Beaches in New Zealand

Two long islands in open ocean, with the west coasts taking the Tasman swell and the east coasts sheltered enough for swimming. West-coast sand is often black and iron-rich. The country has more coastline per person than almost anywhere, and the practical consequence is that most beaches are empty on most days. The consistent facts are the water and the wind. Sea temperatures reach the low twenties in the far north and stay in the mid-teens in the south, so a wetsuit is normal for anything longer than a swim. Rip currents cause most drownings and patrolled beaches carry flags between October and Easter. Almost all coastline is public under the Queen's Chain principle, and much of the best of it sits inside national parks reachable only on foot or by water taxi. Practicalities: many of the best beaches sit inside national parks with no road access, reached on foot or by water taxi, and hut and campsite bookings for the Great Walks open months ahead and fill immediately. Weather changes faster here than visitors expect.

They spread across five beach worlds, the largest group being two castaway beaches. Together they account for 95 km of shore. · computed from the 6 records below