Today, the Herald launches our annual search for New Zealand\u2019s Best Beach and we want you to nominate your favourite beaches from around the country in five categories. The series runs until February 1, and nominations are now open. You\u2019ll find the easy form at the bottom of the page.<\/p>\n
But what are we looking for with your nominations?<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s start with the unexpected \u2013 we want to know the beach you consider New Zealand\u2019s best hidden gem. This is the place you like to go to get away from it all, where you\u2019ll find solitude and unspoilt beauty. Don\u2019t keep the secrets all to yourself \u2013 tell your fellow Kiwis about the treasures hidden around the country. Last year\u2019s winner was Whale Bay, in Northland. Do you have another secret spot you\u2019re happy to share?<\/p>\n
Whale Bay, Northland.<\/p>\n
Next, tell us your top pick for New Zealand\u2019s best surf beach, where surfers can find the most reliable waves, and non-surfers can take a refreshing walk along a wild, rugged beach to blow out the cobwebs. Last year\u2019s winner was Raglan, Waikato, with Waipu Cove and Whangamat\u0101 taking out second and third place. Is there another spot you prefer to catch a wave?<\/p>\n
The surf beaches in Raglan were named NZ’s best in 2025’s competition. Photo \/ WaikatoNZ<\/p>\n
Best family beach is always a hotly contested category, with previous winners including Waipu Cove and \u014chope, with Waih\u012b Beach, Matap\u014duri and Kaiteriteri taking out previous second and third spots. Where\u2019s your favourite place to take the wh\u0101nau for a relaxing day in the sand? Nominate the spots that have safe water for the kids, a good stretch of grass to lay out a picnic blanket, some shade to keep everyone sun-safe, and necessities like toilets and showers, playgrounds and ice cream vans.<\/p>\n
Families have enjoyed holidays at \u014chope beach for generations. Photo \/ Tourism Bay of Plenty<\/p>\n
We also want to know your picks for the nation\u2019s best camping beach \u2013 the place you can pitch your tent with an ocean- or lake-front view, and start your day with a refreshing dip, rather than a shower. Last year\u2019s winner was Waipu Cove, with \u014chope and Kaiteriteri in second and third spots.<\/p>\n
And last but by no means least, we want to know your recommendations for best city beach, whether it\u2019s in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin or even a smaller city around the motu. Nominate your favourite beach in Aotearoa\u2019s urban centres \u2013 maybe it\u2019s your local spot or the place you go for a city break? Last year\u2019s winner was Mount Maunganui in the Bay of Plenty, with Auckland\u2019s \u014crewa and Nelson\u2019s T\u0101hunanui in second and third.<\/p>\n
Mount Maunganui. Photo\/ NZME<\/p>\n
Getting your nominations in is easy \u2013 just scroll to the bottom of this page to find the entry form. There, you\u2019ll be able to nominate one contender for each category.<\/p>\n
You can also tell us a little bit about why you think these beaches deserve to win \u2013 we\u2019ll profile entries throughout the month.<\/p>\n
Nominations are open until the end of Sunday, January 11. From there, the 10 most popular nominees in each category will be collated and announced on Sunday, January 18. You can then vote for the ultimate winners, who will be crowned on February 1.<\/p>\n
Any beach, anywhere around the country, could make the final list, from the tip of Te Tai Tokerau Northland to the bottom of Rakiura Stewart Island. It\u2019s all up to you … get nominating.<\/p>\n