New Zealand’s top 6 secret beaches

Despite what most guidebooks will tell you, New Zealand isn’t all mountains, lakes, and hobbits. Aotearoa’s rugged coastline packs in a surprising amount of fantastic beaches, many of which are remote, sheltered and just plain stunning to look at. After you hire a van on Camplify, make sure to include some of these awesome swimming spots on your itinerary.

New Chums Beach

Wainuiototo Bay, Coromandel

One of the most highly rated ‘deserted’ beaches in the world (according to some very reputable people at Lonely Planet and National Geographic), New Chums Beach on the wild Coromandel Peninsula is our pick for New Zealand’s best secret beach. Take the track down to the water, where sparkling white sand gives way to unspoilt forest close to the shore. Swim in turquoise waters, and gaze out at the emptiness around you. True tranquillity.

Matapouri Beach

Matapouri, Northland

Travelling north of Auckland, you’ll no doubt stumble across a number of incredible beaches and coastal havens on your road trip. If you’re looking for somewhere you can stretch out with plenty of space, surrounded with the peace and quiet you’re searching for on your holiday, don’t miss Matapouri on the East Coast. Surrounded by jagged cliffs and rolling dunes, you can soak up the natural ambience in one of the region's lesser visited beaches.

Whatipu Beach

West Auckland

Staying on the North Island, our next port of call is the stunning, vast, often-quite-windy-but-still-magical black sand Whatipu Beach. This remote section of coast close to Auckland features some of the highlights of New Zealand’s unique vegetation, with awe-inspiring caves, impressive dunes, and of course, the deep turquoise waters of the Tasman. Before you jump in the ocean, be sure to check out the hikes in the area, with fabulous opportunities to go bird-watching and see some of the mighty geological formations of the Waitākere Ranges.

Totaranui Beach

Abel Tasman National Park

Our pick for the South Island is the picture-perfect Totaranui Beach in the unrivalled Abel Tasman National Park. After a drive through the park, you’re rewarded with one of the best campsites in New Zealand, and a gob-smacking beach to go with it. This huge gold sand beach is an ideal spot to spend the day on, with gentle waves providing great swimming for all ages.

Te Pukatea Beach

Abel Tasman National Park

We thought we’d make it easy for you to ensure you see at least two of these beaches on your road trip, which is why we’re throwing in another incredible secret beach in the Abel Tasman National Park , Te Pukatea. This remote coastal paradise can only be reached via a walking track, but the rewards speak for themselves. Spend the afternoon surrounded by the verdant majesty of the park, wistfully gazing out at the sea, thinking you’d like to spend the rest of your life here. Until you remember you have to hike back to the van, of course.

Te Henga (Bethells Beach)

West Auckland

We’re swinging back up to West Auckland for our last stop, the dramatic volcanic sand beach, Te Henga. Find this slice of paradise just 45 minutes out of Auckland on the West Coast, where you’ll often be the sole occupant of this gorgeous beach. Explore the gorgeous headland and local areas to find caves, wildlife and even more secret beaches to discover.

Start your epic summer adventure on Camplify, New Zealand’s largest and most trusted van sharing community. While you’re there, check out our 5 favourite picture-perfect campsites, read up on an epic 6-day itinerary of the North Island, and have our complete guide on hand for taking a van between the Islands. See you out there.