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The 9 Best South Island Beaches for Summer Fun

New Zealand South Island beaches are some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world. Whether you want to swim, surf, or simply admire the gorgeous scenery, these beaches offer the perfect summer escape. From golden sands to dramatic coastlines, here are nine of the best beaches in New Zealand, South Island.

Golden sands and clear water of Kaiteriteri Beach.
Kaiteriteri Beach. A South Island Must Do!

Kaiteriteri Beach

Golden sands and blue water of Kaiteriteri Beach

Highlights:

  • The calm, golden sands are ideal for swimming.
  • Easy access to Abel Tasman National Park’s walking trails.
  • Cruises, kayaking, paddleboarding and other watersports.

Kaiteriteri Beach is a summer hotspot known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning views.

Located at the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, it is the perfect spot for water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding. It is also one of the best swimming beaches South Island offers, as the sea is relatively calm.

You can spend your weekend hiking in the Abel Tasman National Park or discovering the many remote Abel Tasman beaches.

We agree with the many who have claimed this is New Zealand’s No. 1 beach. We consider Kaiteriteri Beach the best beach in South Island New Zealand. The clear blue water surrounded by lush bush looks absolutely spectacular!

New Zealand South Island Travel Insider Guide Tip: Beware of the summer crowds during the school holidays.

Time to get there: 1 hour from Nelson.

Tahunanui Beach, Nelson

Highlights:

  • Family-friendly with a playground and adventure park.
  • Windsurfing and kitesurfing opportunities.
  • Close to Nelson city amenities.

Tahunanui Beach, the best of the Nelson beaches, is a popular destination for families, offering a safe and sheltered environment for swimming.

It’s an excellent option for a summer weekend getaway with many picnic spots, nearby cafes, and a fun-filled playground and adventure park.

Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy windsurfing or kitesurfing. Nature lovers can take walks along the long expanse of the beach, where they can observe a fascinating array of bird species.

Time to get there: 10 minutes from Nelson city centre.

READ NEXT- The Best Nelson Tasman Activities & Attractions 

Sumner Beach, Christchurch

Sunset on Sumner Beach with a hand in view holding a glass of wine

Highlights:

  • Surf-friendly waves.
  • Beachside cafes and restaurants.
  • Perfect for beach walks.

Sumner Beach, near Christchurch, is one of the best Christchurch New Zealand beaches and offers the opportunity to stroll along the esplanade and access hiking trails, where you can wander along the cliffs and up the hills.

But our favourite thing at Sumner Beach is to grab a coffee from one of the beachside cafes and enjoy the lively vibe. Additionally, you will find Christchurch’s only absolute waterfront beach bar restaurant. We often hang out there for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Sumner Beach is a top choice for locals looking for a quick summer escape without leaving the city too far behind. It’s also one of the best surf beaches in New Zealand.

Time to get there: 30 minutes from Christchurch.

READ NEXT – Best Beach in Christchurch: Things to do in Sumner, New Zealand

New Brighton Beach, Christchurch

View of New Brighton Pier and surfers with surboards walking on the sand at New Brigton Beach New Zealand.
One of our favourite things to do in Canterbury Christchurch is walk along New Brighton Pier and admire the ocean views.

Highlights:

  • Iconic pier for sunset strolls.
  • Surfing and fishing spots.
  • Weekly market by the shore.

Another of the best South Island beaches is in Christchurch, New Brighton Beach offers a long sandy shoreline, perfect for summer days spent surfing or fishing off the iconic pier.

With a vibrant weekly market on Saturdays and nearby shops and cafes, there are plenty of things to keep you entertained.

To top it all off, the new He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools (New Brighton Hot Pools) have recently opened, and nothing is more thrilling than soaking in hot seawater with dazzling ocean views.

Time to get there: 20 minutes from Christchurch.

READ NEXT – 10 Best South Island Weekend Getaways from Christchurch

Marfells Beach

The end of a silver van with the back door open and two camp chairs on yellow dry grass in front of a light blue sea.
Camping at Marfells Beach.

Highlights:

  • Dark sand and rugged coastline.
  • Peaceful and less crowded.
  • Camping right on the beachfront.

For something a little off the beaten path, head to Marfells Beach near Blenheim. The imposing cliffs and rolling waves provide a striking backdrop for a fun day at the beach.

However, the highlight is being able to camp right on the beach. The DOC campground at Marfell Beach offers toilets, cold showers and a unique Kiwi camping experience, making it the perfect South Island beach for summer fun.

Time to get there: 35 minutes from Blenheim.

Punakaiki Beach

Sunset on Punakaiki Beach, NZ

Highlights:

  • The famous Pancake Rocks & Blowholes are nearby.
  • Dramatic cliffs and wild coastline.
  • Scenic walks in the Paparoa national park.

Punakaiki Beach is nestled along the rugged West Coast and offers a dramatic setting with crashing waves and beautiful sunsets.

Just a short walk from the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes, this beach is a must-see for those visiting the area.

There are many outstanding West Coast beaches; however, Punakaiki Beach is one of our favourite South Island beaches for watching the famous West Coast sunsets. It is perfect for beach walks and surf enthusiasts.

For those looking to swim, visit the Punakaiki River, which flows into Punakaiki Beach, for a refreshing dip in the freshwater river.

New Zealand South Island Travel Insider Guide Tip: Do not miss the nearby Truman Track for a short stroll through the lush rainforest that opens onto a cliffside view of the wild coastline.

Time to get there: 40 minutes from Greymouth.

READ NEXT – NZ Must Do: Best Things To Do in Punakaiki New Zealand 

Kaikoura Beaches

A whales tail seen in the ocean at Kaikoura
It was a thrilling experience seeing the whales in Kaikoura.

Highlights:

  • Whale and dolphin watching.
  • Seal colony along the coast.
  • Coastal walks with mountain views.

Kaikoura is famous for its abundant marine life, making it one of the best spots for whale and dolphin watching in New Zealand.

Among the best beaches in Kaikoura, South Bay is a great place to rent a beachfront holiday house, while Gooch’s Beach and Jimmy Armer’s Beach provide sandy beaches with safe swimming. Kaikoura Beach, in the town centre, is an excellent place for a picnic and to soak in the views.

After exploring these beaches, you can stroll along the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, where you can see a seal colony and soak in views of the sea and mountains.

The rugged shoreline, framed by mountains, makes Kaikoura an irresistible spot for a seaside adventure.

Time to get there: 2 hours 30 minutes from Christchurch.

Golden Bay Beaches

A man in distance on Pohara Beach at low tide during sunset.

Highlights:

  • Pristine sandy beaches and calm, clear water with safe swimming.
  • Stunning views and scenic coastal walks.
  • Access to nearby national parks offering many spectacular Golden Bay walks.

Golden Bay, tucked at the northwestern tip of the South Island, is home to some of New Zealand’s most scenic and secluded beaches and the best beaches New Zealand South Island offers.

This region is lined with many stunning beach spots, all with their own unique charm. Therefore, we have grouped them together in this article.

Pohara Beach is our favourite among Golden Bay beaches, known for its vast golden sand and safe swimming waters.

Nearby, Tata Beach offers clear blue water that is perfect for kayaking. At the same time, the lesser-known Ligar Bay is ideal for families because of its shallow waters and sheltered, scenic surroundings.

Totaranui Beach, with its iconic golden sands and calm waters, is also a must-visit and popular spot towards the end of the Abel Tasman National Coast track.

Golden Bay is an ideal destination for beach lovers who enjoy a mix of relaxation and adventure. With so many beaches clustered together, you can easily spend a weekend exploring a different beach.

Along with Kaiteriteri Beach and Tahunanui Beach, these are the best beaches South Island locals love.

Time to get there:  1 hour & 30 minutes drive from Nelson.

READ NEXT- Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Golden Bay Beaches

Wharariki Beach

Female walking on sand dunes at Wharariki Beach, Golden Bay.

Highlights:

  • Impressive rock formations, arches, caves and sand dunes.
  • Tide pools and seal colonies.
  • Wild and remote beauty.

Another of Golden Bay’s best beaches, Wharariki Beach, is located near the northern tip of the South Island. It offers a unique beach experience, so we have given it a specific ranking in this story and consider it one of the best New Zealand beaches.

This beach is a nature lover’s paradise with its towering rock formations, tide pools, and resident seals.

The windswept dunes and remote setting make it perfect for those seeking adventure, with a 30-minute walk to get to the beach from the end of Wharariki Road.

The wild beach makes you feel like you have gone to the end of the earth, and you will often find you are the only one there.

Time to get there: 50-minute drive from Takaka.

New Zealand South Island Insider Tip: The beach here is unsafe for swimming due to large waves and strong currents.

The Best Time to Visit South Island Beaches

If you are lucky to have the option to choose when to visit the best beaches South Island New Zealand has, we have a few recommendations for you.

For the warmest and calmest weather, visit between December and March.

For those who want to swim, the best time to visit these South Island beaches for the ultimate summer fun is January to February.

However, if you want to avoid the school holiday crowds, early December and February to March are best.

If you want the chance to be the only one at the beach, visit during off-peak times (May-September) outside of school and public holiday times.

A Final Note on the Best South Island Beaches

These are our favourite beaches. However, many incredible beaches combine hidden gems with scenic natural wonders and are worth visiting at any time of the year.

Some of our favourites include Moeraki Boulders Beach, Tunnel Beach, Gemstone Beach, Ruby Bay (Tasman), Gillespies Beach (near Fox Glacier), Curio Bay (The Catlins), Porpoise Bay (The Catlins), Purakaunui Bay (The Catlins), Okiwi Bay or Te Mahia Bay (Marlborough beaches), Scotts Beach, Hokitika Beach and Carters Beach (West Coast beaches NZ South Island).

The South Island has over 5,500 km of coastline. There are many opportunities for you to discover your own best beaches in New Zealand South Island beyond the commonly recommended favourites.

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