{"id":11524,"date":"2022-04-14T09:41:41","date_gmt":"2022-04-13T21:41:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/?p=11524"},"modified":"2026-09-17T14:38:18","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T02:38:18","slug":"best-beaches-bay-of-plenty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/best-beaches-bay-of-plenty\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Beaches in the Bay Of Plenty"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Bay of Plenty\u2019s Best Beaches<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/holiday-homes-accommodation\/bay-of-plenty\">Bay of Plenty<\/a> is home to New Zealand\u2019s best beaches. From the coastline sweeping from The Mount to Maket\u016b, to the white sands of Waih\u012b Beach, Pukehina, and \u014chope, there\u2019s a beach for everyone and loads of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/things-to-do-in-bay-of-plenty\/\">things to do in the Bay Of Plenty<\/a> area, and it\u2019s no wonder the area is such an iconic summer playground.<\/p><p>We&#8217;ve also prepared some articles to help you discover more of what the region has to offer:<\/p><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/the-best-mount-maunganui-apartments\/\">Best Mount Maunganui Apartments<\/a><\/li><br><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/mount-maunganui-restaurants\/\">Best Mount Maunganui Restaurants<\/a><\/li><br><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/things-to-do-in-bay-of-plenty\/\">Things to do in the Bay of Plenty<\/a><\/li><br><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/things-to-do-in-tauranga\/\">Things to do in Tauranga<\/a><\/li><br><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/things-to-do-papamoa\/\">Things to do in Papamoa<\/a><\/li><br><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/papamoa-hills-walk-a-complete-guide\/\">Papamoa Hills Walk<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><p><em>With so many warm sands and clear waters to choose from it can be hard to decide on your next holiday spot, so we\u2019re counting down our top 7 Bay of Plenty beaches&#8230;\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Waihi Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-19793\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2022\/04\/Waihi-Beach.jpg\" alt=\"Waihi Beach\" width=\"1254\" height=\"836\" \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Waihi Beach stretches over nine kilometres of white sand and awesome surf. Look to either end and you\u2019ll see the bush covered hills of Waihi and Bowentown through a haze of sea spray.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the surf is big enough in places to make Waihi Beach popular with surfers, you can swim anywhere, with the safest spot being at the northern end thanks to the Waihi Surf Lifesaving Club. Keen for a spot of fishing? Head to the more sheltered Anzac, Cave or Shelly Bays in Bowentown for great fishing spots.<br><br>With small car parks dotted along the length of the beach, drive along until you see one with fewer cars, and you might be the only person there. Or skip the carpark altogether and stay in a beachside holiday home &#8211; we love <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/cottage\/Waikato-Waihi-Beach\/Central-Beach-Pad-Waihi-Beach-Holiday-Home-1177367.html#duration=2\">Central Beach Pad<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/holiday-homes-accommodation\/coromandel\/waihi-beach\/beach-galore-waihi-beach-holiday-home\/3127#duration=2\">Beach Galore<\/a> which are both right on the edge of the beach!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are cafes, take aways and shops at the Waihi and Bowentown ends of Waihi beach, and the occasional corner dairy in between if you need an ice cream or some extra sunscreen. <br><br>Waihi Beach is an hour from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/holiday-homes-accommodation\/tauranga\">Tauranga<\/a>, ninety minutes from <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" title=\"Rotorua\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/holiday-homes-accommodation\/rotorua\">Rotorua<\/a> and less than two hours from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/holiday-homes-accommodation\/auckland\">Auckland<\/a>, making it an ideal day trip from these areas if you\u2019re not staying in Waihi itself!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/holiday-homes-accommodation\/coromandel\/waihi-beach\">View our extensive Waihi Beach Accommodation here!<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. <\/strong>Pukehina Beach<\/h2>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-19794\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2022\/04\/Pukehina-Beach.jpg\" alt=\"Pukehina Beach\" width=\"683\" height=\"512\" \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Enjoy the best (beach) of both worlds at Pukehina Peninsula, with a sheltered estuary on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other! <br><br>Pukehina Beach is an awesome choice for fishing, especially if you\u2019re a keen surf-caster. Head to Dotterel Point at the north-west end of the beach, where fish congregate around the underlying reefs and rocks, for the best chance of hooking dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Popular with surfers, windsurfers and kitesurfers Pukehina can get some big waves, and it\u2019s best to swim near the northern end where there are usually lifeguards on duty near the Pukehina Surf Rescue Club.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also go boating, explore the estuary, or just lie on the beach and gaze out at M\u014dt\u012bt\u012b Island and Moutohor\u0101 (Whale Island) which are both a short distance out to sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Matakana Beach (Matakana Island)<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-19795\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2022\/04\/Matakana-Island-Beach.jpg\" alt=\"Matakana Island Beach\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need a boat, kayak or a <a href=\"https:\/\/kewpiecruises.co.nz\/\">Kewpie Cruise<\/a> ticket to reach <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" title=\"Matakana\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/holiday-homes-accommodation\/matakana\">Matakana<\/a> Island, but it\u2019s worth it to experience the \u2018Jewel of the Bay\u2019.&nbsp; The lush green pine forest and farms are edged by 20 kilometres of white sand beach, an untouched paradise which just happens to be one of New Zealand best beach breaks for surfing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Matakana island forms one side of Tauranga Harbour\u2019s main entrance and sits directly opposite Mauao at the tip of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/holiday-homes-accommodation\/tauranga\/mt-maunganui\">Mount Maunganui<\/a>\u2019s peninsula. Matakana&#8217;s surf side is also home to nesting sites for a large variety of sea birds, including the endangered New Zealand dotterel, making it ideal for bird watching. <br><br>The best Bay of Plenty beach if you\u2019re seeking a unique experience, Matakana Island is privately owned and home to several heritage sites, so stick to those idyllic beaches and please be respectful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. <\/strong><strong>Pilot Bay<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-19796\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2022\/04\/Pilot-Bay-Beach-NZ-2.jpg\" alt=\"Pilot Bay Beach NZ\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p>\r\n<p><em>Image credit: Wikicommons<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Pilot Bay Beach is calm and sheltered, making it one of the best swimming beaches in the Bay of Plenty! Nestled beneath Mount Maunganui on the harbour side of town, it sits on the edge of Tauranga Harbour, sheltered from the open ocean.<br><br>Pilot Bay\u2019s gentle waters are perfect for swimming, paddle boarding and kayaking, and it\u2019s a favourite beach for young families. The grass area is dotted with BBQ\u2019s and picnic tables, and there\u2019s plenty of parking along the road. The sunsets here are legendary, so grab some fish &amp; chips at the port end of Pilot Bay, sit back and watch the sun sink behind the boats. &nbsp;<br><br>If you\u2019re keen for some exercise before that Kiwi style dinner, take the 3.4km walking track from the northern end of Pilot Bay. It\u2019ll take you around the base of Mount Maunganui, or if you\u2019re feeling more adventurous, up to the summit for some breathtaking panoramic views across the bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. <\/strong><strong>Ohope Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-19797\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2022\/04\/Ohope-Beach.jpg\" alt=\"Ohope Beach\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Voted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aa.co.nz\/travel\/must-dos-this-summer\/visit-new-zealands-most-loved-beach-ohope-beach\/\">New Zealand\u2019s \u2018Most Loved Beach\u2019<\/a> by AA Traveller in 2018, \u014chope Beach is 11km of white sand and family friendly waters just 15 minutes drive over the hill from Whakat\u0101ne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u014chope is possibly the prettiest beach in the Bay of Plenty. On a clear day you can relax on the sand enjoying unparalled views of Moutohor\u0101 (Whale Island, named because it\u2019s shaped like a whale), and Whakaari (White Island) sitting on the horizon. You might even spot pilot whales swimming offshore. In the summer flowering pohutakawa trees and towering norfolk pines line the beach with red and green.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While all this beauty makes \u014chope ideal for lazy days of relaxation, active types won\u2019t be disappointed. There\u2019s plenty of short walks nearby if you don\u2019t feel like swimming, and a 20 minute walk over the headland will get you to Otarawairere Bay, a sheltered lagoon area with crystal clear rock pools perfect for kids to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u014chope Beach is popular with locals and visitors, but with 11km of gently curving beachland it\u2019s rarely crowded and you can easily pop to the nearby shops if you need anything. Stay at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/holiday-homes-accommodation\/tauranga\/papamoa\/a-beach-barn-haven-papamoa-holiday-home\/3586\">Beach Barn Haven<\/a> to make the most of the picturesque views!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. <\/strong><strong>P\u0101p\u0101moa Beach<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-19798\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2022\/04\/Papamoa-Beach.jpg\" alt=\"Papamoa Beach\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Sprawling <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/holiday-homes-accommodation\/tauranga\/papamoa\">P\u0101p\u0101moa Beach<\/a> hugs 16km of coastline between Mount Maunganui and the Kaituna River. It\u2019s a quieter beach than Mount Maunganui, but just as good for swimming, wind surfing, kite surfing, or playing a game of beach cricket in the sunshine. When the swell gets big it\u2019s also a favourite spot for local surfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Banked with dunes and coastal grasses, P\u0101p\u0101moa Beach wild and stunning (Instagram ready for those holiday snaps!) Get up early and you\u2019ll catch an unforgettable sunrise over the horizon. &nbsp;Plenty of people walk their dogs on P\u0101p\u0101moa Beach morning and night, but the beach is big enough that you\u2019ll never feel crowded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>P\u0101p\u0101moa is a busy little community 15 minutes from Maunganui, with restaurants and shops just up the road from the beach, making it one of the best beaches for families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. <\/strong><strong>Mount Maunganui<\/strong><\/h2>\r\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-19799\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/23\/2022\/04\/Mount-Maunganui-Beach.jpg\" alt=\"Mount Maunganui Beach\" width=\"724\" height=\"483\" \/><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<p>Mount Maunganui&#8217;s Main Beach isn\u2019t just the Bay of Plenty\u2019s best beach, it\u2019s been named New Zealand&#8217;s Best Beach by TripAdvisor&#8217;s Traveller&#8217;s Choice awards for six years in row!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;\u2018The Mount\u2019 as Kiwi\u2019s affectionately call it, also has the fourth best beach in the South Pacific according to TripAdvisor. Stretching from the base of Mauao (Mount Maunganui), Main Beach is the quintessential backdrop to an NZ summer, a wide white sand beach with clear green waves and uninterrupted views towards the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Main Beach is paradise for swimmers and surfers, with sea temperatures rising to 21 degrees or more in the summer! An artificial reef installed 250m offshore creates perfect waves for surfers, and there\u2019s usually lifeguards on duty to keep everyone safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The primo swimming conditions mean Main Beach can be a bit busy for fishing, so head across the nearby bridge to Moturiki Island where kahawai, snapper and gurnard hang around the rocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cafes and shops line the road next to the beach (Make sure you stop by Copenhagen Cones for an ice cream, their house-made waffle cones are a Mount tradition!) While there\u2019s parking all the way along the beach too, Mt Maunganui is busy in the summer, so it can be easier to walk or catch an Uber if you\u2019re staying nearby &#8211;&nbsp; we recommend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/holiday-homes-accommodation\/tauranga\/mt-maunganui\/seaside-marine-mt-maunganui-holiday-home\/4453\">Seaside Marine<\/a> as the perfect Mount Maunganui base, it\u2019s nestled at the mountain\u2019s base just across the road from beach!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-css-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p>Have a favourite Bay of Plenty beach? Tell us why it\u2019s the best in the comments below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore New Zealand\u2019s best beaches from one of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/holiday-homes-accommodation\/bay-of-plenty\">our many Bay of Plenty Accommodation<\/a> options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\" style=\"text-align: center\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-vivid-red-background-color has-background\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/holiday-homes-accommodation\/bay-of-plenty\">Discover family friendly homes here!<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Bay of Plenty\u2019s Best Beaches The Bay of Plenty is home to New Zealand\u2019s best beaches. From the coastline sweeping from The Mount to Maket\u016b, to the white sands of Waih\u012b Beach, Pukehina, and \u014chope, there\u2019s a beach for everyone and loads of things to do in the Bay Of Plenty area, and it\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":134,"featured_media":11526,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"Best Beaches in the Bay Of Plenty Region | Bachcare Favourites","_seopress_titles_desc":"The Bay of Plenty is full of goregous sunny beaches. Let's countdown our 7 best Bay Of Plenty beaches for your next North Island Getaway!","_seopress_robots_index":"","inline_featured_image":false,"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-11524","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-uncategorised"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11524","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/134"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11524"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11524\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52370,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11524\/revisions\/52370"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11526"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11524"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11524"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bachcare.co.nz\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11524"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}