New Zealand’s beaches are truly a study in contrasts: natural hot spas to icy surf; pristine white sands and smooth seas to sparkling black sands and wild ocean. Both are awesome to behold in their own right. Here’s our guide to New Zealand’s black sand beaches.
Why are the beaches black?
New Zealand is a land of volcanoes, both active and inactive. Much of today’s land has been formed as a result of a series of volcanic eruptions. The famous black sand beaches that characterise our west coast exist thanks to an abundance of minerals: volcanic sand mixed with iron oxide.
This does mean that the black sands can heat up to very high temperatures. So on hot summer days, don’t forget your jandals for that dash across the beach to the water!
Where can I visit black sand beaches?
Auckland is home to a number of stunning black sand beaches. Further south you’ll also find black sand beaches through the Waikato and down through Taranaki. Note that you won’t usually find public buses to these beaches – so plan to organise your own transport.
Piha, Auckland
Possibly New Zealand’s most iconic black sand beach, Piha is just 40km from Auckland City on the west coast, at the end of Piha Rd off Scenic Drive. Plan to pause at the lookout as you round the corner and the coast – which is unmissable with Lion Rock rising from the sand – first comes into full view. There’s a shoulder where cars pull over and you can get out to snap photos.
Down at the beach itself, you can check out the rock pools at low tide or head out into the surf. If you’re feeling active, there are lots of bush walks around (the Kitekite track leads to a spectacular waterfall). Stake out a picnic spot, toss around a ball, or just lie back and soak up the sun – but don’t forget your sunscreen, as the UV rays in New Zealand are pretty intense and can burn sensitive skin within minutes.
Karekare, Auckland
Immortalised in Oscar-winning film The Piano, Karekare is Piha’s smaller neighbour – a quieter, less crowded option. This broad beach is great for walking and popular with dogs, and the picturesque Karekare Falls is just a stone’s throw inland. To get to Karekare beach, look out for the signposted turnoff on Piha Rd.
Bethells Beach, Auckland
Te Henga / Bethells beach is smaller than Piha, with the bonus of a shallow lagoon and some challenging sand dunes. Geographically, it is north of Piha – take the Bethells Rd turnoff off Scenic Drive.
Muriwai, Auckland
Further north again from Piha and Bethells, Muriwai is possibly best known for its clifftop gannet colony – best seen in the spring and summer. The rugged, windswept coastline stretches for miles. You can go horse riding, biking, blokarting or just stroll along the beach and breathe in the fresh, salty air. From SH16, turn off at Muriwai Rd and follow the signs.
Ngarunui Beach, Raglan
Also known as Ocean Beach, Main Beach or Wainui Beach, Ngarunui Beach is one of the main swimming beaches in Raglan. Patrolled by surf lifesavers over the summer, it’s ideal for swimming, learning to surf, bodyboarding, picnics and leisurely walks. You can reach Ngarunui Beach from Riria Kereopa Memorial Drive at the northern end, or via Wainui Rd.
Hot Water Beach, Kawhia
Also known as Te Puia Hot Spring, Hot Water Beach in Kawhia is another Waikato gem. Bring along a shovel to dig an instant hot spa pool in the sand with – perfect to soak in after a dip in the ocean. Take SH31 to Kawhia and follow the signs for Ocean Beach.
Back Beach, Taranaki
Back Beach off Centennial Drive at low tide is a fantastic spot for a walk along the cliffs, with views over the black beach and rocks, the city and Sugarloaf Islands. You may get lucky and spot the odd seal or penguin. You can tackle the climb up nearby Paritutu Rock, which rewards you with panoramic views from the top.
Stay safe at the beach
Some of the best surf spots (and boogie boarding spots for that matter) are found along the west coast, but the flipside of that coin is the often rough and unpredictable waters. Rips (powerful currents that run perpendicular to the beach) can catch you out and very quickly drag you out to sea – even if you’re a seasoned swimmer. On top of the strong pull, the waves may also be bigger than you’re used to.
So stick to the areas between the red and yellow flags, which are patrolled by lifeguards (so well renowned are they, they have their own show: Piha Rescue!). Pay attention to safety signs; regularly check your position against a landmark once you’re out in the water so you don’t lose track of your position; and if in doubt, stay out.
Featured image by Strange Ones
