The Herald’s annual search for New Zealand’s Best Beach is now open. Here’s how to nominate your favourites.
After three years as the ultimate fan favourite, there was a shock surprise for Ōhope in our last search for New Zealand’s Best Beach.
The Whakatāne beach was beaten by Waipu Cove, which won two of the 2025 competition’s five categories (best family beach, best camping beach), and came second in another (best surf beach).
But can Waipu Cove retain its title in 2026?
Today, the Herald launches our annual search for New Zealand’s Best Beach and we want you to nominate your favourite beaches from around the country in five categories. The series runs until February 1, and nominations are now open. You’ll find the easy form at the bottom of the page.
But what are we looking for with your nominations?
Let’s start with the unexpected – we want to know the beach you consider New Zealand’s best hidden gem. This is the place you like to go to get away from it all, where you’ll find solitude and unspoilt beauty. Don’t keep the secrets all to yourself – tell your fellow Kiwis about the treasures hidden around the country. Last year’s winner was Whale Bay, in Northland. Do you have another secret spot you’re happy to share?
Next, tell us your top pick for New Zealand’s best surf beach, where surfers can find the most reliable waves, and non-surfers can take a refreshing walk along a wild, rugged beach to blow out the cobwebs. Last year’s winner was Raglan, Waikato, with Waipu Cove and Whangamatā taking out second and third place. Is there another spot you prefer to catch a wave?
Best family beach is always a hotly contested category, with previous winners including Waipu Cove and Ōhope, with Waihī Beach, Matapōuri and Kaiteriteri taking out previous second and third spots. Where’s your favourite place to take the whānau for a relaxing day in the sand? Nominate the spots that have safe water for the kids, a good stretch of grass to lay out a picnic blanket, some shade to keep everyone sun-safe, and necessities like toilets and showers, playgrounds and ice cream vans.
We also want to know your picks for the nation’s best camping beach – the place you can pitch your tent with an ocean- or lake-front view, and start your day with a refreshing dip, rather than a shower. Last year’s winner was Waipu Cove, with Ōhope and Kaiteriteri in second and third spots.
And last but by no means least, we want to know your recommendations for best city beach, whether it’s in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin or even a smaller city around the motu. Nominate your favourite beach in Aotearoa’s urban centres – maybe it’s your local spot or the place you go for a city break? Last year’s winner was Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty, with Auckland’s Ōrewa and Nelson’s Tāhunanui in second and third.
Getting your nominations in is easy – just scroll to the bottom of this page to find the entry form. There, you’ll be able to nominate one contender for each category.
You can also tell us a little bit about why you think these beaches deserve to win – we’ll profile entries throughout the month.
Nominations are open until the end of Sunday, January 11. From there, the 10 most popular nominees in each category will be collated and announced on Sunday, January 18. You can then vote for the ultimate winners, who will be crowned on February 1.
Any beach, anywhere around the country, could make the final list, from the tip of Te Tai Tokerau Northland to the bottom of Rakiura Stewart Island. It’s all up to you ... get nominating.
Go to nzherald.co.nz/bestbeach to submit your nominationsor fill out the entry form below.