He appeared from custody at Christchurch District Court this afternoon facing two charges of indecent assault and one charge of resisting a police constable.
Judge Michael Crosbie remanded him without plea in custody to appear again on Friday.
The judge also granted interim name suppression on grounds of extreme hardship.
Police earlier said several people were at the beach at the time, and may have been approached by the man or witnessed his behaviour.
They are asking anyone who has any information to contact them by calling on 105 and quoting file number 211025/4455.
Police said in a statement that they viewed such incidents seriously and support would be made available for anyone who had been affected.
