Readers’ votes have crowned the top beaches of 2026, with Waipū Cove taking the overall title and a slate of coastal spots winning across five distinct categories.
Overall Best Beach winner
Waipū Cove, located 8 km east of the town of Waipū, emerged as the all‑round favourite. It topped the list as the best camping beach, placed second for surfing and family use, and earned the overall best beach accolade for 2026.
The beach offers kilometres of golden sand, rolling waves, rockpools for children and a shallow stream at one end. Lifesavers patrol the entire stretch, and Camp Waipū Cove provides well‑maintained accommodation beneath the dunes.
The Cove Café, run by former UK lawyer Lloyd Rooney and Kiwi farmer Mike Fraser, serves beef and lamb sourced from their former 2 200‑ha farm, adding a culinary highlight to the seaside experience.
Best Hidden Gem Beach
Langs Beach, a secluded stretch of golden sand nestled behind native forest, captured the hidden‑gem title. Despite its proximity to Waipū Cove, the beach remains largely untouched, with only a few visitors at any time.
The surrounding area features a mix of historic baches and modern retreats, though no shops were noted on site.
Best City Beach
Mount Maunganui was voted the top city beach, reflecting its long‑standing popularity among New Zealand’s coastal towns.
Best Surf Beach
Manu Bay in Raglan earned the best surf beach distinction, and the World Surf League added it to the 2026 Championship Tour schedule (May 15‑25) for the first time.
World Champion Yago Dora of Brazil expressed excitement about competing at the iconic left‑hand point break, noting the strong local surfing culture.
Best Family Beach
Kaiteriteri, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, was again named the favourite family beach. The bay offers both a sheltered cove (Big Kaiteriteri) and a quieter stretch (Little Kaiteriteri) with rockpools, surf‑fishing and opportunities to spot blue penguins.
Best Camping Beach
Waipū Cove led the camping category, followed by Ōhope in the Bay of Plenty and Kaiteriteri in Tasman.
Full Best Beach Winners List
- Your favourite beach: Waipū Cove, Northland
- Best Camping Beach: Waipū Cove, Northland; Ōhope, Bay of Plenty; Kaiteriteri, Tasman
- Best Family Beach: Kaiteriteri, Tasman; Waipū Cove, Northland; Ōhope, Bay of Plenty
- Best Surf Beach: Manu Bay, Raglan; Waipū Cove, Northland; Whangamatā, Coromandel
- Best Hidden Gem: Langs Beach, Northland; Whale Bay, Northland; New Chum Wainuiototo, Coromandel
- Best City Beach: Mt Maunganui, Bay of Plenty; Ōrewa, Auckland; Tāhunanui, Nelson
Frequently Asked Questions
Which beach won the overall Best Beach award for 2026?
Waipū Cove in Northland was voted the overall best beach, securing the most votes across all five categories.
What beach was named the Best Surf Beach?
Manu Bay in Raglan earned the best surf beach title and was added to the 2026 World Surf League Championship Tour.
Which beach was voted the Best Family Beach?
Kaiteriteri in Tasman, the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, was voted the favourite family beach.
Which of these award‑winning beaches will you visit next summer?
