Location: Waikato Region
Top Things to do in Waikato Region
Top 10 Beaches in Waikato Region, North Island
Waikato (/ˈwaɪkɑːtɔː/ or /ˈwaɪkætoʊ/) is a local government region of the upper North Island of New Zealand. It covers the Waikato, Hauraki, Coromandel Peninsula, the northern King Country, much of the Taupo District, and parts of Rotorua District. It is governed by the Waikato Regional Council.
Restaurants in Waikato Region
1. Pokohino Beach
2. Matarangi Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By travelnomadnz - Cambridge, New Zealand
It’s an amazing place beautiful white sand. You can swim in the sea, kayak, paddle board or just walk along the beach. Matarangi Beach has something for everyone. Hints : sunscreen, moisturiser , jandals , sunhat , sunglasses and spends lots of time here
3. Otama Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By puk284
This beach is everything you imagine a remote coromandel beach to look like. Breathtaking as you spy the beach for the first time. Pohutukawa trees line the edge providing the sought after shade in the height of summer, white sand and clear sparkling water. There is even a swing in the trees. Dogs are permitted all day at the southern end of the beach. One of the few besches that allow this. Swimming is good, although it has a steeper slope than Opito. Easy access down steps. A beach worth spending the day at with the whole family.
4. Waikawau Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By kokoko - New Zealand, null
The view at the end of the tunnel is exceptional. The rocks there make a perfect picnic table. A hidden gem. Likely you’ll have the beach to yourself most times of the year.
5. Lonely Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By Rantinrover - Biggar, United Kingdom
Access to Lonely Bay is a few minutes drive up Purangi Road from Cooks Beach settlement and then turn off onto an unsealed road signposted for Shakespeare Cliff. As you drive up here there is a turn-off to the right for the Lonely Bay car park. It’s worth driving or walking up to the Cliff lookout too as the views are very good, including one overlooking Lonely Bay. Lonely Bay is surrounded by cliffs but fortunately a stairway was constructed in 2005 to make it easy to get to the beach. There are quite a few steps but they have been designed in a pattern to make it easier to go up and down and it’s certainly worth the 5 to 10 minute effort! The beach is an unspoilt sandy cove with dramatic white cliffs towering overhead (literally in some cases) and some great limestone rock formations on the shore itself. There is plenty of woodland as a backdrop and shade including some huge pohutukawa trees which presumably are spectacular in season. We had a look around and took photos however had we been prepared it would have been a great spot to sit down and have a picnic and a swim. There were at most a half dozen others on the beach during our visit so the lonely aspect may be surprisingly true for such a scenic place. We preferred this beach to the one at Cooks Beach itself, although visitors to the area are spoilt for choice with Hahei, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach all within a short drive away. No facilitlies available so take what you need if you plan to spend some time here. A towel, a book, some food & drink and a camera would be my suggestion.
6. Whangamata Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 394 reviews
Reviewed By TravellingMrsH07 - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Love this beach - it's so beautiful and even in the height of summer it still feels peaceful. Gorgeous sand, views out to the islands. The southern end (with the estuary) is great for kids, and the waves are good for body surfing/boogie boarding.
7. New Chums Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
Reviewed By 55adventuresKimberly
The walk up to the lookout is incredible, not for the faint at heart and maybe not after a good rain either. It's not accessible other than by foot. No Dogs allowed as there are nesting dotterels in the area. Native Pohutukawa trees cover the cliff faces with no houses or humans insight. Its stunning pink rocks and slightly pink sand are just what you need after about a 30 min walk over the saddle of the headlands.
8. Ngarunui Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
Reviewed By AllanJGJ - Wellington, New Zealand
What a superb beach - whether you're up top looking at the splendid vista, down in the carpark checking out the surfers, or strolling along the miles of clean black sand. It was a lovely sunny day last week when we did it. Truly memorable. First time we've done it despite visiting Raglan a number of times. In future it will our first thing-to-do rather than our last!
9. Cooks Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By 155jennied - Christchurch, New Zealand
Wonderful and very long beach. golden sands and great areas for swimming and exploring. A great day out.
10. Whangapoua Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By sharonpX2558PP - Greater London, United Kingdom
Stunning white sand beach. Iconic beach store has everything you need. A few too many freedom camper vans have invaded the beach carpark turning the walkway into a minefield of cooking equipment,chairs & tables. On the whole is a real example of a NZ beach holiday spot. Blue sky,white sand & kids in the surf. Love it.
