Beachside living in New Zealand means choosing between surf-town hangouts, tranquil bays and friendly small coastal cities. These ten locations offer the best of it all โ waking up to ocean views, breathing in fresh sea air and the possibility of a new chapter by the water.
Picture yourself waking up in one of the first places on Earth to greet the sun, enjoying more than 2,000 hours of sunshine a year and finally embracing the hobbies youโve always wanted to try: surfing…hiking coastal trails…or simply relaxing in a hammock with the sound of waves nearby.
But choosing the right beachside spot isnโt just about beauty โ itโs also about everyday life. You need to consider transport connections, property prices, the local vibe and how your new routine would feel in each place.
Below are ten of the best spots for beachfront living in New Zealand, each with its own flavour and lifestyle opportunities.
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1. Whangamatฤ, North Island
Tucked away on the Coromandel Peninsula, Whangamatฤ offers a relaxed beach-town feel with rainforest backing and consistent surf breaks. It was voted number one beach in the country by the New Zealand Herald in 2018, and it still attracts those seeking a slower, more relaxed way of life rather than the pace of the city. Youโll likely spend your weekends kayaking the estuary, hiking to hidden waterfalls and doing rounds at the 18-hole golf course before the afternoon tide. The friendly locals and compact town size mean youโll feel part of a community.
- Property market snapshot: the average house price currently sits at around NZ$1,284,200 (2025 data).
- Connections: Whangamatฤ is about a two-hour drive from Auckland, just over an hour from Tauranga and an hour and a half from Hamilton.
2. Russell, North Island
Steeped in history as the first European settlement and port in New Zealand, Russell is charming and peaceful. It offers a backdrop of the Bay of Islands โ full of sailing, fishing and dolphin-watching opportunities. Add in art galleries and heritage buildings such as the Pompallier Mission and Christ Church (the countryโs oldest surviving church) and youโve got culture as well as the seaside.
- Property market snapshot: Median sale price around NZ$930,000.
- Connections: Slightly remote, but internal flights are available from nearby Kerikeri (about an hour away). Itโs a 3.5-hour drive from Auckland.
3. Raglan, North Island
Raglan is globally recognised for its surf break, but the lifestyle here stretches well beyond the waves. The town centre is lively yet laid-back, full of artisan cafรฉs, live music and a strong eco-conscious community. Surrounded by native forest and home to the iconic Bridal Veil Falls, itโs as green as it is coastal.
- Property market snapshot: The average house is valued at about NZ$1,091,800.
- Connections: A two-hour drive south of Auckland on the west coast, with Hamilton (and its airport) just 40 minutes away.
4. Golden Bay, South Island
If you’re after quiet mornings, natural wonders and a slow pace, then Golden Bay in the South Island is your kind of place. Think dramatic beaches like Wharariki Beach, the geothermal springs of Pupu Springs and the sweeping expanse of the Abel Tasman National Park โ all within reach. Plus, the region averages around 2,200 sunshine hours each year.
- Property market snapshot: Houses in Takaka (the main Golden Bay township) average NZ$659,250.
- Connections: About 1h 40m drive from Nelson and just over 3 hours to Picton (ferry link to the North Island).
5 โ Mount Maunganui, North Island

Known simply as โThe Mountโ, this peninsula town blends beachside living with urban convenience. Youโll find white-sand beaches, Moturiki Island for sunbathing and surfing, walking trails up the headland and a vibrant town full of cafรฉs, restaurants and shops. It’s ideal for those wanting beach life but with the comforts of city amenities close by.
- Property market snapshot: Average house value about NZ$1,348,350.
- Connections: Mount Maunganui is a short 10-minute drive from Tauranga town centre and its transport links.
6. Dunedin, South Island
Technically a city, Dunedin offers beachside living with the job-market and cultural amenities that many smaller towns lack. With a population around 129,000, youโll access sectors like tech, education, research and manufacturing while enjoying coastal escapes on your doorstep. The town has a youthful energy with students and families living alongside retirees.
- Property market snapshot: The median property cost in the region sits around NZ$657,500.
- Connections: Itโs a 3.5-hour drive to Queenstown and around 4.5 hours to Christchurch.
7. Napier, North Island
Set in the Hawkeโs Bay region, Napier combines miles of coastline, a warm, dry climate and the renowned vineyards that the region supports. If youโre after classic beach living with a touch of elegance โ wine, style and good food โ Napier ticks many boxes.
- Property market snapshot: The average property price is around NZ$757,484.
- Connections: The local airport is only around nine minutes away from town, while Gisborne is three hoursโ drive north and other inland destinations are around two hours away.
8. Hokitika, South Island
On New Zealandโs wild West Coast, Hokitika offers something different: black sand beaches, jade-coloured water and a rugged natural environment dominated by rainforest and dramatic scenery. Itโs for nature lovers who prefer the soundtrack of wind, waves and the wild to the hum of city life. The town also hosts lively local events such as the annual Wildfoods Festival.
- Property market snapshot: The average house price in Hokitika is around NZ$465,850.
- Connections: The town is a three-hour drive from Christchurch, but it does have its own domestic airport.
9. New Plymouth, North Island

On the west coast of the North Island in the Taranaki region, New Plymouth offers a thriving arts community, hundreds of surf beaches along the โSurf Highwayโ and the dramatic silhouette of Mount Taranaki towering in the distance. For those wanting artistic flavour, beach life and nature in one, this oneโs strong on all counts.
- Property market snapshot: The average house price is around NZ$843,800.
- Connections: It’s about a three-hour drive to Hamilton, the nearest big city, and about two hours 45 minutes to fly to Auckland.
10. Kaikลura, South Island
For laid-back, arty beachside living youโll struggle to beat Kaikลura, where snow-capped mountains meet the South Pacific Ocean, seabirds, whales, dolphins and penguins are commonly spotted nearby and a creative, relaxed community welcomes you in. Again, it is a small town but with tonnes of character and nature right on the doorstep.
- Property market snapshot: Average property price around NZ$722,519.
- Connections: Kaikลura is just over two hours from Christchurch by car.
Comparison table
Location | Approx Average/Median Property Price | Lifestyle highlight |
---|---|---|
Whangamatฤ | NZ$1,284,200 | Surf town on Coromandel, rainforest + beach |
Russell | NZ$980,000 | Historic bay-town, sailing & dolphins |
Raglan | NZ$1,091,800 | Renowned surf town, green surroundings |
Golden Bay | NZ$630,000 (approx) | Remote, nature-rich South Island bay |
Mount Maunganui | NZ$1,348,350 | Beach-peninsula with city amenities |
Dunedin | NZ$680,000 (approx) | Coastal city with beach access & jobs |
Napier | NZ$757,484 | Warm coast, wine region, Art Deco town |
Hokitika | NZ$465,850 | Wild West Coast, black sand beaches |
New Plymouth | NZ$843,800 | West coast arts town + hundreds of surf beaches |
Kaikลura | NZ$722,519 | Mountains meet sea, marine wildlife |
Summary
Each of these ten spots offers a distinct version of beachfront living in New Zealand โ some are more remote and tranquil, while others are closer to urban amenities. Before you decide where to settle, think about how close you want to be to a major city, what level of infrastructure and job opportunities youโll need, how much youโre prepared to spend, and the kind of rhythm that feels right for you โ whether thatโs shaped by surf, nature or community.