The Best NZ Beaches to Visit this Summer

Alexia on Nov 2, 2020

The Best NZ Beaches to Visit this Summer

There are so many advantages to living in New Zealand, and one of them is the shape of our country - the coast is never too far away. But with that many beaches, all of such varying types, how do you choose which one to head to on your motorhome holiday this summer? Here are a few we love, to get you thinking and planning your holiday travels.

Piha Beach, Auckland
If you’re looking for something a little different, the black sands and wild surf of Piha beach, just 45 minutes from central Auckland could be just the ticket. The wide expanse of sand framed by two rocky headlands is a stunning sight any time of year and Piha Motor Camp is less than 10 minute’s walk from the beach.

Papamoa
Just up the road from its more famous cousin Mount Maunganui is Papamoa Beach. Same beautiful sands but not quite as many people. Papamoa Beach Resort has great facilities and campervan sites right on the beachfront. It’s hard not to feel relaxed with the soundtrack of those waves as a constant background.

Hahei Beach, Coromandel
Parking up at Hahei Holiday resort, you may think you’ve found paradise. Those turquoise waters really are stunning. Even better it’s not far to the famous archway at Cathedral Cove or the thermal sands of Hot Water Beach - if you can tear yourself away from your camping chair and book, that is!

Punakaiki, West Coast South Island
A three minute walk to the coast, and not far from Pancake Rocks, Punakaiki Beach Camp is a great place to stay location wise - close to sea, river and cliffs. It’s a 15 minute walk to the famous rocks and right on the newest of New Zealand’s great walks - the Paparoa track.

Marahau Beach, Abel Tasman
You can park up just a few steps from the beach at Marahau Beach Camp. It’s the gateway to the world famous  Abel Tasman National Park where dramatic rock formations, crystal clear water, golden sand beaches and lush bush are part of the everyday normal scenery. You’ll have to tell yourself you’re not actually in Fiji or some other pacific island when you’re decompressing on the beaches in this area.

This is just a small selection of the hundreds of seaside campervan locations you can choose from. If freedom camping is more your thing, check out the Campermate app to find out where you can park up without incurring a fine. There are plenty of places where you can lead your best motorhome beachside life this summer.


Written By: Alexia Santamaria

There's nothing better than a road trip. While I love flying to different cities you never get the same experience as you do when you're driving. That fruit stall with the huge red strawberries, the local gallery you never knew existed, the deserted white-sand beach you only saw because the man at the cafe told you it's just down the road. Wheels give you freedom to discover and explore and be absorbed by all the treasures a region has to offer.