Fern SutherlandBack Beach, Taranaki, is my favourite beach. My favourite beach memories involve pōhutukawa trees blooming in the summertime. Ōpito Bay in the Coromandel is NZ's best beach, according to Shortland Street's Jane Wills. Jane Wills plays Phil Grayson in Shortland Street on TVNZ2 and TVNZ+Jason ReevesMy favourite beach would be Waihī Beach. Nominate your favourite beaches in our five categories: Best Family Beach, Best Surf Beach, Best City Beach, Best Hidden Gem Beach and Best Camping Beach.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 03, 2026 17:33 UTC