New Zealand’s South Island is mainly recognised for its magnificent Southern Alps and dense rainforest. However, with over 5,800 kilometres of coastline, it also has some of the world’s best beaches. There truly is a beach for everyone! Take, for example, the West Coast’s sweeping beaches popular with surfers and those keen to fish, or the turquoise seas and golden sand of the Abel Tasman National Park, perfect for divers or sandy beach lovers. Let’s dive in and discover the 11 of the best beaches the South Island has to offer.
1. Kaiteriteri Beach, Tasman
This picturesque gold sand beach is located on the doorstep of the Abel Tasman National Park. It’s probably the South Island’s most famous beach, and it provides excellent swimming, kayaking and fishing opportunities. If you intend to stay, the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve offers plenty of accommodation for visitors, or relax for the day at one of the local cafes and enjoy the sunshine. Just remember to book ahead as rooms and camping sites are booked out well in advance.
Kaiteriteri is a great place for families with kids. The inlet provides a safe place for children to swim, play and whittle the hours away. There are plenty of walking tracks in the surrounding hills, along with the local adventure playground, flying fox and minigolf.
Perhaps you’re keen on more of an adventure? Then be sure to check out some Abel Tasman National Park cruise options with Wilson’s, which offer a wide range of options – from only a few hours out on the water to longer day trips. You’ll explore the Abel Tasman National Park from the comfort of a cruise boat, seeing Split Apple Rock, wildlife and the fantastic scenery that makes up the Abel Tasman. Cruises depart daily – make sure to book in!
If you want to stick around for a few days and enjoy all that Kaiteriteri Beach and township has to offer, then make sure to check out the incredible Kimi Ora Eco Resort. Kimi Ora Eco Resort is a luxurious hideaway that boasts panoramic views of the surrounding area. With an aqua centre, day spa, restaurant and incredible chalets you’ll want to stay more than one night!
2. Totaranui Beach & Campground, Abel Tasman
Totaranui is a popular spot for day visits, but there are plenty of reasons why you should stay longer. Found at the very end of the Abel Tasman National Park, you’ll find yourself in one of the most secluded and remote South Island beaches available.
Bookings are essential as camping spots fill up fast. Campers often stay for days on end and unwind on the golden sandy beach. There’s plenty to do, including snorkelling in the clear waters, fishing, swimming and exploring the native bush on nearby tracks.
Cellphone reception is sketchy, so if you genuinely need a place to unwind, then consider a night over at Totaranui.
Check out the Top 6 Things to Do in Abel Tasman National Park.
3. Wharariki Beach, Tasman
Wharariki Beach is an incredible spot to camp (there’s an excellent Beach Holiday Park nearby) and enjoys some of the most stunning sunsets you’ll ever see, thanks to its location on a stretch of coast that captures all types of weather. We’re talking roaring gales to bright sunshine. It’s a classic South Island beach.
Wharariki Beach is a super popular day-trip destination – especially for kids. The vast dunes provide ample opportunity to skid down at break-neck speeds. The roaring sea provides an extra adrenaline rush at high tide, and at low tide, there are rock pools deep enough to relax in.
You’ll probably spot a seal lion or two and even the odd penguin. Be mindful that there are no facilities here, so be well prepared for your visit and make sure you take everything with you when you leave. Don’t miss out on experiencing one of New Zealand’s most picturesque beaches.
4. Tahunanui Beach, Nelson
Tahunanui Beach is located on the doorstep of Nelson’s CBD, which makes it very popular with locals and tourists alike. The golden sand stretches for a few kilometres along Tasman Bay – an ideal spot to relax or play in the shallow waters.
The beach is divided into the “front beach” and the “back beach.” The back beach enables pet owners to take their dogs for a run and provides plenty of space for kite-surfers to set up their equipment and boost out into the bay. The front beach is perfect for families – with no pets allowed. The beach is accessed via a large car park that fronts onto a great adventure playground. Once the kids are done swinging and sliding, it’s just a quick 1-minute walk to the beautiful, white sandy beach. Be prepared to soak the sun up and enjoy the gentle waves of the bay.
To end the day, the local fish and chip shop does the best Blue Cod and in season, their Bluff Oysters are mouth-watering. There’s nothing like hot chips, a cold beverage and relaxing on Tahunanui beach after a long day of swimming, snorkelling and having fun with friends. It’s one of the best South Island beaches.
5. Koekohe Beach & Moeraki Boulders, Otago
Travel down south far enough, and you’ll find the out-of-this-world Moeraki Boulders. The boulders are massive spherical rocks that litter the beach and hark back to an age when dinosaurs roamed. They are as heavy as a dinosaur, too – with many of them being at least two tonnes. According to Maori mythology, the boulders are said to be gourds washed ashore from the massive sailing canoe Araiteuru when it came ashore in New Zealand hundreds of years ago. It’s hard not to be amazed by the incredible geological phenomena on display. Be sure to stretch your legs along the coastal walkway while there. It’s one of those rare spots where you can’t help but feel small in comparison to nature itself!
The Moeraki Boulders are located on Koekohe Beach – about 29 minutes south of Oamaru. Be sure to pack your camera and a jumper. It’s often quite cool.
6. Punakaiki Beach, West Coast
Punakaiki is a short 38-minute drive north from the west coast town of Greymouth and is a great place to base yourself for exploring the beautiful Paparoa National Park. It’s also home to the Pancake Rocks, one of New Zealand’s most famous natural wonders. It’s a forested coastal location with spectacular limestone cliffs and canyons, fascinating caves, lovely rivers, and amazing beach.
The beach itself is a spectacular sweeping beach, with driftwood, gulls, and large surf. It is a great spot to enjoy those magnificent west coast sunsets. The Punakaiki River lagoon entrance is the best choice for swimming as the beach itself can be a dangerous spot to swim.
If you want to spend some quality time in the area, stay awhile so you can discover everything there is to see. There’s a superb selection of accommodation, excellent short and long walks available, including the Paparoa Track, rivers to swim in, waves to surf on, fantastic sunsets and beautiful night skies.
7. Kaka Point Beach, Clutha
Located 20 minutes from Balclutha and 1hr 50minutes drive from the larger city of Invercargill, Kaka Point is a popular summer gathering spot with excellent facilities on the beach and a motor camp in the back beach area. Swimming, fishing, and surfing are all popular on this beach.
It truly is the perfect South Island Beach summer experience. Being a large flat beach with golden sand, surf lifeguards (between November and March), and beautiful rolling waves it has proven to be a family favourite. Be sure to bring a bucket, spade and boogie board!
It is also an ideal spot for fishing and spotting native wildlife. Sea lion’s, penguins and a plethora of native birds can be spotted. There’s nothing like taking an evening stroll past a sleeping elephant seal! It is one of the best beaches to be found in the South Island.
8. Caroline Bay Beach, Timaru
Caroline Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Timaru and for a good reason. The bay, located between the Pacific Ocean and the CBD, stretches up to 100 metres and provides enough room for everyone, even when it’s busy. The main beach has a large grassed area which is ideal for picnicking, playing frisbee or just having fun with friends and family on a sunny day.
With plenty of parking, a nice long boardwalk and things to do for all ages, this is the perfect spot to spend a day. There is a kid’s play area with two free barbecues, outdoor gym equipment, and spacious open areas. Beach volleyball courts, minigolf, tennis courts, a skate park, and a train that takes you around the park are also available.
Caroline Bay is far more than just a beach – it’s a destination in itself. Be sure to pack a picnic lunch and stay for the day!
9. New Brighton Beach, Christchurch
If you’re staying in Christchurch and need a beach fix, then take a wander along the sandy New Brighton Beach, only 10-minutes from the Christchurch CBD. The beach also has a large pier, a playground, and a skate park. The pier is itself a fantastic attraction; take the kids for a stroll along with you, and you’ll see people fishing, kite surfers, swimmers, and maybe even a gull or two. The panoramic vistas of Pegasus Bay are breathtaking, and it’s an excellent location to watch the sunset.
On the edge of the beach are the He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools. Soak in the pools while enjoying stunning ocean views. It’s a perfect spot to wind down and relax with five luxurious hot pools, a sauna, a steam room, and heated changing rooms.
This popular play area just got a significant upgrade, and it’s fantastic. Musical toys, swings, slides, a large waka that children can climb and play in, and half a basketball court will keep them occupied for hours.
10. Bushy Beach, Otago
Bushy Beach is a lovely location to take in the scenery and watch the playful seals and native wildlife. You may also spot the rarest penguin in the world, the yellow-eyed penguin, as they cross the beach and come ashore. There’s even a purpose-built viewing hide to give you the best chance of spotting them.
If you’re a keen walker, the Bushy Beach walking track takes less than 30-minutes and is a short cliff walk with spectacular views. Located just 5-minutes from the township of Oamaru, Bushy Beach is a perfect stop-off to stretch your legs and see some of New Zealand’s wildlife.
11. Tunnel Beach, Dunedin
To access Dunedin’s most romantic little beach, you must hike along the Tunnel Beach track, which is about 1km long. The path climbs a cliff along a headland and has exceptional panoramic views of the seaside, including a natural archway/land bridge. A historic 1870’s tunnel provides access to a tiny but lovely beach tucked away among towering cliffs. This South Island beach is slightly remote. The kids will love the walk and the beach itself is sandy, providing a safe spot for kids to build sandcastles and, at low tide, to play in the rock pools. Unfortunately, it’s not a safe swimming spot at high tide due to the strong currents.
The only downside is the parking. There’s a small car park, so it can be tough to get a spot during peak season. Be sure to arrive early, or you’ll miss out on this gorgeous location!
