The Herald Travel’s annual search for New Zealand’s best beaches is under way again and the competition is hot: will fan-favourite Ōhope retain the crown? Or will an underdog rise to the challenge?
Our readers have been busy nominating their favourite slices of paradise in five key categories, with our top 50 finalists unveiled last week. We’ve been profiling the top 10 in each of the five categories and today we’re venturing off the beaten track and exposing Aotearoa’s best-kept secrets, as we take a look at your Best Hidden Gem Beach nominations.
But what makes the ultimate hidden gem? Think of 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 this category is all about sharing the hidden treasures Aotearoa has to offer.
The first beach to make our top 10 is Northland’s Whale Bay, or Matapōuri, on the picturesque Tutukākā coast. Also nominated in the Best Family Beach category, this white-sand oasis is a burgeoning coastal destination with plenty of native bush to explore. Pūriri, pōhutukawa and kōwhai can be seen on the linked headland trails, which also offer picture-perfect vistas of the surroundings. Perfect for a summer day trip, Whale Bay is one of Northland’s most sparkling crown jewels.
READ MORE: Best Beach 2025: The top 50 finalists and how to vote for your winners
Another Northland nominee for Best Hidden Gem Beach is Langs Cove, an idyllic golden stretch of sand with clear turquoise water. While Langs is slowly becoming a more popular summertime spot, it remains relatively quiet compared to more well-known destinations. Great for swimming, sunbathing and boating endeavours, the cove is the centrepiece of a small bach-laden community. There aren’t many shops nearby (although a real fruit ice cream truck does make an appearance), so make sure to bring food with you.
Next up and also in Northland is Maitai Bay. Well-known among camping enthusiasts, this picturesque piece of Department of Conservation-protected land is located on the Karikari Peninsula. Complete with sparkling white sand and a grassy embankment, there are also rocks at both ends that make ideal snorkelling spots. Don’t come armed with rods and bait, however, as there’s currently a rāhui preventing fishing and taking of seafood to help the area repopulate and recover.
Our last Northland nominee is Pahi Bay, also known as Te Pahi. Located on the tranquil shores of the Kaipara Harbour, this relatively untouched beach and camping destination boasts a boat ramp, wharf, and holiday park for tents, caravans and campervans. It’s also noted for its safe waters, fishing, and the nearby historic Pahi town, making it a family-friendly spot with plenty to explore.
Our lone Bay of Plenty nominee, Orokawa Bay, is next on the list. With white-sand shores framed by pōhutukawa, this secluded spot can be reached from holiday hotspot Waihī via the coastal headlands. Orokawa Bay and its domain are a designated scenic reserve spanning 145ha of native bush. However, it’s worth noting Orokawa isn’t considered safe for swimming because of the steep descent of the seafloor and potential for rips. Instead, take in its breathtaking beauty from the safety of the shoreline.
Our next five spots have all been secured by the world-famous Coromandel Peninsula, starting with Pokohino. A secluded enclave only accessible by foot, this jewel in Coromandel’s coastline boasts crystalline blue water and jagged, forest-covered outcrops. The walk down to the bay can be difficult, so perhaps not the best choice for the elderly or mobility-impaired. It can also be hard to access without a four-wheel drive because of the gravel roads; however, you will be rewarded for your efforts.
Next is Ōtama, a peaceful and isolated white-sand beach that is known to local surfers (although not patrolled by Surf Life Saving). Located at the southern end of the Kūaotunu Peninsula and 20 minutes north of Whitianga, Ōtama is a holiday-home haven that remains mostly unknown to out-of-towners. The dunes and wetland reserve around Ōtama are protected by the community and its scenic outlook makes it a perfect spot for relaxing.
Then there’s Whiritoa, a beach and small coastal township between Whangamatā and Waihī. Hailed as a great place to fish, surf and snorkel, Whiritoa also has a reputation with photographers and artists because of its pristine natural beauty. A 15-minute walk from Whiritoa is the sequestered Waimama Bay, making it a perfect two-for-one getaway. Experienced surfers will enjoy the heavy breaks created by its steep shore, plus it’s patrolled by Surf Life Saving in the summertime.
Second to last is Lonely Bay, situated between Cooks Beach and Shakespeare Cliff on the peninsula’s east. A hidden gem through and through, this clandestine cove is sandwiched by towering cliffs, bordered by lush green forest and peppered with limestone rock formations. It can be accessed via a fairly lengthy stairway, and visitors note there’s a decent amount of shade on sunny days – perfect for picnicking or a leisurely swim.
And rounding out the top 10 is Sailors Grave, also known as Te Karo Bay. This uninhabited beach is situated north of Tairua and is a popular destination for surfers, swimmers, kayakers and explorers, with a coastal walking track and a memorial for an HMS Tortoise sailor who drowned in 1842. The adjoining Pōhutukawa Grove Recreation Reserve, meanwhile, offers shaded areas for picnicking and relaxing with loved ones.
This is our last top 10 profile for 2025 – and now it’s over to you to determine the Herald’s supreme Best Beach winners in each of the five categories.
Voting closes at 11.59pm on Sunday, January 26. The Best Beaches winners will be announced on Sunday, February 2.
Check out the New Zealand Herald for profiles on each of the finalists.
To cast your votes, go to nzherald.co.nz/bestbeach to vote or fill out the entry form below.
It's all about kai and community at Falls Retreat, a paddock-to-plate paradise.