Nudist beaches are not just for those in the South of France. New Zealand has many amazing ‘free’ beaches where baring it all is the norm. For those planning their next nakation (meaning nude vacation, of course), New Zealand is as good a spot as any! Most of the official nudist beaches are in the North Island, and many are secluded and designated spots for people to enjoy. When the surf is calling you, and the au naturel version of you, there are plenty of nudist beaches dotted around the country that are highly popular. Wearing nothing but your sunscreen and enjoying days by the ocean couldn’t be more glorious at these Top 10 Nudist Beaches in New Zealand.
1. Little Palm Beach, Waiheke Island
Little Palm Beach on Waiheke Island is a New Zealand beach that welcomes swimming in your birthday suit. It’s a sheltered beach, near Palm Beach on the north coast of the island. There’s something about the laid back vibe of Waiheke Island that keeps you wanting more. And there’s reason to go back time and time again for naturists thanks to the beautiful Little Palm Beach.
2. Ladies Bay, St Heliers
Ladies Bay is another skinny-dipping friendly beach, and likely the most popular of it’s kind in Auckland. With a spectaular outlook and sheltered shores, you’ll settle in well here. Watching the sunset over the distant cityscape is pretty spectacular. The stair access offers an added glutes workout, but makes for tricky handling of beach towels and a 6-pack in jandals.
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3. St Leonards Bay, Takapuna
A popular beach in Auckland’s North Shore is St Leonards Bay and here, clothing is optional. It’s a small beach in an urban setting, and cliffs surround the shores. As always, it pays to do your research and be mindful of any guidelines in place for going nude. That way, you can carry on soaking up the sun without a care in the world.
4. Hikuraki Bay, Banks Peninsula
Cast your clothes aside at Hikuraki Bay on the Banks Peninsula. This nudist beach is just over an hours drive from Christchurch. It’s a remote bay, offering a truly secluded and serene space for lovers of the outdoors. Not a bad day trip for those living in the South Island’s largest city.
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5. Papamoa Beach, Bay of Plenty
This lusious beach is in suburban Tauranga, and one to visit in the summer months. Warm water, sunny days; not to mention the appeal of stripping off when the weather is tropical. The stretch of beach where you can ditch the togs is sign posted, and it’s near the Maranui Street and Papamoa Beach Road junction. Stay hydrated at the local pubs, bars and cafes. Just don’t forget to pop your clothes back on before hitting the streets.
6. Breaker Bay, Wellington
Here’s a place you can get naked in Wellington. Just a 20 minute drive out of the city and you’re in ocean-view heaven. You could spot ships out on the harbour or go for a scenic stroll. But why pass the chance to connect with nature and just lay in the nude. Thankfully the bay is somewhat sheltered so those blistering Wellington winds shouldn’t cause too many problems.
7. Peka Peka Beach, Kapiti Coast
Claims have been made that Peka Peka Beach was the first nudist beach in the area, so surely that makes it worth a visit. True to the Kapiti Coast, this beach is long, strewn with driftwood and boasts views of Kapiti Island. Beach goers can enjoy a naked stroll away from the hustle and bustle of Wellington City. Here’s hoping the temperatures don’t drop too low though!
8. Pohutukawa Bay Beach, Auckland
A popular nudist beach in the Auckland area, Pohutukawa Bay is a beautiful spot north of Browns Bay. This naturist spot can get pretty busy in summer, but fortunately there are plenty of Pohutukawa trees offering shaded spots to park up for the day. This is all happening just up the way from popular swimming spot, Long Bay. With heaps of great coastal walks and other bays nearby, there’s plenty to do here. But clothing may be required at spots other than Pohutukawa Bay.
9. Uretiti Beach, Northland
White sand spanning all the way from Ruakākā Beach to Waipu Beach, Uretiti Beach is one of the most inviting nudist beaches in New Zealand. Just south of Whangārei, this beach is a handy spot for the weekend warriors who want to reconnect with the coast. Feeling the urge to take it off when in Northland? Uretiti Beach is your spot.
10. Karekare Beach, Auckland
Karekare Beach in West Auckland is a local favourite. It’s black sandy shores and rugged coastline make for great scenery as you nestle your toes and more into the water. West Coast beaches are known for having great surf. Having no chance of loosing your togs to the waves sounds like a pretty good deal too.
