The best beaches of Northland you need to visit
Northland is home to some of the most breathtaking bays and beaches in Aotearoa New Zealand where you'll discover squeaky white sand, windswept west coast beaches, picture-perfect coves, sheltered swimming spots and more. Here are ten of the best beaches to add to your Northland itinerary!
Whale Bay
Whale Bay is one of the most picture-perfect beaches in Northland. Think crystal-clear calm waters, pristine white sand, all fringed by pōhutukawa and native bush. There’s a short walk from the carpark down to the sandy shores, but the walk is well-worth the reward. For those who like their beach days with an active element, tackle the full Whale Bay – Matapouri Headland Track. Pack a picnic and make a day of it, or head into Tūtūkākā for lunch.
Maitai Bay
Maitai Bay is a picturesque horseshoe-shaped beach, located off-the-beaten-track on the Karikari Peninsula. The Department of Conservation campground is extremely popular and there’s also a Headland Track where you can enjoy spectacular scenic views. A rāhui (customary restriction) was placed on fishing and taking seafood from the bay and surrounding areas to restore the mauri (life force), so instead take your snorkel and enjoy the returning presence of marine life.
Waipū Cove
This super-popular beach won the Herald Travel’s Best Family Beach and Best Camping Beach in Feb 2025, and for good reason! It’s easily accessible, has plenty of space for everyone to spread out, there’s a great walking track (the Waipū Coastal Walkway), the Cove Cafe is right across the road, and the general store (did someone say icecream!) is just steps away. Surfers will also love this spot when the swell is up – Waipū Cove also received second place for the Best Surf Beach award!
Oke Bay
Although commonly known as Oke Bay, this bay is actually called Opourua. It’s another off-the-beaten-track spot – this time just over the hill from Rawhiti and near the start of the Cape Brett track. It’s super well protected so expect calm waters, perfect for swimming, snorkelling and lazing on the pristine sandy shores. Be sure to pack enough supplies for the day though, or make the 40-minute drive back to Russell for a late lunch.
Rarawa Beach
This beach is often bypassed on the way to the famous Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes, but you’ll be glad you’ve made the detour once you’re here! The silica sand is pure white and surprisingly squeaky – you won’t find many other beaches like it. There’s a basic Department of Conservation campsite here and about 15 minutes south from Rarawa is the Houhora Honey Bees Container Cafe, most well-known for their paua pies!
Baylys Beach
Baylys Beach is the name of one of the entrances to the 107km long Ripiro Beach. It’s actually the longest driveable beach in the country – even longer than famous Te Oneroa a Tōhē Ninety Mile Beach. Being a west coast beach, this coastline is rugged, windswept and wild but you’ll still enjoy stunning sunset views, great fishing and endless sands to beachcomb. The little township of Baylys Beach is surprisingly well equipped too, with a Holiday Park, plenty of holiday homes, and the local Sharky’s takeaway shop.
Ninety Mile Beach
Te Oneroa a Tōhe Ninety Mile Beach is one of the best known beaches in Northland, thanks to its status as an official state highway and location on the way to Te Rerenga Wairua Cape Reinga. It’s actually only 55km long, but that doesn’t stop it feeling endless. Although 4WD vehicles can be driven down the beach, we highly recommend taking a Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach tour on a purpose-built coach – tours also stop at the nearby giant Te Paki Sand Dunes as well as visiting culturally significant Te Rerenga Wairua Cape Reinga.
Waewaetorea
Located in the outer Bay of Islands, you’ll need to board a boat to visit this spot, but it’s one of the most visually spectacular beaches in the north. An S-shaped curve of sand meets turquoise waters and walking tracks head up to viewpoints and Māori archaelogical sites. Depending on weather and ocean conditions, some boat cruises like The Rock Adventure Cruise may stop over at the island, or you could charter a water taxi, or sailing yacht and make your own way here – Great Escape Sailing has epic multi-day sailing courses to equip you to head out solo.
Ocean Beach
Head to the edge of the Whangārei Heads peninsula and you’ll find Ocean Beach, a popular surfing and swimming beach that looks out over the expansive Pacific Ocean. It’s also the gateway to one of the best coastal walks in Northland, Te Whara Track which takes an ancient Māori trail through the Bream Head Scenic Reserve. After a day at the beach, stop over at the Parua Bay Tavern on your way back to town, and enjoy cold beverages and crowd-pleasing meals on the grassy lawn.