Best Beach 2025: What actually makes a great beach? Here are our thoughts

READ MORE: Best Beach 2025: The top 50 finalists

The takeaway? There truly is a beach for everyone.

With the 2025 Best Beach winners set to be unveiled on February 2, our lovely readers have until 11.59pm on Sunday, January 26 to cast their votes. To recap, there are five categories: each category has 10 nominees to choose from. You are voting for your favourite Family Beach, Surf Beach, City Beach, Camping Beach, and Hidden Gem.

If you need some help deciding what characteristics make for a truly great coastline, the Herald’s esteemed team of lifestyle and travel journalists have endeavoured to provide some answers. Here are our thoughts on what a best beach should look like.

Jenni Mortimer, lifestyle and travel editor: “As a mum of a boisterous 5-year-old boy, I look for three key things in a beach; room to move around safely, access to facilities, and walkable shallows that are easy on tiny feet.

“There’s nothing worse than feeling like your little one’s screams of joy as the cold water laps their legs are met by angry sunbathers' disapproving glares. So crowded beaches are a no-go for us.

“Then there’s the need to make sure tummies are constantly full (so screams stay joyful), ice blocks are in hand when needed, and a toilet is close by - though ‘sea-wees’ are probably more common than not.

“And finally, if little grippers are going to battle on rocks, or there are big drop-offs suddenly, it’s not going to make for a day of family fun - and all that sand in my car will have been for nothing.”

Anna Sarjeant, deputy lifestyle and travel editor:

“The best beach for me needs the trifecta: soft sand, inviting water and a patch of shaded grass for when I inevitably get annoyed with the sand (looks gorgeous but has a knack for ruining your sandwiches).”

“The colour of NZ’s seawater never fails to astound me so it’s just the waves that I sometimes find offputting. If I’m honest, I’m still scared of them - so a nice, calm stretch of water (bordering on lagoon tranquility) is heaven.”

“The sand should preferably be sugary-soft, although as a mother of a boisterous toddler, I do now appreciate the right consistency to make a perfectly formed sandcastle.”

Emma Gleason, deputy lifestyle and travel editor: “The best beaches are ones where you feel like you’re the last person on Earth.

“They may not be easy to get to and might not even be the most pleasant to swim at, but the feeling of isolation and insignificance they give you is truly moving.

“Bring a packed lunch and leave with a new perspective.”

Bethany Haverland, senior multimedia journalist: “When that perfect beach day rolls around, I’m looking for a few things before I decide where to go.

“Plenty of parking near the water is a must, as are trees for a shady spot to lay out a picnic blanket, and grass to dust off sandy feet before hopping in the car to head home.

“It’s not a trip to the beach without ice cream, so ideally there’s also a cafe or dairy not too far away. A day trip to Omaha Beach or Tāwharanui Regional Park with a stop in Matakana for real fruit ice cream fits the bill every time.”

Lana Andelane, multimedia journalist: “As one of those weird people who isn’t a huge fan of summer, if I’m going to the beach, it needs to be the right vibe. If it’s a day out, I want maximum reward for my efforts - a slice of paradise that feels like the ultimate escape.

“Ideally this beach won’t be local, as the road trip is all part of the fun. I tend to love Auckland’s west coast for this reason: it’s a decent drive but not too far, and beaches like Piha are stunningly beautiful. They also somehow still feel isolated and off the beaten track, despite their popularity.

“Ultimately, Piha is a great choice for sunbathing (I’m not a huge fan of swimming, shock horror), relaxing with friends, and leisurely walks.”

Mitchell Hageman, multimedia journalist: “I’m on the opposite side of the spectrum to many, preferring a cityside/skyscraper-lined beach that’s buzzing with activity as opposed to a hidden sanctuary.

“Favouring places like Bondi Beach in Sydney and Surfers Paradise in Queensland, naturally Mount Maunganui is my pick for favourite summer hotspot.

“While it isn’t necessarily full of skyscrapers, there’s good surf, a humming township, and plenty of action to get amongst for people who prefer to be up and about when they go to the beach.”

Sarah Pollok, multimedia journalist: “Sure, the surf, sand and water are all key factors that make a great beach. However, one largely underrated factor is the length and shape. For me, a truly A+ beach is about 3-4km long and slightly curved.

“At this length it’s perfect for a morning or after-dinner stroll, you can enjoy the view of the entire beach in one look. Plus, when it’s a ‘bay’ shape, it always feels a little more intimate and charming.”

Varsha Anjali, multimedia journalist: “Imagine England’s Brighton Beach: you wince after every step on the hundreds of thousands of broken shells blanketing the sand. You eat your hair after it slaps your face in the angry wind. You can’t think because too many human bodies are physically invading your sacred mental space. You jump in the water and shock yourself from the cold.

“Now imagine the exact opposite of England’s Brighton Beach - that is the best beach.”

Tom Rose, digital producer and editorial assistant: “New Zealand is renowned for its sandy shores, so the standards here are understandably higher - but what makes a great beach comes down to several things.

“Size is important, but how it’s used determines its value. Tāwharanui might be big and beautiful, but visiting on a weekend can leave you with a headache; parking is scarce and finding a free spot amongst the sea of Aucklanders is a real challenge.

“A more tranquil beach environment, including a coastline with picture-perfect landscape and bright gold sand like those iconic to the Tasman District, are ideal examples of a great beach. Mix that with easy access to the shops for an afternoon treat and you’ve got a winner (but more likely several).”

How to vote

Readers, it’s your last chance to vote for your best beaches of 2025.

Voting closes at 11.59pm on Sunday, January 26, and this year’s winners will be announced on Sunday, February 2.

Check out the New Zealand Herald this week for profiles on each of the finalists.

To cast your vote, go to nzherald.co.nz/bestbeach or fill out the entry form below.