Do you like to be beside the seaside? New Zealand has the ninth longest coastline in the world at 15,000 kilometres. Situated along it, you’ll find charming beach towns with plenty of character.
Paihia, Bay of Islands
Pretty Paihia…
Take a 35-minute flight north of Auckland (or a three-hour drive) and you’ll arrive at the Bay of Islands, an idyllic subtropical micro-region in New Zealand. The Bay of Islands encompasses a whopping 144 islands – with Paihia as the centrepiece. A magnet for backpackers, holidaymakers and second homeowners, Paihia has the liveliest nightlife, best shopping opportunities and numerous water sports of all the islands. You can sunbathe, fish, sail or head out for dolphin spotting. Over the course of year, Paihia can be quite windy and cloudy, with temperatures varying between 11°C to 24°C. Summers in Paihia are pleasant with temperatures hovering around 24°C.
Median sale price: $685,000.
Nearest city: Auckland (227 km, approximately 3 hours’ drive)
Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty
Mount Maunganui Main Beach.
Known to locals as “The Mount”, this is a vibrant beach town on the southern end of Tauranga Harbour. Its highest peak, Mauao, which reaches an eye-watering 230 metres, has its own marvellous origin story. According to Maori legend, Mauao dragged himself out of the sea and to the top of the peninsula, lonely and distressed due to unrequited love. Perhaps it’ll be your new spot for a hike whenever you’re feeling mopey.
Mount Main Beach benefits from lovely soft white sand, it is a fantastic spot for sunbathing and swimming. The Mount is particularly celebrated for its surf, especially after the installation of an artificial reef that ensures consistent waves. There is a choice of cafes, restaurants, shops and naturally heated saltwater pools.
The Bay of Plenty is one of the sunniest spots in New Zealand. It has warm, humid summers and mild winters.
Median sale price: $1,075,000
Nearest city: Tauranga (8 km, approximately 10 minutes’ drive)
Raglan, Waikato
Raglan is a chic surfing town on a stretch of black sand coastline, west of Hamilton. Manu Bay is praised for its lengthy, accessible and consistent lefthand break. While Raglan is popular with experienced surfers, there are opportunities for beginners, too. Plus, the Ocean Beach is superb for a swim. Raglan attracts an artistic crowd with plenty of cool cafes, crafts and restaurants. It has a resident population of about 3,000, which swells in summer. Raglan experiences short, comfortable summers and cold, wet winters; throughout the year, temperatures range from 7°C to 24°C with winds and clouds.
Median sale price: $1,020,000
Nearest city: Hamilton (45 km, approximately 41 minutes’ drive)
Nelson, Tasman Bay
Pretty as a postcard Nelson.
With one in five residents born overseas, Nelson has a reputation as a friendly, artistic community for people to flock to and find home. It has entertainment, artisan markets, and plenty of crafts. The sun shines brighter and longer here than anywhere in the country, temperatures are mild year-round with summer seeing highs in the mid 20°Cs. Plus, the beaches are gorgeous – you’d expect so from one called Golden Bay. For hikes and spying on wildlife, you can head to lush pine forests and a choice of three national parks.
Median sale price: $800,000
Nearest city: Richmond (13 km, approximately 15 minutes’ drive)
Russell, Bay of Islands
The first permanent European settlement and seaport in New Zealand, Russell has a romantic, old world feel. It has plenty of cafes, hotels and restaurants to enjoy, including the oldest in the country, the Duke of Wellington. Long Beach is a lovely, lengthy strip with safe swimming and family activities. While Elliot Bay is more rugged but benefits from superb surf. Russell can be quite windy and cloudy, with temperatures varying between 11°C to 24°C.
Median sale price: $1,100,000
Nearest city: Kerikeri (38 km, approximately 40 minutes’ drive)
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