New Zealand Coastal Highlights
Positioned like a median strip between the Pacific Ocean and the tumultuous Tasman Sea, New Zealand has coastline on a grand scale. Beaches, bays, harbours and cliff edges add up to a total length of around 18,000 kilometres.
You'll find everything from the tropical prettiness of turquoise water and crystalline sand to the soulful drama of surf exploding against ancient sandstone.
Mount Maunganui Beach - The Bay of Plenty
Photographer: Chris McLennan
(www.cmphoto.co.nz)
The pristine sands of Mount Maunganui have long been a Mecca for holidaymakers.
Lyttelton Harbour - Canterbury
Scenic Lyttelton Harbour, located right beside Christchurch City, has spectacular scenery and fascinating Māori and European history.
Kaikoura - Canterbury
Kaikoura; seaside settlement situated halfway between Christchurch and Picton. Gateway to the Southern Ocean's Marine Mammal Sanctuary.
Cook's Coast - The Coromandel
Catch the ferry to the beaches of Cook's Coast, Coromandel.
Hot Water Beach - Hot Pools - The Coromandel
At Hot Water Beach, you can dig out your own personal spa from the sand at low tide.
Hahei and Cathedral Cove - The Coromandel
Photographer: David Wall
(www.davidWallPhoto.com)
Visit Hahei Cathedral Cove and offshore islands in the Coromandel.
Beaches of the Coromandel - The Coromandel
Around the township of Coromandel, beaches are numerous and holiday homes dot the shores.
Tairua - The Paku Volcanic Peak - The Coromandel
The volcanic peak, Paku, and offshore views of the jagged Aldermen Islands are the natural focal points of the Tairua area.
Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony - Dunedin and Coastal Otago
Photographer: Hiroshi Nameda
(hnamechan@hotmail.com)
The Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony offers a unique opportunity to observe the world's smallest penguin.
East Cape Lighthouse - Eastland
East Cape - the most easterly point on mainland New Zealand.
Papaitonga Beaches and Dune Lakes - Horowhenua
Visit the moody west coast beaches and dune lakes of the Horowhenua.
Seaward Kaikoura Range - Fur Seals - Marlborough
Salty Sightseeing with Sea and Seals at Lake Grassmere.
Hokianga - Northland
Peace and tranquillity in the Hokianga, Northland.
The Bay of Islands - Northland
Northland
Photographer: Rob Suisted
(www.naturespic.com)
The Bay of Islands in Northland are a natural treasure. Explore the many coves, bays, islands and other attractions that abound in the beautiful Bay of Islands.
Doubtless Bay - Northland
Beaches of luxurious caramel and white sands invite you to swim, snorkel, fish and sail in Doubtless Bay, Northland New Zealand.
Mangawhai Heads and Waipu Township - Northland
Mangawhai Heads and Waipu Township, Northland New Zealand.
Northern West Coast Beaches - Northland
The sand stretches for miles along the northern West Coast Beaches in Northland, New Zealand.
Kawhia Harbour - Waikato
Kawhia holiday resort offers harbour tours and fishing. It is also the southernmost stand of the giant New Zealand kauri tree.
Raglan's Ocean Beach - Waikato
Raglan beaches are famous for surf and the annual international surfing competition at Manu Bay (Waireke).
Cape Palliser Putangirua Pinnacles - Wairarapa
Cape Palliser, home to the largest breeding colony of fur seals in the North Island; and the majestic Putangirua Pinnacles.
Wairarapa
Photographer: Ian Trafford
(www.iantraffordphotos.com)
Castlepoint Beach Resort - Wairarapa
Castlepoint and Riversdale - Beaches that are big on scenery.
Cape Foulwind Seal Colony - West Coast
Tauranga Bay at Cape Foulwind has a seal-breeding colony with seals present year round.
Whataroa - White Heron Breeding Colony - West Coast
Whataroa and the area surrounding Coastal Okarito provide a sanctuary and feeding grounds for New Zealand's only breeding colony of Kotuku, or white heron.
