Prefer not to have a close encounter with an untested Covid sufferer this summer? Trade traditional summer hot spots for one of the many classic Kiwi beach towns that dont get the attention they deserve and youll certainly decrease the chances.
Whether youre after a Fiji substitute or ruggedly good-looking Westie, theres an underrated spot in Aotearoa to suit. Here are five of our favourites. Share yours in the comments or email travel@stuff.co.nz.
nelsontasman.nz/SUPPLIED
Paradise found: Tata Beach is often overlooked by visitors to Abel Tasman National Park.
Tucked away between better-known stretches of Golden Bay and the quiet northern end of Abel Tasman National Park, this tiny beach town boasts one of the best-looking beaches in the country.
Small but photogenically formed, its genuinely golden sands are wedged between bush-covered mountains and a calm, teal-coloured sea without a disfiguring McMansion or skyrise in sight. The beach is sheltered by the twin islands of Motu and Ngawhiti, also known as the Tata Islands, home to seals, penguins and New Zealands largest colony of spotted shags, who put on quite the show on Tata Beach just before sunrise each morning.
READ MORE:* Domestic tourism: The biggest winners in the second year since the Covid-19 pandemic struck NZ* World Famous in New Zealand: Fabulous Abel Tasman Drive is all about the scenery* Tiritiri Matangi: New Zealand's tiny slice of old-school Corfu
Family-run Golden Bay Kayaks offer the only kayaking tours in the northern reaches of Abel Tasman, where pockets of old-growth forest and footprint-free beaches really do exist. Paddle to secluded bays on a guided or self-guided tour, or hire a standup paddleboard to make like Moses.
The surrounding area is also a walkers paradise, with nearby options including the northernmost section of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, and the lesser-known but equally lovely Grove Scenic Reserve, with its giant rata perched atop weird-looking limestone outcrops and panoramic views of Golden Bay. Rawhiti Cave, which the Department Conservation says has possibly the most diverse and extensive entrance and twilight zone flora of any cave in New Zealand, is also just down the road. Expect to find yourself in a Gollums lair replete with sculpture-like stalactites and stalagmites.
Set amid a native beech forest with spectacular ocean views, the off-grid Anahata Yoga Retreat is the place to come if relaxing in a tiny beach town isnt enough to calm your frazzled nerves. And after the year many of us have had, who would blame you?
CHRISTEL YARDLEY/STUFF
Whiritoa looks less gentrified than some of its Coromandel neighbours.
Chilling on the uncrowded white sands of this old-school Coromandel beach town, its hard to believe the holidaymaker magnets that are Whangamat and Waih Beach are just up and down the road.
Little more than a scattering of retro baches, a library, general store and that glorious surf beach, Whiritoa is a top choice for a laid-back beach break. Lifeguards patrol the main beach in season, and theres a stream at the northern end which is popular with kids and adults who prefer wallowing to battling the waves. Note that Whiritoa Beachs steep shore with heavy breaks can be dangerous, so make sure you swim between the flags during patrol hours.
Crossing the stream takes you to a short clifftop walkway, which winds between sun-bleached hills and the ocean en route to gnarly pohutukawa-fringed Waimana Bay.
A classic Kiwi dairy with extras, Whiritoa General Store & Cafe dishes up ultra fresh fish and chips along with giant burgers, toasted sammies, deep-fried hot dogs and onion rings, and ice creams. No need to feel guilty about overindulging: Youre perfectly positioned to walk, run, swim or surf it off afterwards.
If you dont think youll make it to the tropics anytime soon, this Far North settlement is a pretty sweet substitute. Share a photo of yourself on the white-hot sand lapped by cellophane-clear water and your mates will probably think youre on vacay in the Cook Islands or Fiji.
The snorkelling and diving are pretty good in these parts too, as is the fishing and seafood gathering. And the calm waters could have been made for standup paddleboarding and kayaking. If youre into kitesurfing youre in luck too Rangiputa has developed a reputation far beyond our fine shores for its often-perfect conditions.
Another classic Kiwi beach town, the place isnt big on non-natural attractions, but everything is a short drive away on the peninsula. Karikari Estate, where you can wine and dine in a beautifully tended garden overlooking the ocean, is just a short drive away, as is the 18-hole championship golf course at the 3000-hectare Carrington Estate, also home to a restaurant showcasing the regions outstanding produce. Cape Ringa/Te Reinga Wairua, Ninety Mile Beach and Doubtless Bay make for easy day trips too.
KELLY HODEL/STUFF
Port Waikato is a good choice for those looking for a traditional West Coast beach break.
Raglan gets all the glory when it comes to Waikato beach towns, but its little sister up north is quieter but just as much of a beauty. She may lack the bougie cafes and galleries that attract Aucklanders and Hamiltonians to Raglan in droves, but you can count that as a blessing if youre looking for a properly relaxed break.
Swim, surf or dig for pipis at Sunset Beach, home to an award-winning surf lifesaving patrol; scout for fossils around the Ports cliffs; dangle a line off the wharf in the hope of hooking a kahawai; and head to the sand dunes with a cold beverage in the evening for a sundowner with a difference. On the road to the dunes, youll find a couple of tennis courts, a playground with a flying fox and a library, which may come in handy if youve forgotten to bring a book. As always, if youre venturing into the water, swim between the flags during patrol hours and dont be afraid to chat to the lifeguards about any concerns.
If thats not enough to keep you amused, head about half an hour out of town toward Raglan to Limestone Downs (aka Weathertop Hollow in the Lord of the Rings films) and Nikau Cave, a kilometre-long glowworm grotto hidden amid fields filled with stacked pancake-like rocks.
If you dont have any luck with the fishing (you can also try set-netting for mullet and flounder at the river mouth), hit up Sunset Takeaways for burgers with homemade patties and quality fish and chips.
bennettandslater.co.nz
Sunset Point, Hokitika is a classic West Coast spot for a feed of fish and chips.
Many come for the technicolour gorge and move on. But their loss is longer-staying visitors gain in the form of a blissfully uncrowded, wave-battered, black sand and pebble beach.
Home to little blue penguins, the beach is great for swimming and surfing if youre experienced, or simply a soul-soothing stroll. If youre on an evening walk, finish up at Sunset Point, where you can chomp on fish and chips as the sun does its daily disappearing act above the Tasman Sea. If youre not an experienced swimmer, stay out of the water as the beach is not patrolled and the waves can be deceptively powerful and there can be rips and holes.
No visit to the West Coast town is complete without a photo stop at the glacier-carved gorge, where rock flour ground over millennia lends the water its surreal blue hue. The Hokitika Gorge Walk is one of the West Coasts most popular and, in 2020, was extended to form a one-hour loop with a new 90-metre swing bridge.
You can also stretch your legs on the West Coast Treetops Walk, where the view from the 40-metre-high tower is worth the entry fee alone. On a clear day you should be able to see both the Southern Alps and Tasman Sea.
Brook Sabin/Stuff
South of Hokitika is a world-class tree walk, with views of the Southern Alps (video published September 2020).
Anyone with even a passing interest in mountain biking should tackle at least a small section of the West Coast Wilderness Trail, one of the 22 NZ Cycle Trails. Stretching 136km from Greymouth to Ross, the trail traces old packhorse tracks, tramlines, railways and water races on its way past thick rainforest, glacial rivers and remote lakes and beaches with views of the alps.
Out-of-towners may be surprised to learn that Hokitikas something of an arts, crafts and shopping hub, with many local artists seeking inspiration in the pounamu (greenstone) found in the Arahura River. Dip into galleries showcasing their works as you make your way along the towns historic walkway, which winds its way past grand old buildings from the gold rush era.
Hokitika mightnt be renowned for its nightlife, but you can have plenty of after-hours fun at the Glow-worm Dell - a free, down-home version of the famous Waitomo Caves.
If your trip coincides with the Hokitika Wild Food Festival, the event is another must-do even if youre not into extreme adventure eats. Options usually range from the truly wild - think crocodile bites and fish heads to tame options such as hot dogs, pastries and international fare. Dave Dobbyn, Greg Johnson and Zed are set to play this years festival on March 12, while the Feral Fashion contest puts a westie spin on racing circuit fashion in the field events.
Where are your favourite underrated NZ beach towns? Share in the comments or email travel@stuff.co.nz
Read more from the original source:
Five of New Zealand's most underrated beach towns - Stuff.co.nz
- New Zealand keep series alive after England's dramatic collapse - Yahoo Sports - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand to Ban Disposable Vapes | TIME - TIME - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- U.S. Men's Olympic Soccer Team to Face France, New Zealand and Asia-Africa Playoff Winner in Group A at 2024 ... - U.S. Soccer - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Around the world: New Zealand settling into World Championship - worldcurling.org - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand will ban disposable e-cigarettes in a bid to prevent minors from taking up the habit - The Associated Press - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand beat England by three runs in third womens T20 international as it happened - The Guardian - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Thailand revokes visas of New Zealand tourists after roadside brawl with police - South China Morning Post - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- England beat New Zealand by 15 runs in second womens T20 international as it happened - The Guardian - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- England Women begin tour of New Zealand with victory in opening T20 - The Guardian - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Jack Blacks epic New Zealand Warriors moment goes viral: Up the Wahs! - New Zealand Herald - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand vs England third T20 result: Hosts keep series alive - The Telegraph - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- More details revealed about New Zealand interest in joining AUKUS security pact - RNZ - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- For 60 years NZ has searched its 'Bermuda Triangle' for the Dragonfly a plane that got lost in the clouds - ABC News - ABC News - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Filipina-Kiwi actress Franki Russell appointed as Miss Universe New Zealand - GMA News Online - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- England suffer dramatic three-run defeat to New Zealand in third T20 international - Sky Sports - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- England take T20 series lead with comfortable win over New Zealand in Dunedin as Heather Knight stars - Eurosport COM - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand February trade data shows exports and imports both climbing from January - ForexLive - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand v England: Tourists collapse to hand White Ferns victory in third T20 - BBC - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Thailand revokes visas for New Zealand tourists arrested for attacking police officer - The Independent - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Does a weak New Zealand economy lead to a weak NZ dollar? - Interest.co.nz - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- England Women suffer defeat against New Zealand in Nelson - SuperSport - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- SailGP Black Foils win ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in the chaos and collisions - Sailweb - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- 'Dragonfly' plane mysteriously lost in New Zealand's 'Bermuda Triangle' is still being searched for 60 years later - Supercar Blondie - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- New Zealand adds two Paris 2024 Olympic spots at Oceania qualifier - World Archery - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- China always regards New Zealand as a sincere friend, important partner amid complex international situation ... - Global Times - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Chumbawamba asks New Zealand's populist party to stop using hit song Tubthumping - The Independent - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Captains knock from Knight helps England to T20 win in New Zealand - The Guardian - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Why is New Zealand's deputy PM rowing with Chumbawamba? - The Spectator - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Molly Caudery's New Zealand training is just another example of her life of chaos... the pole vaulter is one o - Daily Mail - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- We Were Dangerous Filmmakers On Their Hilarious Yet Tense New Zealand Period Drama - Screen Rant - March 24th, 2024 [March 24th, 2024]
- Police hunt for two women kicked out of Auckland metal concert - New Zealand Herald - January 14th, 2024 [January 14th, 2024]
- Hospitality New Zealand to launch industry strategy looking to next 10 years - RNZ - January 14th, 2024 [January 14th, 2024]
- Australia, New Zealand move toward clean energy transition - Anadolu Agency | English - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Airdate: New Zealand From A Train - TV Tonight - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Labours Winter Plan Excludes Half Of New Zealand - Scoop - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- What's New On Disney+ | Flamin' Hot (Australia/New Zealand) - What's On Disney Plus - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Roundup: Telehealth providers needed in rural New Zealand and ... - Healthcare IT News - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Why it's taking so long to open New Zealand's first Ikea - Stuff - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- New Zealand companies showcase apple, kiwi in HCM City - Viet Nam News - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Christopher Luxon has a point: New Zealand needs more people - Stuff - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Climate scientist says New Zealand insulated from worst, but warns ... - RNZ - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Can the New Zealand Super Pacific teams be stopped this weekend? - RNZ - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- New Zealand Fiji reaffirm close relationship - Beehive.govt.nz - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- New Zealand has a new Scrabble champ - Times - Times Online - Auckland - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Elite sports trainer had sexual relationship with teen athlete who fell ... - New Zealand Herald - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- New independent advisory board welcomed to the Royal New ... - New Zealand Police - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- IBM New Zealand's profit took a mauling in FY2022 - Reseller News - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Elliott Smith: Why NZ has a Super Rugby coaching problem - New Zealand Herald - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Hospitality Innovator To Open Hospitality New Zealand Conference - Scoop - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- The New Zealand travel card game being adopted by stoned ... - The Spinoff - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Boxing New Zealand welcomes IOC's decision to terminate 'corrupt ... - Stuff - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- How a spooky old water tank inspired New Zealand's latest creature ... - The Spinoff - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- He drove almost the length of New Zealand: Truck driver disqualified ... - New Zealand Herald - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- What will 200000 buy in Norway, Sweden, South Africa, New ... - The Irish Times - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Where to find New Zealand's best sea experiences on World ... - New Zealand Herald - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- New Zealand specialists to probe sudden chicken deaths - Cook Islands News - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- Qantas v Air New Zealand to New York: Is there room for both? - New Zealand Herald - June 9th, 2023 [June 9th, 2023]
- A Journey Through New Zealands Less-Visited Corners Showcases Mori ... - March 31st, 2023 [March 31st, 2023]
- New Zealand: 7.1-magnitude earthquake prompts tsunami warning in ... - March 20th, 2023 [March 20th, 2023]
- New Zealand actress Melanie Lynskey reveals romantic behind the scenes secret from The Last of Us series - New Zealand Herald - March 20th, 2023 [March 20th, 2023]
- Gin Wigmore on what she doesnt miss about New Zealand and gnarly birth experience - New Zealand Herald - March 20th, 2023 [March 20th, 2023]
- China wants to help New Zealand recover from Cyclone Gabrielle, including financing, constructing key infrastructure - Newshub - March 20th, 2023 [March 20th, 2023]
- New Zealand on Alert over Supervolcano with Explosive History - March 13th, 2023 [March 13th, 2023]
- New Zealand police reach more people previously not contactable after ... - February 20th, 2023 [February 20th, 2023]
- Cyclone Gabrielle: fresh storm warnings for New Zealands worst-hit ... - February 20th, 2023 [February 20th, 2023]
- UPDATE: New Zealand government estimates more than $8 billion worth of damage caused by cyclone Gabrielle - Euro Weekly News - February 20th, 2023 [February 20th, 2023]
- Warning as major new scam cons New Zealand investors out of millions in just a few weeks - Newshub - February 20th, 2023 [February 20th, 2023]
- 15 Most Beautiful Small Towns in New Zealand - WorldAtlas - February 5th, 2023 [February 5th, 2023]
- Ed Sheeran dissed New Zealand chocolate in 2015 - now he thinks it's 'actually alright' - Newshub - February 5th, 2023 [February 5th, 2023]
- New Zealand lifts state of emergency declaration as rain ... - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- New Zealand Pop-Punk Band Goodnight Nurse Are Reuniting to Open for My Chemical Romance Next Month - Concrete Playground - February 2nd, 2023 [February 2nd, 2023]
- New Zealand prepares for more flooding after country's ... - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- Auckland flooding: death toll rises as New Zealand hit with ... - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- There is still enough pull to play for New Zealand: Ferguson on players giving up contracts - The Indian Express - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- India Predicted XI vs New Zealand: Will Prithvi Shaw be roped in for IND vs NZ 3rd T20I? - Republic World - January 31st, 2023 [January 31st, 2023]
- New Zealand climate and weather | 100% Pure New Zealand - January 2nd, 2023 [January 2nd, 2023]
- Countdown for New Year begins; New Zealand welcome 2023 as millions celebrate - The Economic Times - January 2nd, 2023 [January 2nd, 2023]
- New Zealand Welcomes The New Year In Grand Style | Fireworks Show From Auckland's Sky Tower - News18 - January 2nd, 2023 [January 2nd, 2023]
- Sir John Key says mainstream thinking will embrace China again, New Zealand will have 'magnificent' relationship with Beijing - Newshub - December 18th, 2022 [December 18th, 2022]
- Glowworms, rubber tubes, and the Nile: A most unusual adventure in New Zealand - Moneycontrol - December 18th, 2022 [December 18th, 2022]