These are the North Island beaches that have to be on your must-visit list! From perfect swimming conditions at Hahei Beach to rewarding hikes up Paritutu Rock above Back Beach, there are entire days of adventure waiting for you at these picturesque spots. Find a campervan or caravan fit for your journey on Camplify, map out the road trip route and find the perfect beachside campground. It’s the ultimate summer adventure filled with the best beaches in the North Island!
1. Hahei Beach, Coromandel
Tucked away on the east coast on the Coromandel Peninsula is Hahei Beach. On the perfect summer’s day the crystal clear water and soft white sand may transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Boats are anchored in the sheltered bay and large trees fringe the sand providing some shade. Islands are dotted around the bay and the Te Whanganui a Hei Marine Reserve is nearby. Not only is Hahei Beach the ideal spot for swimming and chilling, but it’s also a jam-packed town with an amazing ice cream shop, brewery and plenty of water-based activities. Cathedral Cove is easy to get to by boat tour too, so you can check out another fantastic north island beach while you’re at it. Hahei Beach Resort is practically right on the sand, making it the perfect place to park your holiday machine and make the most of this idyllic beach town.
Pick up a van in Auckland via Camplify and enjoy the 2.5-hour road trip to the golden sandy shores of Hahei Beach.
2. Back Beach, New Plymouth
The mighty west coast is bursting with unique beaches. Think black sand and large cliff faces. Back Beach is located below Paritutu Centennial Park and near Paritutu Rock; part of an old volcanic crater. A challenging 15-minute climb will get you to the summit for spanning views of New Plymouth and Mount Taranaki. The adventure to Back Beach begins with a shuffle down the sand dunes or steps in the cliff to get to the water. The hours will pass exploring the dark sand and grassy tracks. This North Island beach is seriously close to Oakura Beach Holiday Park. The Back Beach car park makes this an easy stop. Park your camper and spend the day exploring. Stick around in the comfort of your motorhome or caravan for an incredible sunset!
Check out the many campers in New Plymouth available for hire on Camplify here!
3. Whale Bay, Matapouri, Northland
Whale Bay is a quintessential North Island beach, with the added appeal of seclusion. After road-tripping along the beautiful Tutakaka Coast, enjoy a 10-minute stroll through lush bush to get to the shores of Whale Bay. Here you’ll find pristine sand, native trees and bright blue water. Further up the coast is Sandy Bay beach which is well worth a visit too. Drive to Whale Bay from nearby Tutukaka Holiday Park or explore freedom camping options just minutes down the road.
Discover a bunch of eligible vans on Camplify that you can pick up in Whangarei and begin your journey north!
4. Whangamata Beach
Whangamata Beach is another top-notch North Island beach along the Coromandel Peninsula. In just 1.5 hours you can drive here from Tauranga, stopping at picturesque small towns along the way. Keen surfers flock to Whangamata Beach with world-famous surf breaks. The long stretch of beach is the perfect place for long walks and family beach days. The Whangamata Motor Camp will come in handy with powered sites less than 100 meters from the beach.
Ready-to-go campers are a go in Tauranga. Head to Camplify to browse the many options.
5. Ngarunui Beach, Raglan
Ngarunui Beach is the main beach in Raglan, stretching along the coastline with around 6 kilometres of walkable sand. In classic Waikato and West Coast fashion, this beach has black sand and great surf. Those keen to up their surfing skills come here, along with groups of swimmers and sunbathers. Get a real taste of Raglan and explore the towns shops, cafes and bars. The Raglan Holiday Park couldn’t be more convenient, located right in the action on Marine Parade.
Search Hamilton listings on Camplify for a campervan or caravan to complement your North Island beaches adventure!
This article was created in paid partnership with:
