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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.

Did You Know? Waipū Cove secured the most votes across all five categories, repeating its overall win from the previous year.

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

Expert Insight: The repeat win for Waipū Cove underscores a growing blend of natural appeal and community‑driven amenities, from high‑quality camping facilities to farm‑to‑table dining. Such developments suggest coastal towns can enhance visitor experience without sacrificing the laid‑back charm that makes them popular.

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?

Powering the Future: Securing New Zealand’s Electricity Supply

New Zealand’s electricity landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. With the rise of renewable energy sources like wind and solar, the need for reliable backup power is more critical than ever. A recent announcement regarding the Huntly power station highlights the complex challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

The Huntly Power Station: A Cornerstone of Stability

The Huntly power station, with its coal and gas-fired Rankine units, plays a crucial role in ensuring a stable electricity supply. These units act as a “firming” source, readily available to compensate for the intermittent nature of renewable energy. A recent agreement, building on a non-binding heads of agreement, aims to keep this capacity in the market until 2035. This is a strategic move in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

Did you know? The term “firming” refers to the process of ensuring a consistent electricity supply, even when renewable sources are unavailable due to weather conditions.

The Need for Reliable Backup

As New Zealand increases its reliance on renewables, the demand for dependable backup power grows. A KPMG review emphasizes the increasing importance of facilities like Huntly in the 2030s. This is essential to guard against dry-year risks and weather-dependent renewables. Ensuring a resilient grid is paramount.

The proposal for Huntly includes a strategic fuel reserve, adding another layer of security. This is designed to support the electricity system, especially during periods of peak demand or unforeseen disruptions.

The Road to 2035 and Beyond: Fueling the Transition

Genesis, the company behind the Huntly station, is actively exploring biomass as a fuel source to gradually replace coal. This aligns with the country’s broader decarbonization goals. The aim is to balance the need for reliable power with environmental sustainability.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on developments in biomass technology. Its efficiency and cost-effectiveness will be critical factors in its adoption.

Market Dynamics and Future Reforms

The Major Electricity Users’ Group (MEUG) has welcomed the recent developments but urges more action to ensure a robust electricity supply. MEUG is calling for concrete steps, including maintaining flexible firming generation, to prepare for the increasing use of intermittent renewable electricity generation.

A government-commissioned review of electricity markets is also underway. This review will evaluate whether current regulations and market design support economic growth and reliable electricity access. It’s a vital step in refining New Zealand’s regulatory framework.

MEUG emphasizes the need for a single entity responsible for overseeing security of supply. This would streamline accountability and ensure a coordinated approach across the sector.

Following the formalization of the proposal contemplated under the term sheet, residual Rankine capacity will be made available to the broader market through further Huntly firming options and hedge products. This is designed to increase market flexibility.

FAQ: Your Electricity Questions Answered

What is “firming” in the context of electricity supply?

“Firming” refers to providing reliable, dispatchable power that can be called upon when variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar are unavailable.

Why is the Huntly power station important?

The Huntly power station provides essential backup power to the electricity grid, especially as New Zealand increases its reliance on renewable energy.

What role does biomass play in the future?

Biomass could potentially displace coal at the Huntly power station, aligning with decarbonization goals and offering a more sustainable fuel source.

What is the MEUG and what is their role?

The Major Electricity Users’ Group (MEUG) advocates for affordable and reliable electricity for large industrial consumers and plays a key role in market discussions and influencing policy.

Looking Ahead

The energy sector is rapidly changing. The decisions made today will shape New Zealand’s energy future. Staying informed about these trends is critical for businesses, policymakers, and consumers alike. For further reading on sustainable energy practices, check out the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment’s website.

What are your thoughts on New Zealand’s energy future? Share your opinions in the comments below!

NZ’s Best Beach 2026 Revealed: Find out the winners in five categories, plus our overall winner