NZH's Best Beach is back for 2025 & we need you to tell us where it is. Here's everything you need to know about how to nominate & then vote for your fav. Video / Carson Bluck
As the saying goes, “New Year, New ... Best Beach?” It’s time again for the Herald readers to crown New Zealand’s Best Beach, an annual search for our favourite piece of Kiwi coastline in five categories. Here’s everything you need to know about the competition and how to vote.
For three years running, Bay of Plenty’s Ōhope has proven to be a staunch fan favourite; taking home a gold and silver in 2024 - and a considerable number of votes all around.
If we had named an overall winner for 2024, it would have been the Whakatāne juggernaut — but that’s not in the rules of our game, so we didn’t.
Last year, however, the white-sand shoreline had stiff competition, with South Island hotspot Kaiteriteri giving Ōhope a run for its money. But of course, there are plenty of other fish in the sea - and the decision lies in your hands.
Picture-perfect Kaiteriteri in the Nelson-Tasman region took home a gold, a silver and a bronze in the 2024 Best Beach search. Photo / Getty Images
Today, the Herald launches the search for New Zealand’s Best Beach 2025 - and we want you to nominate your favourite foreshores from across the motu.
The Best Beach series runs through January and nominations are now open: you’ll find the form at the bottom of the page, or head to nzherald.co.nz/bestbeach to enter.
Once again there will be a winner, runner-up and third place in five different categories: Best Hidden Gem, Best Surf Beach, Best Family Beach, Best Camping Beach, and Best City Beach.
Ōhope Beach with Ohiwa Harbour on the other side of the spit, Eastern Bay of Plenty. Photo / Supplied
Best Hidden Gem is the beach that remains relatively untouched by society, a clandestine piece of unspoilt coastline. We know it’s hard not to gatekeep these quiet, pristine parts of the country, but let’s share the hidden treasures Aotearoa has to offer.
Then, tell us your top pick for Best Surf Beach: the beach where surfers can “hang ten” and ride the waves like aquatic superheroes, but can be appreciated by non-surfers, too. Think wild waves tempered by a picturesque coastline for other beach-goers to enjoy.
When it comes to Best Family Beach, think about your favourite place to take the kids for a day of sunbathing, swimming and safe family fun. Nominate the spots that have it all: safety measures (flags and lifeguards), stretches of grass for picnicking, shade to keep cool, and facilities such as toilets, showers, playgrounds, and ice-cream trucks.
Best Camping Beach is pretty self-explanatory: it’s the place campers can take in a stunning view and truly be one with nature. It could have a campsite, recreational reserve or holiday park with facilities such as barbecues, cabins, fun activities or on-site dining options. Wherever you’d pitch a tent, is probably a good nomination.
Last but not least, Best City Beach: and no, it doesn’t have to be in Auckland.
Whether it’s in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin or a smaller city, tell us your favourite beach in Aotearoa’s urban centres. It could be your local, or the little slice of heaven you head to for respite when times get tough. If it’s in the city, we want to know about it.
Kaiteriteri Beach proved popular in 2024's search for NZ's Best Beach. Photo / Roady
As aforementioned, it’s super simple to cast your votes. Simply scroll to the bottom of this page and fill in the form, or head to nzherald.co.nz/bestbeach. You can nominate one contender for each category - all we need to know is the name and location.
Nominations are open until Sunday, January 12. From there, the 10 most popular nominees in each category will be revealed as finalists on January 19. You can then vote for the ultimate winners, which will be announced on February 2.
Any beach, anywhere could make the finals: it’s ultimately up to you.
To submit your nominations for NZ’s Best Beach, go to nzherald.co.nz/bestbeach or fill out the entry form below.
Nominations are open until January 12, and the finalists in all five categories will be revealed on January 19. You’ll then be able to vote for the ultimate winners.
