It wasn't quite fun in the sun for all beachgoers at Auckland's Mission Bay yesterday. Some wanted to send a message to the Government.
About 50 campaigners gathered at the city beach to protest against the Government's attitude on climate change and mining.
The Heads in the Sand protest, organised by Coal Action Network Aotearoa, was held at 13 beaches around New Zealand.
Those who participated called on the Government to treat climate change seriously, the group said.
"While the rest of the world is taking action on climate change, New Zealand's emissions are set to go through the roof," spokeswoman Jeanette Fitzsimons said.
In Christchurch, 220 people went to New Brighton Beach for the protest.
Nearly 100 people braved Wellington's foul weather to gather at Oriental Bay near the city centre.
The nationwide event was supported by Oil Free Aotearoa groups, Generation Zero, 350.org, Greenpeace, Forest & Bird, ECO, Climate Justice Taranaki, and Action Station.