Most Dangerous Beaches In New Zealand

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4.05

Pakiri Beach

New Zealand, Auckland, Auckland

Pakiri Beach, nestled in the scenic region near Auckland, New Zealand, is a pristine stretch of coastline renowned for its expansive white sands that stretch for over 9 kilometers. This beach is a haven for a variety of activities including surfing, owing to its impressive waves, sunbathing, beach walks, and fishing, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Pakiri Beach has many amenities including lifeguards on duty during peak seasons to ensure the safety of all visitors, bathroom access for convenience, and it is a dog-friendly beach allowing visitors to bring their furry friends along for a day of fun. Whether you're looking to catch some waves, relax on the soft sand, or enjoy a leisurely stroll along the water's edge, Pakiri Beach offers something for every beachgoer.

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4.1

St Kilda Beach

New Zealand, Otago, Dunedin

St Kilda Beach, nestled in the dynamic city of Dunedin, New Zealand, is a picturesque destination that stretches with golden sands against the backdrop of the expansive Pacific Ocean. This charming beach is renowned for its array of activities including surfing, beach volleyball, and leisurely strolls along its extensive length. St Kilda Beach has few amenities, so plan your trip accordingly, although it does allow dogs, making it an excellent place for pet lovers to explore the coast with their furry friends. Despite its lack of restrooms, disability access, and designated camping areas, the allure of its surf and scenic beauty continues to draw locals and tourists alike. The immediate connection with nature, combined with the opportunity for adrenaline-pumping surf sessions, positions St Kilda Beach as a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic beach experience.

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4.25

Raglan Surf Spot

New Zealand, Waikato, Raglan

Raglan Surf Spot, located in the picturesque town of Raglan, New Zealand, is a renowned destination for surfers and beachgoers alike. Despite its fame for incredible waves, it's important to note that Raglan Surf Spot itself does not offer surfing opportunities. Stretching along the west coast, its black sand beaches contrast sharply with the blue of the Pacific Ocean, creating a stunning visual effect that attracts photographers and nature lovers. The ambient activities include walking, bird watching, and enjoying the panoramic views, with the beach's inherent beauty being a central allure. Raglan Surf Spot has few amenities, so plan your trip accordingly, although it does not have lifeguards on duty, bathroom access, or allowances for dogs. This lack of facilities underscores the natural and unspoiled character of the beach, inviting visitors to enjoy a more rugged and authentic beach experience.

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4.3

Bethells Beach

New Zealand, Auckland, Waitakere Ranges

Bethells Beach is a popular beach located on the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand, in Waitakere Ranges. The beach is approximately 1.2 km long and has black sand.

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Karioitahi Beach

New Zealand, Auckland, Franklin

Karioitahi Beach is a stunning black sand beach located in Franklin, New Zealand. The beach stretches for over 3 kilometers and has a strikingly beautiful, dark-colored sand.

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4.2

Muriwai Beach

New Zealand, Auckland, Rodney

Muriwai Beach is a stunning black-sand beach located in the Rodney district of New Zealand. With a length of 60 kilometers, it is perfect for taking long walks and enjoying the scenic views.

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4.1

Sunset Beach

New Zealand, Waikato, Port Waikato

Sunset Beach is located in Port Waikato, New Zealand, and is approximately 2.5 kilometers long with soft, golden sand. This beach is perfect for swimming, surfing, fishing, and walking.

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4.15

Whangarei Heads

New Zealand, Northland, Whangarei Heads

Nestled in the scenic northern reaches of New Zealand, Whangarei Heads is a stunning coastal area renowned for its pristine beaches, stretching across several kilometers of coastline. The beaches here boast silvery-white sand that glistens under the azure skies, offering a serene escape into nature's lap. Visitors to Whangarei Heads can indulge in a plethora of activities including, but not limited to, surfing, swimming, and relaxing beachside picnics. Despite its natural beauty and variety of activities, Whangarei Heads has few amenities, so plan your trip accordingly, although it does allow dogs on the beach, making it a perfect destination for pet owners looking to spend some quality time with their furry friends.

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4.35

Mount Maunganui Main Beach

New Zealand, Bay of Plenty, Tauranga

Located in a suburb of Tauranga, in New Zealand's North Island, Mount Maunganui Main Beach—also known as Mount Maunganui Beach, Mount Main Beach, or Maunganui Beach - is a 4.4-kilometer-long, white sandy beach. The beach is positioned within the holiday resort town of Mount Maunganui and lies at the base of Mauao, a dormant volcanic cone commonly called "The Mount" that shaped the region millions of years ago along the Bay of Plenty region. It has a beautiful background of Mount Maunganui, coastal vegetation, and many oceanfront buildings, which together offer Instagram-worthy views of the Tasman Sea, Moturiki Island, and Motuotau Island. This immensely popular beach in New Zealand is promoted as an ecotourism destination, encouraging sustainable tourism practices to preserve the natural beauty, flora, and fauna of the region.

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4.3

Ocean Beach

New Zealand, Northland, Hastings

Located at the end of the Whangarei Heads peninsula of Northland, New Zealand, Ocean Beach is a three-kilometer-long and wide golden sand beach with many rocky portions. This is one of the popular surf beaches in New Zealand, which is positioned thirty-five kilometers southeast of Whangarei City near the Kauri Mountain Beach and has a beautiful backdrop of dunes, hills, headlands, wild vegetation, and a coastal forest, which together offers Instagram-worthy views of Moturaka Island, Tarakanahi Island, and the vast Pacific Ocean. This beach is part of a protected area and is promoted as an ecotourism destination, encouraging sustainable tourism practices that preserve its natural environment and marine life.