Best beaches to visit in winter in New Zealand - including Kaikōura, Karekare and in Coromandel

New Zealand beaches that are better in the winter. Photo / Getty Images

Are you looking for a New Zealand beach break that’s better in winter than summer? Here are some of New Zealand’s best beaches to visit during the colder months.

Kaikōura beach, Canterbury, South Island

Where the mountains and sea meet, the coastal town of Kaikōura houses one of New Zealand’s most exciting winter beaches. For those passionate about whale watching, this place will be a haven for you. The town’s whale watching programme is world famous and gives visitors an animal encounter like no other.

For those who love birds, especially those that grow up to be the size of a small car, you’ll find up to 15 species of albatross here. With a wing span that can reach up to 3.4m, these behemoths have made the waters in Kaikōura their feeding ground. Other seabirds that can be found include shearwaters, petrels, and the New Zealand little blue penguin. And if all that isn’t enough for you, take up snorkelling with seals and get in the water to swim with dolphins. In winter, dolphin encounter tours are limited to once daily at 10am. You’ll be thankful for the thick wetsuit, and in colder temps, you’ll be provided with gloves and booties, too.

The beach itself is pebbly rather than sandy, lending itself to brooding winter walks, rather than summer sunbathing. Sunrise and sunset are particularly dazzling and the latter usually occurs around 5pm in July - the ideal time to soak up the last rays of the day before a cosy pub dinner.

Kaikōura beach, looking back to the Kaikōura Ranges. Photo / Mike Bhana

Coromandel Hot Water Beach, Coromandel Peninsula, North Island

Have you ever had the desire to escape the reality that is a New Zealand winter? Well, make a beeline to Coromandel Hot Water Beach where reliving the childhood memory of digging a massive hole in the sand won’t just keep young minds occupied, it’ll warm up parents’ old bones, too. During low tide, it’s possible to create a homemade Jacuzzi if you dig deep enough into the sand ( either side of low tide), allowing hot water to fill the space. Water temperatures can get up to 64C and filter up from two underground hot rivers, so be careful how quickly you dip a toe in.

While this is also a popular activity in summer, you’ll likely find less crowds in winter, and therefore, a bigger area to dig your XL Jacuzzi. Furthermore, in warmer climes, when the humidity is suffocating, the warm water isn’t quite as enticing as on a cold day.

This is all complimented by signature views that are a staple of any great Kiwi beach, showcasing gorgeous green landscapes and the hypnotic crash of waves.

While Hot Water Beach is a popular activity in summer, you’ll likely find fewer crowds in winter. Photo / The Coromandel

Rapahoe beach, Greymouth, South Island

Sometimes, a sandy beach just doesn’t feel the same in winter. So, ditch the sand for the properly moody rocks that line Rapahoe beach in Greymouth. The beach is framed by cliffs and delivers one of the best sunsets on the west coast. Particularly alluring on a stormy day, check in at the beach-fronting Rapahoe Beach Holiday Park which features simple standalone cabins for cooler months, and watch the moody waves roll in from under a mountain of blankets.

Anyone in the stone-collecting community is sure to have a field day here; semi-precious stones including garnet, jasper and quartz can be found on this beach. With a little walking and an attentive eye, these stones could be the next in your growing collection, or they could be the ones to start it.

Whangamatā beach, Coromanel Peninsula, North Island

If you’re a surfer missing the thrill and satisfaction of a great day out of the waves, this should be your go-to for winter. Considered the best surf beach of 2024, it’s a gem all year round. It has some of New Zealand’s most famous surf breaks. In particular, the left-hand break attracts surfers nationwide and beyond.

You’ll also find one of the most beautiful coastal attractions in New Zealand, Whenuakura (Donut Island). Transformed from a local secret to a must-visit spot, all locals ask from visitors is that you do your part to preserve the peaceful, pure environment. Not a surfer? The 6km stretch of sand is an excellent spot to run or walk. Even better, the town is nearby so if the weather packs in you can quickly get to a cafe.

It may be time to visit Whangamatā beach. Photo / 123rf

Anchorage Bay beach, Abel Tasman, South Island

Part of the Abel Tasman National Park, this beach is like a slab of unsullied gold throughout summer and a non-stop stream of trampers, of which there are scores, can’t resist the pull of the azure water after a strenuous, sweaty hike.

However, it’s winter when Anchorage really shines, simply because the beach is quieter and the pace is far slower.

On the perfect winter’s day, beach-goers experience crisp mornings and sunshine; zero wind and mild temperatures that hover between 12-16C. With many short and scenic walks within reach and a temperate climate, you won’t overheat, allowing for comfortable tramps in and out of the bush.

If you’re feeling extra intrepid, now’s the time to hire a kayak and get out on the glassy water. In winter, the wind and ocean currents are often calmer and various kayak companies will rent you the appropriate gear or recommend the perfect guided paddle.

Hiker walking along the beach at Anchorage Bay, Abel Tasman. Photo / Tamzin Henderson