The 9 Best Beaches in Northland / Te Tai Tokerau, New Zealand

Te Tai Tokerau / Northland, is a gem a lot of tourists decide to skip on their trip to New Zealand. It’s probably my favorite part of the country (sorry South Island), and I’ve managed to venture up year almost every summer over the last 10 years.

They call it ‘the winterless north’, and if you’re

1. Oke Bay

Oke Bay is a pristine spot – something you’d see on an influencers instragram reel..

(which is probably why it’s not a very well kept secret anymore)

The crazy thing is, it’s just as stunning in real life as it is in the picutres.

There are no shops, no crowds, no noise—just the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore. The water is the brightest turquise i’ve seen in New Zealand. The calm, shallow waters make it perfect for snorkeling. And for the boaties and sailors, this is a must stop anchorage on your way around northland.

Getting There

Oke Bay is about a 40-minute drive from Russell. Once you reach Rawhiti, park near the start of the walking track — it’s a short walk up and over a ridge to the beach.

If you’re planning to stay a while, drive a little further up the road and you can park on one of the neighbors lawn for $5 a day. It keep’s cars off the narrow road and is more secure as there have been break-ins in the area.

2. Whale Bay

When I visited, I made the short hike from the car park. I spent hours alternating between swimming and relaxing under the trees. The water is calm and inviting, perfect for floating lazily while soaking in the beauty around you. I noticed families picnicking, couples lounging, and even a few paddleboarders gliding across the water.

🤿Tip: Bring your snorkel, as there’s great marine life around the rocks and kelp beds. We even saw a stingray on our visit!

Getting There

Whale Bay is about 40 minutes from Whangarei. Park in the designated lot and take the 10–15 minute walking track down to the bay.

The drive to Whale Bay is stunning in itself and winds through green hills with glimpses of the ocean at every turn. But nothing prepares you for the bay itself— waters so clear you can see straight to the bottom.

3. Teal Bay

Teal Bay is a quiet retreat with golden sand that stretches along the shoreline. When the tide goes out, it reveals tidal pools brimming with life. I spent hours here, swimming and snorkeling. What stood out to me was how untouched it felt. There are no big developments, no fancy cafés.

Getting There

Teal Bay is about 45 minutes from Whananaki. There’s plenty of parking, but no facilities, so bring everything you need for the day.

4. Baylys Beach

Baylys Beach’s brownish-white sand glistens in the sunlight, giving the beach a moody, almost otherworldly feel. It’s wild and windswept, with crashing waves

The beach is famous for its surf, but I didn’t brave the waves. Instead, I wandered along the shore, taking in the beauty of the cliffs and dunes. This is also a fantastic spot for beach driving, though I didn’t have a 4WD to try it myself. 

If you decide to spend the night, I recommend Baylys Beach Holiday Park. It’s a cozy spot with easy access to the west coast.

Getting There

Baylys Beach is just a 10-minute drive from Dargaville. The road is well-marked, and parking is easy.

5. Matai Bay

Matai Bay has gentle waves that barely make a sound as they lap against the shore. Snorkeling here felt like stepping into an aquarium (the imediate area is a marine reserve!). I also took a short walk up the surrounding hills, where you’ll get rewarded with views of the entire bay and the endless ocean beyond.

This is the perfect beach for families, couples, or anyone who wants to escape the world for a while. It’s also a fantastic spot for camping. Do check out Matai Bay campsite. There’s no need to book — it’s first come, first served – But does get busy in the Christmas / New Year period.

Getting There

Matai Bay is about a 40-minute drive from Kaitaia and 40 minutes from Manganui (depending on which Direction you’re coming from. Follow the signs to the Karikari Peninsula, and you’ll find parking near the beach.

6. Uretiti Beach

Uretiti Beach is part of Bream Bay, a long stretch of coastline with sand dunes and views of the Hen and Chicken Islands in the distance. Swimming here is fantastic, with gentle waves and plenty of room to spread out. And if you’re into fishing, you’ll often see locals casting their lines into the surf.

This is also a favorite spot for camping, with a large campground just behind the dunes.I spent the night at Uretiti Beach Campsite, and waking up to the sound of the ocean is an experience I’ll never forget.

Getting There 

Uretiti Beach is about 30 minutes south of Whangarei, just off SH 1. There’s plenty of parking, and the beach is easily accessible.

7. Mangawhai Beach

Mangawhai Beach is where the rugged beauty of Northland meets a laid-back, surf-town vibe. There’s a sense of excitement here, with surfers waxing their board and families setting up for the day.

The beach is gorgeous, with golden sand and rolling waves that make it a favorite for surfers. I didn’t surf, but couldn’t resist taking a long walk along the shore. I also ventured to the Mangawhai Cliff Walk to enjoy the breathtaking views of the coastline. It’s a bit of a climb, but the scenery is well worth the effort. 

If you want to wake up to views of the beach, spend the night at Mangawhai Retreat Apartments. It’s a peaceful, self-contained option with lovely villas.

Getting There

Mangawhai Beach is about an hour from Auckland. It’s well-signposted, and parking is easy to find at the Mangawhai Heads carpark. From the carpark, you can walk down to the beach, or continue along the beach about 500 metres to starts the Mangawhai Heads Coastal Track Walkway, which I highly recommend.

8. Ninety Mile Beach

Ninety Mile Beach’s sand is packed so tightly that you can actually drive for miles along the shoreline (though I’d recommend doing this with a tour if you’re not experienced).

During my visit, I sandboarded on the massive dunes at Te Paki. Climbing to the top of those dunes was no joke, but the adrenaline rush of zooming down made it all worthwhile. Afterward, I walked along the beach. 

Getting There

Ninety Mile Beach is about 40 minutes from Kaitaia. If you’re planning to drive on the beach, make sure you have a 4WD and check the tide schedule.

9. Matauri Bay

Matauri Bay is a perfect curve of golden sand, bordered by crystal-clear water and cliffs. But what makes Matauri Bay truly special is its connection to history. It’s the final resting place of the Rainbow Warrior, the Greenpeace ship sunk by French agents in 1985.

I started my visit with a swim in the warm, inviting water. Later, I took a short hike up the nearby hills to the Rainbow Warrior Memorial. For those who love diving, Matauri Bay is a dream come true. The remains of the Rainbow Warrior is now an artificial reef teeming with marine life.

Getting There

Matauri Bay is about 30 minutes from Kerikeri.