Beaches in Christchurch - Facilities, Activities & Best Time to Visit

Beaches, Christchurch Overview

Unofficially known as New Zealand's beach-going capital, the Bay of Plenty is abundant in beautiful beaches and vast waters which line the glorious coastline of the island. This coastline is a hundred-kilometre stretch from Waihi Beach in the north end to the southernmost point of the region.

Some of the most popular beaches are Mount Main Beach (Ocean Beach), Waihi Beach, Omokoroa Beach, Papamoa Beach, Pilot Bay Beach, Tay Street and Anzac Bay, Mauao (The Mount) Beaches, and Moturiki Island. All these beaches are unique in their way, be it the specific activities related to them or the different types of sand and tidal waves found at these venues.

Mount Main Beach (Ocean Beach)

Mount Main Beach is one of the most well-known beaches in the country for its surf swells and rocky shores. The golden sandy beaches have been ranked second-best in all of South Pacific and one of the top 25 beaches in the world. Visitors can swim, surf, sunbathe and enjoy other beach activities along the kilometre-long stretch which runs to the Moturiki (Leisure) Island. With lifeguards along with safer swimming points, the beach temperature reaches a maximum of 21°C during summers, thus making it a highly popular tourist location. Car parking spots are available around the beach, but they tend to get occupied during summers and on weekends as well. Public toilets are provided at the Mount Drury Reserve opposite the Moturiki (Leisure) Island. The beach also has multiple cafes and restaurants at the dividing road.

Omokoroa Beach

The Omokoroa Beach is located twenty minutes north of Tauranga, on the peninsula at the end of The Esplanade in Omokoroa. The scenic beach is a popular spot to take a day off as there are various amenities, such as stores and eateries available close to the shore. The beach is considered to be very safe for activities like swimming and surfing, making it a child-secure zone too. There are public toilets available halfway through the beachfront and free parking spots are available 24 hours for both cars and trailers.

Papamoa Beach

Famous for its flat white sand, rolling surfs and extensive dunes, the Papamoa Beach is located along the coastline from Mount Maunganui. The beach stretches for around 16 kilometres and is conducive for family outings as the tides are low and there aren't huge rocks along the shores. The most popular swimming spot at the beach is located outside the Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club. There are many lifeguards stationed along the waters, continually patrolling the beach, especially during summers. Parking spots are available at the grass reserve beside the Papamoa Beach Resort Campground. The beach offers not only tide surfing, but also kite flying, wind-surfing and offshore fishing.

Pilot Bay Beach

Located along the harbour's edge in Mount Maurangi, the Pilot Bay Beach is at the southwestern side of the mountain's peninsula. The beach is an accessible location for swimming, surfing, water sports, picnics and cruise watching. Calm waters and low tides all year round makes the Pilot Bay Beach effectively family-friendly. Visitors can set up barbeques or go kayaking in the waters, as the beach offers ample parking spaces for personal boats.

Waihi Beach

The Waihi Beach lies at a distance of 50 minutes from Tauranga located in the Western Bay of Plenty and is also the gateway to Coromandel. Visitors can reach the beach via the semi-regular buses that run from Tauranga to the shore via the Bayhopper services. The beach is known for hosting a lot of events such as weddings and is also an excellent location for various sports and beach activities, such as camping at the beach's assigned camping spots. The Waihi Beach Village offers a variety of amenities like a chemist, the Home Hardware store, dairy, cafes, restaurants and takeaway, Four Square, giftware stores, clothing and shoe stores, chocolate shops, etc. The location also has a small airport, a gas station, childcare services and much more.

Tay Street

Tay Street is one of the most popular kitesurfing spots in Tauranga and has some of the best surf breaks drawing visitors from all over the city. Located towards the south end of Marine Parade, Tay Street is home to New Zealand's first artificial surfing reef built out of geotextile bags that are anchored to the seabed. Visitors can enjoy swimming and surfing in the patrolled and flagged areas of the beaches which are considered to be safe given the unpredictable tidal conditions of the waters. The beach also has public toilets and an outdoor shower stall.

Anzac Bay

The Anzac Bay is one of the lesser-known locations but is extremely beautiful and peaceful as compared to most of the other beaches. It is located at the southern end of the Waihi Beach, at Bowentown Heads. There are fast tides that go towards the south entrance to Tauranga Harbour, so it is best to save water activities to the main beach itself. Anzac Bay also has a boat ramp for docking private boats and is surrounded by native trees like the Pohutukawa trees. Public toilets and changing rooms are available for the visitors along with barbeque spots.