Northland's Maitai Bay is in the running to be named New Zealand's most-loved beach after making the top three in an AA poll.
The picture-postcard beach is one of two perfectly round, sheltered bays at the eastern end of the Karikari Peninsula in Doubtless Bay. It is home to the Department of Conservation's most popular campsite in the North and is a ideal spot for snorkelling, swimming and traditional family holidays.
The AA originally compiled a list of 200 beaches, allowing Facebook users to whittle the list down to 10 and then to the top three. Almost 500,000 votes have been cast so far by 35,000 people. Voting for the winner closes on the AA New Zealand Facebook page today.
The other beaches in the top three are Whangamata on the Coromandel Peninsula and Ohope in the eastern Bay of Plenty. AA brand manager Dougal Swift said the competition was a chance for people to show their passion for their favourite spots in the country.
"Some beaches seem to be loved because they're extremely accessible and popular, others because they're tiny and isolated ... From the descriptions and memories people have posted, it's clear there really is a lot to love about our beaches," he said.
