down the days until you hit the road on your summer v-cay, these breathtaking spots should satiate your wanderlust for the time being.
Cathedral Cove
(Te Whanganui-A-Hei)
Coromandel
If you’re headed for the Coromandel Peninsula and you haven’t yet ventured to Cathedral Cove, this is the summer to do it. While it’s guaranteed to be bustling with Kiwis out discovering the best of our own backyard, with the borders closed, you can expect this pristine to spot to be a little quieter than normal.
New Chums
(Wainuiototo Bay)
Coromandel
By the time you reach the end of this list you will have learnt that if sprawling white sand beaches are top of your summer must-visit list, you need to head to Coromandel, stat.
Pack your walking shoes as the 30-minute trek down to New Chums is well worth it.
Tunnel Beach
Dunedin
Leave the swimsuit at home – Tunnel Beach is purely for the ‘Gram and the workout. Make sure lather on sunscreen as the hike down – and then back up – is rather arduous.
If it’s a little sunbathing and dip that you’re after, head to neighbouring St Clair instead.
Whale Bay
Tutukaka
If popular summer destination Matapouri is on the cards this year, make sure you take 30 minutes to walk down to neighbouring Whale Bay.
Opito Bay
Coromandel
This paradisal spot is one of Coromandel’s better-kept secrets and it’s well worth the trip over the dusty and windy Black Jack road.
Stop in at Luke’s Kitchen in neighbouring Kuaotunu on the way home to enjoy one of his NZ-famous pizzas.
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Matai Bay
Far North
Far North bound? You’re in luck as you’ll be surrounded by azure ocean the moment you reach your destination.
While all of the beaches peppered around the Karikari Peninsula are equally stunning, Matai Bay is our favourite. Pack a picnic and sun umbrella and spend the day at this idyllic spot.
Abel Tasman National Park
Golden sand – check. Secluded beaches – check. Expansive crystal-clear ocean – check.
Whether you’re spending a week or there for a day, as far as beach destinations go, Abel Tasman National Park ticks all the boxes.
