The search for the motu’s favourite beaches of 2025 has come to an end, with five brand-new champions rising through the ranks to claim the coveted titles. Video / Carson Bluck
The Herald Travel’s annual Best Beach competition has hung up its jandals for another year, but celebrations are only just beginning for Aotearoa’s three winning regions.
Northland scored a hat-trick, with Bream Bay’s Waipu Cove - an underdog plucked from Best Beach obscurity to claim two of the five categories - beating three-time Best Family Beach winner, Ōhope. It also took home the title of Best Camping Beach, while coastal jewel Whale Bay/Matapōuri was crowned Best Hidden Gem.
Waipu Cove was the ultimate winner of Best Beaches 2025. Photo / Tourism New Zealand
Best Surf Beach was taken out by surfing stalwart Raglan, a cornerstone of Waikato’s coastline, while Best City Beach was awarded to Bay of Plenty mainstay Mount Maunganui.
It was a bittersweet victory for the Bay of Plenty region, however, with fan-favourite Ōhope scoring a silver medal in the Best Family Beach category after three consecutive wins. It also earned a respectable second place for Best Camping Beach.
With an all-new cohort of Best Beaches to celebrate, we asked the three winning regional tourist boards for their reactions to the news. This is what they had to say.
Northland: Best Family Beach, Best Camping Beach - Waipu Cove; Best Hidden Gem - Whale Bay
Herald Travel: How does it feel knowing Northland beaches have won three of the five categories?
Tania Burt, head of destination at Northland Inc: “Being recognised as having three of the top five beaches across Aotearoa is fantastic recognition for the Northland region! We have beautiful beaches and winning based on a public vote reflects the increasing popularity of the region and that more of Northland’s ‘hidden gems’ are now becoming firm favourites for visitors.”
Waipu Cove won two categories this year - what about this beach makes it such a special part of the region?
“It’s a part of the coast that has something for everyone - safe swimming, great surf, scenic walks and plenty of room to spread out along the golden sand. There’s excellent food and drink nearby - the Cove Cafe across the road is a great spot for lunch and just up the road is a classic New Zealand general store, perfect for an ice cream. Not to mention it’s close to the iconic McLeod’s Pizza Barn & Brewery.
“Waipu Cove is also the start of the Waipu Coastal Walkway, which connects right through to Langs Beach and features the type of incredible pancake limestone rocks that you find at Punakaiki. It’s also really accessible, only a couple of hours from Auckland and not far off State Highway 1, so you don’t have travel far for paradise.”
Waipu Cove in Bream Bay, Northland. Photo / Getty Images
Why are Northland’s beaches some of the best in the country?
“Northland has such extensive and varied coastline, from the dreamy endless beaches of the west coast to the stunning coves and bays of the east coast. Whether you are looking for a secluded golden sandy bay to yourself, a family-friendly swimming spot, a beach on an island, a rocky cove for fishing and snorkelling, or a world-famous surf spot, you can find it all.”
What makes Whale Bay such a special hidden gem?
“It’s a quintessential Northland beach cove - crystal-clear turquoise water, fine golden sand, and lined with pōhutukawa. It’s sheltered and there’s plenty of shade under the trees, perfect for full days spent at the beach. Part of the appeal is that it’s only accessible by a short walking track from a roadside car park, so it has that ‘undiscovered’ feel to it. It’s also accessible via a longer hike from the stunning Matapōuri beach, and the effort is certainly worth the reward - the views along this stretch of coastline are spectacular.”
What impacts could these results have on Northland tourism?
“Increased awareness of just a few of Northland’s beautiful beaches is great for tourism in our region - and beaches are just one of the many attractions and experiences Northland has on offer for visitors. Tourism is an important part of Northland’s economy, with tourism spend coming to $1.18m in 2023, and employing 8.8% of our workforce.
“Our proximity to Auckland makes Northland an easy option for visitors from across Aotearoa and beyond, and with the Twin Coast Discovery Highway designed to show off the best of Northland’s coastlines, there’s even more of the region waiting to be discovered.”
Whale Bay in Northland won Best Hidden Gem. Photo / Getty Images
Waikato: Best Surf Beach - Raglan
Herald Travel:How does it feel knowing that a Waikato beach has won one of the five categories?
Nicola Greenwell, general manager of Hamilton & Waikato Tourism: “This is great news, but of course, we’ve always known Raglan to be the top surf beach in New Zealand, and are proud to make that known in all of our work.”
What about Raglan makes it such a special part of the region?
“Raglan provides a fantastic weekend away. While well-known for the famous left-hand surf break, the town has so much to offer. Raglan is home to many artisan producers and artists, incredible fish and chips, and vibrant west coast sunsets. The bohemian town was an early adopter of sustainability as an entire community, forming Raglan Naturally/Whaingaroa Community Trust.”
Raglan was followed by Waipu Cove and Whangamatā respectively. Photo / 123rf
Why are Waikato’s beaches some of the best in the country?
“Our black sand west coast beaches have a different vibe to the other coast. The entire package of Raglan is what makes this a popular destination – the beach, the surf, the walks, the waterfalls, harbour cruises, kayaking, fish and chips, gourmet offerings - the list goes on. And all delivered with a friendly and relaxed vibe."
What makes Raglan the Best Surf Beach in New Zealand?
“Simple – the left-hand surf break! Surfers love the challenge of it.”
Raglan in Waikato took out Best Surf Beach for 2025. Photo / Getty Images
Bay of Plenty: Best City Beach - Mount Maunganui (Main Beach)
Herald Travel: How does it feel knowing a Bay of Plenty beach has won one of the five categories?
Oscar Nathan, general manager at Tourism Bay of Plenty: “Our region has so many spectacular beaches, some of which have been family favourites for generations, so we weren’t surprised.
“Going on to win the Best City Beach title for the first time is something we’re particularly chuffed about as it shows a wider awareness of Mount Maunganui not just being a great holiday destination, but a much-loved feature of our country’s fifth-largest city, Tauranga.”
What about Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach makes it such a special part of the region?
“It’s never static because Mount Maunganui Main Beach reflects its environment, and is enjoyed by locals and visitors throughout the year. The sea can range from tranquil to huge surf and the social vibe also ebbs and flows: sometimes it’s peaceful and other times it’s busy and vibrant, depending on the time of the year and whether a big event is being held.
“It’s within easy walking distance of popular cafés, dairies and beachside food trucks along the Marine Parade Coastal Pathway. With iconic trails up and around Mauao and unique attractions like the Mount Hot Pools – all within close proximity to a great array of boutique retail, hospitality, and accommodation – it’s a very compelling proposition.”
Why are Bay of Plenty’s beaches some of the best in the country?
“The ease of access and proximity to beachside towns and shops, along with the hospitality of locals, are probably the main reasons for the popularity of our region’s beaches. This is complemented by our pleasant coastal climate, which tends to be milder than other areas.”
Aerial view of Mauao, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand. Mount Maunganui is considered one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourism destinations. Photo / Guillaume Calmelet / Skydive Tauranga
What makes Mount Maunganui the Best City Beach in New Zealand?
“The iconic location and vibe that surrounds Mount Maunganui Main Beach is what makes it such a special place. Watched over by the impressive presence of Mauao, it’s a location that has just the right amount of white sand, blue ocean, and nearby greenery to consistently make it picture-perfect.
“It’s all about the unique Mount vibe. It’s more than just the beach itself. The main street, just a short walk from the beach, is often busy but also relaxed and laid-back. The main street has everything – great food, amazing pubs, and some of the best boutique shopping around.
“Of course, the iconic Mauao is a major highlight. The ability to mix relaxation with exercise, while indulging in delicious food and drink, is what makes this spot so appealing. Whether manuhiri are scaling the mountain, enjoying the waves, or just strolling through town, it’s easy to find the perfect balance of adventure and leisure.”
Is there any disappointment that Ōhope has lost the title of Best Family Beach after three consecutive years?
“After three consecutive years, it might just have been time for somewhere else to have a turn at the top. Ōhope remains a firm favourite for many families and it wouldn’t be surprising to see it reclaim that title again next year.”
Mount Maunganui Main Beach and Moturiki Island. Photo / Bay of Plenty Brand Library
And that’s a wrap, Aotearoa - thank you for voting in Best Beach 2025. See you same time, same place next year - until then, beach bums.
The responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
