3 STUNNING BEACHES NORTH OF AUCKLAND
For those that don't know (this might have to be the last time I say this) I make a living crafting wedding film's, so when a couple reached out regarding their wedding day in the Bay of Islands I prayed they'd lock me in. Long story short they did, so instead of flying in for the usual fleeting visit, I decided to take some time off to explore the 'Winterless North' with my wife & kids.
The first stop on our journey was the Whangaparaoa Peninsula (about an hour north of Auckland) where we stayed with my aunty Lizz near Little Manly Beach - which is the first of the three beaches. Our second stop was Kerikeri (a further 3 hours north) where we stayed with my wife's aunty this time - the wedding venue a quick 20 minute drive from her place. Matauri Bay was 25 minutes in the other direction and because we spent a few days at aunty Cath's I got to check it out a couple of times. The third beach was 2 and a half hours north to the very top of New Zealand and by far my favourite of the 3!!! If I could do it all again, Spirit's Bay just West of Cape Reinga would be my first & last stop.
Obviously there's hundreds of stunning beaches north of Auckland that could have been included here (a couple others that blew me away were 90 mile beach, and of course every beach and bay in and around the Bay of Islands). This post is more of a documentation of the beaches we were lucky enough to visit rather than a definitive list of THE MOST STUNNING BEACHES north of Auckland.
Anyway check them out below ↓
LITTLE MANLY
Situated an hour north of Auckland city you'll find this quintessential New Zealand beach. With views of Rangitoto and parts of Auckland this beach is the perfect spot to grab some food and watch the sun go down.
MATAURI BAY
Located 25 minutes from KeriKeri, or 45 minutes from Waitangi, this beach is perfect for those wanting to catch a wave. For those interested in a short burst of cardio, the Rainbow Warrior (Greenpeace protest ship) memorial stands on the cliffs above Matauri Bay.
SPIRITS BAY
Of all the beaches we visited, Spirits Bay was by far my favourite. It was wild and beautiful and the perfect spot to catch a tan - if you're that way inclined. The water was the clearest I've seen in New Zealand and I can only imagine the abundant wildlife that are floating just offshore.
As always, I hope you enjoyed the blog and be sure to put Northland on your bucket list because it's insanely beautiful - and a place I definitely want to return too.
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Reuben James