The Bay of Islands is a coastal paradise with more than 140 islands and countless stretches of golden sand. Whether you’re after calm waters for the kids, thrilling surf breaks, or secluded spots for two, you’ll find your perfect beach here. From the bustling township beaches to remote island getaways, each one has its own character and charm. You can explore by car, boat, kayak, or even on foot along the coastal tracks.
Beaches Near Paihia
Paihia Beach
Paihia Beach, right in the heart of Paihia, is the Bay of Islands’ most accessible beach. The long stretch of sand runs along the waterfront, with the township’s cafes, shops, and restaurants literally at your back. The water is calm and sheltered, making it perfect for a quick dip between activities. The beach has that classic Kiwi holiday vibe, where you can grab an ice cream, take a swim, then browse the shops all within minutes.
Best for: Families and first-time visitors who want everything at their fingertips
Te Tii Bay
Just a few minutes’ walk north of Paihia toward Waitangi, Te Tii offers a slightly more spacious alternative with equally calm waters. The beach is particularly stunning in summer when the native pohutukawa trees burst into brilliant dark red blooms, creating a spectacular natural canopy. The swimming is safe and gentle, perfect for kids, and there’s a good-sized children’s playground right by the beach. The grassy areas under the pohutukawa trees are ideal for picnics with shade.
Best for: Families wanting a quieter alternative to Paihia main beach with plenty of shade
Sullivan’s Beach
Here’s a local secret that many visitors miss. This sheltered bay sits just around the rocks from Paihia’s southern end, accessible only on foot at low tide. The golden sand is pristine, and because there’s no road access, you won’t hear any traffic noise, just the gentle lapping of waves. Many consider it one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Bay of Islands.
Best for: Couples and families seeking a secluded spot without going far from town
Beaches Near Russell
Kororareka Bay (Russell’s Main Beach)
The waterfront beach in Russell stretches about 750 meters along The Strand, right through the historic township. What makes this beach special is the combination of swimming, history, and township amenities all in one spot. The water is calm and safe, and you can spend the morning at the beach, lunch at a waterfront cafe, then explore Russell’s fascinating colonial past. The grassy reserve area behind the beach is perfect for spreading out a picnic blanket.
Best for: Families and history buffs who want beach time with township conveniences
Long Beach (Oneroa Bay)
Living up to its name, this one-kilometer stretch of white sand is Russell’s premier family beach. The swimming is safe at all tides, and the beach has plenty of space to spread out. Dolphins are frequently spotted here, and there’s a shag colony nearby for wildlife enthusiasts. The views across to the islands and Cape Brett peninsula are stunning.
Best for: Families wanting safe swimming and space to spread out, dog owners
Waitata Bay (Donkey Bay)
Tucked just around the corner from Long Beach, Waitata Bay is more secluded and has traditionally been popular with naturists. The water is calm and clear, perfect for a peaceful swim. The scenery is beautiful, with native bush coming down to the sand. It’s worth noting that while naturism is tolerated here, it’s not an official nude beach, and you’ll find both clothed and unclothed visitors.
Best for: Adults seeking privacy and seclusion
Tapeka Point Beach
About 2 kilometers from Russell, Tapeka Point is a real hidden gem with two distinct beaches. The main sandy beach offers beautiful white sand and safe all-tide swimming protected from swells by rocks at the point. The large flat reserve is shaded by magnificent Norfolk pine trees planted in the 1830s, providing plenty of spots for picnics. The heritage trail up to Tapeka Point offers breathtaking 360-degree views over the Bay of Islands.
Best for: Boaties, families, anglers, and anyone wanting stunning views with good facilities
Elliot Bay
About 30 minutes from Russell on the east coast, Elliot Bay is where you go when you want surf. This white sand beach faces the open Pacific and gets more swell than the sheltered Bay of Islands beaches. When conditions are right, it’s excellent for surfing and bodyboarding. The beach is long enough to find your own space, and the surrounding landscape is beautiful.
Best for: Surfers and adventurous swimmers who want waves and don’t mind rougher conditions
Taupiri Bay
The name Taupiri means “sheltered waters” in Māori, and this bay lives up to it perfectly. The crystal-clear blue water here is exceptional, some of the clearest in the region. It’s one of the best snorkeling spots around thanks to prolific fish life and healthy reef systems. The peaceful atmosphere and pristine water make it feel like a secret slice of paradise.
Best for: Snorkelers and families wanting calm, crystal-clear waters
Beaches Near Kerikeri
Opito Bay
This scenic bay on the northern side of the Kerikeri river inlet captures that authentic Kiwi seaside vibe with traditional baches (holiday homes) dotting the shoreline. The white sand is lovely, and the sheltered inlet waters are perfect for families. It’s quiet and unpretentious, no flashy cafes or shops, just a beautiful beach and the relaxed pace of coastal New Zealand life. The calm waters are ideal for introducing kids to kayaking.
Best for: Locals and visitors wanting a low-key beach experience away from tourist crowds
Beaches Near Whangaroa
Takou Bay
Between the Bay of Islands and Whangaroa, this wide northeast-facing bay features a beautiful 2-kilometer beach bisected by the Takou River. The beach faces the open coast, so it gets surf when the conditions are right, attracting surfers. Being further north and “off the beaten track,” it sees fewer visitors than the main Bay of Islands beaches. It’s the kind of place where you can walk for an hour and see only a handful of other people.
Best for: Those wanting an “off the beaten track” experience with good surf potential
Taupo Bay
About 75 minutes north of Paihia, this stunning bay is a well-known surf spot with crystal-clear water and beautiful white sand. The southern end offers solid, long right-handers when a clean north swell arrives, making it popular with surfers from all over Northland. There’s a holiday park nearby with a shop, making it convenient for staying a few days. The bay has that classic Northland feeling, beautiful scenery, good waves, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Best for: Surfers and families planning to stay in the area for a few days
Matauri Bay
Locals call the road overlooking this bay “Million Dollar View Road,” and once you arrive, you’ll understand exactly why. The long white sand beach with crystal-clear turquoise water is one of the most photographed in Northland. The Rainbow Warrior memorial sits on the headland, and the bombed Greenpeace ship now serves as a dive site and fish sanctuary. The water is so clear you can see the sandy bottom even in deep water.
Best for: Divers, families, and anyone seeking one of Northland’s most beautiful beaches
Tauranga Bay
At 1.2 kilometers, this is the longest beach accessible from Wainui Road. The beach sits at the end of the Tauranga Valley with high hills and dramatic cliffs on either side, creating spectacular scenery. The peachy-pink tinged sand is distinctive and beautiful. Dolphins are frequently spotted in the bay, and you can often hear kiwi at night if you’re camping.
Best for: Campers and families wanting stunning scenery, wildlife, and good facilities
Mahinepua Bay
This 600-meter crescent-shaped beach is well sheltered by the 4.5-kilometer-long Mahinepua Peninsula, creating calm, shallow waters that are exceptionally safe for swimming. The aqua-blue water is usually mirror-calm, and the setting is tranquil with views toward the Cavalli Islands. The Mahinepua Peninsula Track is one of the region’s best walks, offering spectacular coastal views along its 3-kilometer length. It’s a peaceful, less-developed beach that feels well off the tourist trail.
Best for: Those seeking a peaceful, less-developed beach experience and excellent coastal walking
Wainui Bay
Part of the scenic Wainui Road loop connecting Matauri Bay and Whangaroa, this bay offers sheltered swimming in a beautiful setting. The area is home to some of Northland’s finest boutique lodges, giving it an upmarket, exclusive feel. The bay itself is quiet and lovely, with calm water perfect for swimming and kayaking. The water is typically clear and the setting picturesque, surrounded by rolling green hills meeting the blue Pacific.
Best for: Guests staying at nearby lodges and those exploring the scenic Wainui Road drive
Island Beaches in the Bay of Islands
Urupukapuka Island
The largest island in the Bay of Islands is a pest-free recreation reserve accessible only by boat or ferry. Regular ferry services run from Paihia and Russell (about 25 minutes each way), making it an easy day trip. The island has several white sandy beaches, with Otehei Bay being the main hub featuring a licensed cafe and bar. Several walking tracks crisscross the island, all offering magnificent views over the bay, and the beaches are excellent for swimming and snorkeling.
Best for: Day-trippers and campers wanting a true island experience with facilities
Waewaetorea Island
This island’s history stretches back to the earliest days of pre-European Māori civilization, and you can still find archaeological evidence throughout. The island has multiple beaches offering great snorkeling opportunities with healthy marine life and clear water. Stockyard Bay on the south side provides the best anchorage for boats and is a popular overnight spot for yachties. You’ll need your own boat or charter to get here as there’s no regular ferry service.
Best for: Boaties and those seeking historical and natural exploration away from crowds
Moturua Island
Another island gem with excellent beaches and the scenic 4.5-kilometer Moturua Island Track offering incredible views across the bay. The island is pest-free, so the birdlife is abundant and includes species rarely seen on the mainland. The beaches are pristine, and on weekdays you might have entire coves to yourself. The combination of good walking and excellent water activities makes it ideal for active visitors.
Best for: Walkers and water sports enthusiasts seeking a less-visited island
Roberton Island
A popular island destination clearly visible from many Bay of Islands beaches, Roberton Island (also known as Motuarohia) is famous for its twin lagoons that form natural swimming pools at high tide. The shallow, protected water warms up beautifully in summer, making it like swimming in a natural pool. There’s an underwater nature trail for snorkelers to follow, with interpretive information about the marine environment. Many boat tours include stops here, or you can kayak over from nearby beaches if you’re experienced.
Best for: Swimmers, snorkelers, and families on boat tours
Cape Brett Peninsula
Oke Bay
Probably one of the most stunning beaches in the entire country, Oke Bay is tucked into a secluded part of the Cape Brett peninsula. Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, the world-famous opera star, owns a holiday home here, testament to the bay’s exceptional beauty. The beach sits in a pristine, protected bay with crystal-clear water and beautiful white sand. It’s also the starting point for the Cape Brett track, a challenging full-day hike to the historic lighthouse at the peninsula’s tip.
Best for: Couples and hikers who want to get well off the beaten track
Whether you have a car, boat, or kayak, the Bay of Islands beaches offer something special for everyone. From the convenience of Paihia’s town beach to the remote beauty of Oke Bay, each beach has its own personality. The hardest part? Deciding which one to visit first. Start with the sheltered bay beaches if you have young kids, venture to the surf beaches on the east coast for waves, or catch a ferry to the islands for the ultimate Bay of Islands experience.
