{"id":874292,"date":"2024-08-09T09:31:13","date_gmt":"2024-08-09T08:31:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?p=874292"},"modified":"2025-03-05T10:45:04","modified_gmt":"2025-03-05T09:45:04","slug":"new-zealand-beaches","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/","title":{"rendered":"New Zealand is more than mountains and Mordor, as these 12 beaches prove"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

New Zealand has got it all. It\u2019s a legendary film hub, famed for its Lord of the Rings filming locations. It\u2019s a foodie haven with some of the world\u2019s best beef, seafood, cheese and wine. It has a rich cultural heritage with the indigenous M\u0101ori, and it\u2019s a scenic wonderland with gems like the snowy Southern Alps, the fairytale Fiordland and Milford Sound, and the dazzling Franz Josef glacier. But did you know New Zealand<\/a>‘s beaches are also world-class?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With strips of soft white sand, turquoise water, and incredible marine life, you can add tropical paradise to New Zealand’s list of accolades, too. And since the country’s summer falls from December to February, it\u2019s the perfect place to escape the chilly Northern Hemisphere winter. To help inspire your winter sun vacation, we\u2019ve scoured 15,000km of coastline to find 12 of New Zealand\u2019s best beaches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: New Zealand Uncovered<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other winter sun hotspots, check out our Seasonal Travel Sale<\/a> \u2013 and save up to 10% off selected tours in autumn, winter and spring<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Abel Tasman National Park, Nelson Tasman, South Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

New Zealand\u2019s Abel Tasman National Park has so many beautiful beaches, it\u2019s impossible to choose just one. If you\u2019re looking for the famous golden sands, lush forest, and beachside camping, head to Anchorage Bay. It\u2019s also close to the enchanting Cleopatra\u2019s Pool. If you want to swim in crystal turquoise waters, stop by Torrent Bay. If you want to kayak and camp on the water\u2019s edge, Observation Beach is for you. Totaranui Beach is another spectacular gem with clear waters and golden sands fringed by the native bush. It\u2019s a great spot for swimming, kayaking or fishing, plus there\u2019s a nearby campground. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s also the pristine Awaroa Beach, which is so beloved, it was purchased in a crowd-funding campaign<\/a> in 2016. Around 40,000 Kiwis came together to buy the beach for more than $2 million and donated it to the Department of Conservation. The beach is a 90-minute boat ride from Kaiteriteri or a five-mile hike from Onetahuti or Totaranui, but it\u2019s worth it to experience this protected slice of paradise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: Loved Lord of the Rings? These 7 Films were shot across New Zealand\u2019s diverse and dramatic landscapes<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/a>

A post shared by New Zealand (@purenewzealand)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Wharariki Beach, Nelson Tasman, South Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The rugged and remote Wharariki Beach is perched at the Western point of Cape Farewell, the northernmost tip of the South Island. To get there, you\u2019ll need to navigate the 20-minute walking track through farmlands from the end of Wharariki Road. Once you arrive, you\u2019ll be rewarded with rolling sand dunes, caves, rockpools and the Archway Islands, a giant trio of arch-shaped rocks. Surrounded by lush green pastures, this is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular beaches in New Zealand. While it\u2019s not a great place to swim, it is ideal for photography (especially at sunrise and sunset), horse riding and spotting wildlife like fur seals. Once you\u2019re satiated, head back into town for a plate of local seafood and Sauvignon Blanc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: Southern Spectacular<\/a> <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/a>

A post shared by New Zealand (@purenewzealand)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula, North Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With its turquoise waters, golden beaches, chalk-white cliffs, and lush green forest, the Coromandel Peninsula is one of the most extraordinary destinations in New Zealand. There are dozens of beaches and coves to explore here, and Cathedral Cove is the most best. You can access it by boat, kayak or on foot. If you\u2019re walking, you\u2019ll walk the trail at the northern end of Hahei Beach, hiking for an hour along the clifftop, then pass through a cathedral-like arch to reveal two hidden coves. It\u2019s the perfect spot to take a dip in the turquoise water next to the white cliffs, reminiscent of the Greek Islands. Enjoy a picnic on the golden sands or under the shade of the aromatic pohutukawa trees. And don\u2019t forget to take an iconic photo under the giant stone archway!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: Wake up somewhere new: 7 beautiful places you\u2019ll lay your head with Trafalgar in New Zealand<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/a>

A post shared by New Zealand (@purenewzealand)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Hot Water Beach, Coromandel Peninsula, North Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just a ten-minute drive from Cathedral Cove, the famous Hot Water Beach is another unmissable stop. This beach is unique in that when the tide gets low, you can dig out your personal hot spring in the sand. The best time to do it is within two hours before or after low tide at the rocks at the southern end. Dig a hole in the sand (you can rent a shovel from nearby cafes) then sit back and soak in your private hot spring while looking out over the Pacific Ocean! It can get up to a sizzling 147\u00b0F but the good news is if it gets too warm, you can simply jump in the ocean to cool off. If you head here in the evening, you\u2019ll even get a spectacular sunset show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: Jewels of the Bay<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/a>

A post shared by New Zealand (@purenewzealand)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Koekohe Beach, Waitaki, South Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Koekohe is one of the most unique beaches in New Zealand. Located on the South Island’s Otago Coast, Koekohe is dotted with more than 50 giant boulders. Known as the Moeraki Boulders, these enormous rocks were carved out over 65 million years of coastal erosion and stand up to 6.5 feet and weigh several tonnes. Maori legend says the boulders are gourds that washed ashore from an ancient canoe wreck. Besides the boulders, you can also explore the fishing village of Moeraki, or walk the Kaiks Wildlife Trail to the old wooden lighthouse. You might even spot some penguins and fur seals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: Trafalgar’s authentic Australia and New Zealand experiences<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/a>

A post shared by New Zealand (@purenewzealand)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Whale Bay, Northland, North Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With its powder white sands, brilliantly blue waters, and emerald forest, Whale Bay may just be one of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches. It\u2019s located in Tutukaka in Northland, almost 3 hour\u2019s drive from Auckland. But if it weren\u2019t for the red-blooming p\u014dhutukawa trees, you might think you were in Sardinia or some Mediterranean haven. Only accessible by foot or water, it\u2019s a great place for swimming, snorkeling and picnic-ing in a fairly secluded slice of beach paradise. If you\u2019re feeling active, head to the bush to find several walking tracks that connect the beach to Matapouri Bay, with other gorgeous beaches nestled in between. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: The world\u2019s prettiest hidden beaches to explore<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/a>

A post shared by Northland NZ (@northlandnz)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Ninety Mile Beach, Northland, North Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Prefer your beaches with a bit of action? Ninety Mile Beach is for you. Located on the western shores of the Far North, this endless beach actually only measures 55 miles! From surfing and bodyboarding to horseriding and 4WDing, you\u2019ll certainly get an adrenaline rush here. Officially designated as a highway, this beach is only suitable for 4WD vehicles, or you can take a coach tour.  You can also check out both ends of Ninety Mile Beach. At the southern end you\u2019ll find Ahipara Beach, said to be one of the best surf beaches in the country. You can also try surfcasting and land yachting, or do the \u201ctuatua twist\u201d which involves twisting your feet into the sand until you dig up a delicious shellfish. You also can\u2019t miss the breathtaking sunsets here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: New Zealand Panorama<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/a>

A post shared by Planet Earth (@planet)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Maitai Bay, Northland, North Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With its crescent of soft, white sand and crystal-clear water, Maitai Bay is the go-to for locals and travelers alike. Set in the remote Karikari peninsula, you\u2019ll be forgiven for thinking you\u2019re in Fiji when you touch down in this tropical oasis. Whether you want to snorkel, swim, kayak or sunbathe, Maitai Bay has it all. You can even visit the nearby Karikari Estate, the northernmost vineyard and winery in New Zealand. And if you just don\u2019t want to leave – don\u2019t! Sleep under the stars at the Maitai Bay campsite. You\u2019ll be accompanied by the gorgeous pohutukawa trees<\/a>, or \u2018New Zealand\u2019s Christmas tree\u2019, with its sweet-smelling, red blooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: Contrasts of New Zealand<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/a>

A post shared by Northland NZ (@northlandnz)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Kaikoura Beach, Canterbury, South Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Head to Kaikoura Beach on the Northeast Coast, and you\u2019ll find a natural playground. This wild beach is an incredible place to spot marine life, from migrating whales and frolicking dolphins to penguins and seals lounging in the sun on the rocky shore. With the snow-capped Kaikoura Ranges as the majestic backdrop, this is one of the most unique beach locations in the country. Take on the  Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway starting in the town center and arriving at panoramic lookouts like Point Kean. The town of Kaikoura is also a great place to savor some of the country\u2019s best seafood and local produce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: Witness the world’s best wildlife on these 14 Trafalgar trips<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/a>

A post shared by New Zealand (@purenewzealand)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Piha Beach, Auckland, North Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Set in Auckland\u2019s wild west an hour from the city, Piha is another unique beach. It’s famed for its glittering black sand and Lion Rock, a towering volcanic island on the edge of the sand. It\u2019s also known for its enormous waves and it’s a great spot for a picnic while you watch the surfers take on the swells among the gorgeous scenery. This beach is so beautiful, it was one of the locations for the film, The Piano. If you want to get more immersed in nature, take one of the walks around the area through the forest. You can explore the surrounding hills and see the cascading Kitekite Falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GET INSPIRED BY: Iconic North<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/a>

A post shared by New Zealand (@purenewzealand)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. T\u0101wharanui Regional Park, Auckland, North Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Located just over an hour\u2019s drive from Auckland, T\u0101wharanui Regional Park is a true hidden gem. Home to some of the world\u2019s whitest sand beaches and incredible wildlife and nature, T\u0101wharanui is truly dazzling. There are plenty of beaches to explore, but most start with Anchor Bay. It\u2019s a great spot for a swim and a picnic under the p\u014dhutukawa trees. You can also venture out onto the walking tracks and soak in rock pools, or spend the night in the T\u0101wharanui campground. If you do travel over the weekend, you can also stop into the Matakana Farmer\u2019s Market, dishing up the freshest local produce every Saturday. There\u2019s also the fantastic Sculptureum just 15 minutes drive from T\u0101wharanui, with a gallery, garden and restaurant to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RELATED CONTENT: 9 incredible natural wonders to witness with Trafalgar<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/a>

A post shared by New Zealand (@purenewzealand)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. Mount Maunganui Beach, Bay of Plenty, North Island<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This stunning white strip of sand is watched over by a dormant volcano, Mount Maunganui. Rising more than 700 feet over the ocean, you can head to the top of \u201cThe Mount\u201d for incredible views over the Bay of Plenty. Down on the beach, you can go swimming, surfing, or soak in the hot saltwater pools. There\u2019s also plenty of beachside cafes and other spots to explore in this chilled-out surf town. Be sure to get a scoop of hokey pokey (honeycomb toffee) ice cream or grab dinner from the Gourmet Night Market food trucks on Friday evenings in summer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/a>

A post shared by New Zealand (@purenewzealand)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are your favorite New Zealand beaches? Let us know in the comments below!<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

New Zealand has got it all. It\u2019s a legendary film hub, famed for its Lord of the Rings filming locations. It\u2019s a foodie haven with some of the world\u2019s best beef, seafood, cheese and wine. It has a rich cultural heritage with the indigenous M\u0101ori, and it\u2019s a scenic wonderland with gems like the snowy […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":43,"featured_media":874297,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[4905],"tags":[257,22749,1401],"class_list":["post-874292","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destination-guides","tag-new-zealand","tag-new-zealand-beaches","tag-new-zealand-travel"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nThese 12 beaches prove New Zealand is more than mountains<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Did you know New Zealand is a tropical beach paradise? To help inspire your winter sun holiday, here are 12 of the best New Zealand beaches.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"New Zealand is more than mountains and Mordor, as these 12 beaches prove\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Did you know New Zealand is a tropical beach paradise? To help inspire your winter sun holiday, here are 12 of the best New Zealand beaches.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Real Word\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-08-09T08:31:13+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-03-05T09:45:04+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/abel-tasman-new-zealand.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Katie Birtles\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"New Zealand is more than mountains and Mordor, as these 12 beaches prove\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Did you know New Zealand is a tropical beach paradise? To help inspire your winter sun holiday, here are 12 of the best New Zealand beaches.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Katie Birtles\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/new-zealand-beaches\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/new-zealand-beaches\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Katie Birtles\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/53344b78a99d6c1174b3caad62ea65fe\"},\"headline\":\"New Zealand is more than mountains and Mordor, as these 12 beaches prove\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-08-09T08:31:13+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-03-05T09:45:04+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/new-zealand-beaches\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":2036,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/new-zealand-beaches\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/abel-tasman-new-zealand-1.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"New Zealand\",\"New Zealand beaches\",\"New Zealand travel\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Destination Guides\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/new-zealand-beaches\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/new-zealand-beaches\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/new-zealand-beaches\\\/\",\"name\":\"These 12 beaches prove New Zealand is more than mountains\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/new-zealand-beaches\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/new-zealand-beaches\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/abel-tasman-new-zealand-1.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-08-09T08:31:13+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-03-05T09:45:04+00:00\",\"description\":\"Did you know New Zealand is a tropical beach paradise? To help inspire your winter sun holiday, here are 12 of the best New Zealand beaches.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/new-zealand-beaches\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/new-zealand-beaches\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/new-zealand-beaches\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/abel-tasman-new-zealand-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/08\\\/abel-tasman-new-zealand-1.jpg\",\"width\":750,\"height\":500,\"caption\":\"Abel Tasman National Park New Zealand beaches\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/new-zealand-beaches\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"New Zealand is more than mountains and Mordor, as these 12 beaches prove\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/\",\"name\":\"Real Word\",\"description\":\"Travel articles, insights and stories from Trafalgar\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Real Word\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/04\\\/TT_RealWorld_Opt01-horizontal-Black.svg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2022\\\/04\\\/TT_RealWorld_Opt01-horizontal-Black.svg\",\"width\":643,\"height\":83,\"caption\":\"Real Word\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/53344b78a99d6c1174b3caad62ea65fe\",\"name\":\"Katie Birtles\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96\",\"caption\":\"Katie Birtles\"},\"description\":\"Katie is an experienced traveler and content writer with a focus on food & drink, cultural traditions and travel tips and tricks\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.trafalgar.com\\\/real-word\\\/author\\\/katiebirtles\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"These 12 beaches prove New Zealand is more than mountains","description":"Did you know New Zealand is a tropical beach paradise? To help inspire your winter sun holiday, here are 12 of the best New Zealand beaches.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"New Zealand is more than mountains and Mordor, as these 12 beaches prove","og_description":"Did you know New Zealand is a tropical beach paradise? To help inspire your winter sun holiday, here are 12 of the best New Zealand beaches.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/","og_site_name":"Real Word","article_published_time":"2024-08-09T08:31:13+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-03-05T09:45:04+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1200,"height":800,"url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/abel-tasman-new-zealand.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Katie Birtles","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_title":"New Zealand is more than mountains and Mordor, as these 12 beaches prove","twitter_description":"Did you know New Zealand is a tropical beach paradise? To help inspire your winter sun holiday, here are 12 of the best New Zealand beaches.","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Katie Birtles","Estimated reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/"},"author":{"name":"Katie Birtles","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#\/schema\/person\/53344b78a99d6c1174b3caad62ea65fe"},"headline":"New Zealand is more than mountains and Mordor, as these 12 beaches prove","datePublished":"2024-08-09T08:31:13+00:00","dateModified":"2025-03-05T09:45:04+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/"},"wordCount":2036,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/abel-tasman-new-zealand-1.jpg","keywords":["New Zealand","New Zealand beaches","New Zealand travel"],"articleSection":["Destination Guides"],"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/","name":"These 12 beaches prove New Zealand is more than mountains","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/abel-tasman-new-zealand-1.jpg","datePublished":"2024-08-09T08:31:13+00:00","dateModified":"2025-03-05T09:45:04+00:00","description":"Did you know New Zealand is a tropical beach paradise? To help inspire your winter sun holiday, here are 12 of the best New Zealand beaches.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/abel-tasman-new-zealand-1.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/abel-tasman-new-zealand-1.jpg","width":750,"height":500,"caption":"Abel Tasman National Park New Zealand beaches"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/new-zealand-beaches\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"New Zealand is more than mountains and Mordor, as these 12 beaches prove"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/","name":"Real Word","description":"Travel articles, insights and stories from Trafalgar","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#organization","name":"Real Word","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TT_RealWorld_Opt01-horizontal-Black.svg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/TT_RealWorld_Opt01-horizontal-Black.svg","width":643,"height":83,"caption":"Real Word"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/#\/schema\/person\/53344b78a99d6c1174b3caad62ea65fe","name":"Katie Birtles","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536?s=96","caption":"Katie Birtles"},"description":"Katie is an experienced traveler and content writer with a focus on food & drink, cultural traditions and travel tips and tricks","url":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/author\/katiebirtles\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/874292","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/43"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=874292"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/874292\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/874297"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=874292"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=874292"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.trafalgar.com\/real-word\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=874292"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}