Mount Maunganui voted best beach in New Zealand

Mount Maunganui Main Beach - best beach in New Zealand. Photo/file

Mount Maunganui has claimed top spot as New Zealand's favourite beach.

According to the TripAdvisor 2017 Travellers' Choice Awards Mount Maunganui topped the pole for best beach for the forth time in a row. Papamoa came in at tenth place while Ohope Beach, located in the Eastern Bay, came in sixth.

Mount Maunganui was also named as one of the Top 5 beaches in the South Pacific.

While Mount Maunganui was praised for its picturesque beauty, TripAdvisor users hailed Papamoa Beach as "one of the best beaches in the world", adding that it was less crowded and a great place to relax.

Tourism Bay of Plenty chief executive Kristin Dunne said claiming three spots in this year's list was a fantastic achievement and she was thrilled to see Papamoa Beach recognised in the Top 10.

"TripAdvisor is one of the key ways international and domestic visitors learn about our region, and to have these top spots along our coastline recognised as must-see attractions is something to be celebrated."

Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller said the coastline from Papamoa East to Mauao was spectacular.

"That strip is one of the most astounding places in the country. When you get up to the top of Mauao and look down, it's an amazing sight. It's fantastic. I can see why the Mount is continually rated number one."

He was positive over time, Papamoa popularity would continue to grow.

TripAdvisor's 2017 Travellers' Choice Awards Top 10 New Zealand Beaches:

1. Mount Maunganui Beach - Mount Maunganui
2. Piha Beach - Piha
3. Oriental Bay - Wellington
4. Ninety Mile Beach - Kaitaia
5. Whangamata Beach - Whangamata
6. Ohope Beach - Whakatane
7. Takapuna Beach - Auckland
8. Kaiteriteri Beach - Kaiteriteri
9. St Heliers Beach - Auckland
10. Papamoa Beach - Papamoa