Discover the Top 5 Beaches in Northland

We are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches here in New Zealand, so it's understandable that sometimes it can be a little overwhelming choosing which one to visit. With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of our top five beaches to visit in the Northland region (with one Auckland exception) which are also campervan friendly - win win!

1. Anchor Bay in Tāwharanui Regional Park

Only an hour’s drive from Auckland (or two and half hour drive from Hamilton), Anchor Bay is a spot favoured by locals and Aucklanders alike. The beach is nestled within the Tāwharanui Regional Park, an amazing predator-free zone home to a growing Kiwi population, and many other native wildlife such as the Takahē and Ruru (Morepork).

Its crystal clear waters and stunning white sand makes you question whether you’re really in New Zealand or the tropical islands, and its sheltered cove makes swimming accessible for everyone including young families. If you time it right with the tides, you’ll be able to cross over to the coastal rock pools and spot little sea critters like crabs and starfish. Some of the rock pools run deep making it the perfect pool to drop a manu bomb - just look to the locals to see how to do it!

The beach can get quite busy, especially in the warmer months but there is plenty of parking to accommodate for beach-goers. If you fancy staying overnight in your campervan, the Department of Conservation has a campground close to the beach where you can practically see the waves from your car window! This can also get busy so we recommend booking online before you go.

***Anchor Bay. Image source: Venture New Zealand***

2. Matapouri Beach

Stretched across the famous Tutukākā coast, Matapouri Beach offers gorgeous coastal views and crystal blue waters, perfect for a swim or a stroll along the water after a long day’s drive. The beach has multiple entrances, and one designated car park for free overnight campervan stays.

The township basically consists of one local dairy (which also functions as a fish and chip shop), and a small pizza food truck. Look on the local Facebook community page where locals will post about events and festivals happening around the area, as well as local yoga classes.

Right around the corner is another stunning beach called Whale Bay which is worth a visit if you have time. It’s about a 15 minute walk down from the top of the hill to the bottom entrance to the beach, so you can either park the van at the top or leave it parked at Matapouri Beach and walk from there. Don’t forget to visit the lookout just before you start descending to the beach - we promise it’s worth the high point views of the east coast!

*View of Matapouri Beach from inside one of our Mojo Campervans, Flow.*

3. Te Kōhanga / Shipwreck Bay

Surfers - this one’s for you! Dubbed as the best surfer’s beach in New Zealand, Te Kōhanga / Shipwreck Bay is one not to be missed, even if you don’t consider yourself a surfer. What makes it such a great surf spot is its consistent surf breaks, so you’re pretty much guaranteed decent waves whenever you visit.

There’s a local surf school offering lessons, but if that isn’t your thing, then grab a picnic rug or park up your campervan right by the beach and sit back and watch the surfers attempt at catching wave after wave. Alternatively, this beach adjoins the start of 90 mile beach so it’s perfect if you feel like going for a walk (don’t worry, it’s not actually 90 miles long).

Make sure you stop on the way down to the carpark to get stunning, birds eye views of the beach and the peninsula!

*View of Te Kōhanga / Shipwreck Bay from the road down to the carpark featuring one of our Mojo Sleepervans*

4. Piwhane / Spirits Bay

Although this is a large beach, you’ll rarely find it crowded, which is one of the things we love about New Zealand! The beach boasts lush forests and beautiful white sand making it a great place to relax or explore the nearby walking trails. It’s also the perfect pit stop on your way back down from visiting Cape Reinga - only a 40 minute drive away.

We recommend staying overnight at the DOC campsite, which is a 30 second walk from the beach, and is situated among a lovely grass field with trees for shade and shelter.

*Piwhane / Spirits Bay. Image source: Stuff.co.nz*

5. Mangawhai Heads Beach

This beach is super versatile and offers stunning views of the east coast, you might even be able to spot Great Barrier Island on a clear day! You can learn to surf, or just go for a swim and try your hand at boogie boarding amongst the smaller waves. One of the most popular things to do in Mangawhai is the cliffs walk which starts from the beach and follows up and along the coast, before you descend back down to a neighbouring beach. If you time it right with the tides, you can walk back via the beach but be extra careful as the tides can creep up quickly.

They are a mix of freedom and paid campgrounds available in the area, and the township offers a quaint mix of pubs, restaurants and food trucks. Perfect for a long weekend getaway!