Northland Beaches and Swimming Safety for Campervan Travellers

Quick summary: Northland’s beaches are the reason many people take a campervan or motorhome north, from the sheltered, island-dotted bays of the east coast to the vast, wild surf beaches of the west. Most are safe and beautiful, but the sea here needs respect: rip currents, powerful west coast surf and dangerous harbour bars catch out visitors every year. This guide covers the best beaches along the way and the simple rules that keep everyone safe.

At a glance
East coast	Generally sheltered and calmer, with bays, islands and white sand
West coast	Exposed, with heavy surf and strong currents
Patrolled beaches	Swim between the red and yellow flags where lifeguards patrol
Main hazards	Rip currents, big surf, harbour bars, tides and strong sun
Never swim	Near harbour mouths or river bars, such as the Hokianga heads
Sun	Strong, so use sunscreen, a hat and shade

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What are the best beaches in Northland for a campervan trip?

Beach	Area	Type	Why go
Waipū Cove and Langs Beach	South of Whangārei	Surf and swimming	Easy first-day stops off SH1
Matapouri	Tutukaka Coast	Sheltered bay	Calm water and the Mermaid Pools walk
Long Beach, Russell	Bay of Islands	Sheltered	Calm water a short drive from Russell
Coopers Beach and Cable Bay	Doubtless Bay	Sheltered	Pōhutukawa-lined bays
Maitai Bay	Karikari Peninsula	Sheltered	Clear water, great for snorkelling
Rarawa Beach	Far north	White silica sand	Turquoise water and a DOC campsite
Taputaputa Bay	Cape Reinga	Sheltered cove	A camp beside the sea at the top of the country
Ninety Mile Beach	Far north, west coast	Surf beach	Vast scale; swim with great care
Muriwai	West of Auckland	Surf beach	Black sand and a gannet colony

What are the main swimming hazards in Northland?

• Rip currents form on surf beaches, carrying swimmers away from the shore. They often look like calmer, darker patches between breaking waves.
• West coast surf on beaches such as Ninety Mile Beach, Ripiro Beach and Muriwai is powerful, with strong currents.
• Harbour bars and river mouths, such as the entrance to the Hokianga Harbour, have strong, unpredictable currents. Never swim near them.
• Tides can cut off rocky points and reefs, especially on walks around headlands.
• Strong sun: New Zealand’s sun is intense, and you can burn quickly even on cloudy days.

How do you swim safely?

• Swim between the flags at patrolled beaches. Lifeguards patrol some of Northland’s busiest beaches, mostly in summer.
• Read the signs at the beach about hazards.
• If in doubt, stay out. If the sea looks rough, enjoy the beach from the sand.
• If you’re caught in a rip, stay calm, float, raise an arm to signal for help and let the current carry you until you can swim parallel to the shore and back in.
• Watch children closely at all times near the water.
• Never swim alone or after drinking alcohol.

Can you park an RV right by the beach in Northland?

Often, yes. Many of Northland’s best beaches have car parks close to the sand, and some DOC campsites and holiday parks sit just behind the dunes, such as at Maitai Bay, Rarawa Beach and Taputaputa Bay. Never drive onto the sand or park on soft dune grass, as heavy vehicles get stuck easily and the dunes are fragile. See our guide to unsealed roads and Ninety Mile Beach.

What water activities can you book?

The Bay of Islands is the hub for water-based tours, with snorkelling, kayaking, sailing and dolphin watching, all with guides who know the conditions. See all the tours from your campervan.

How else can you protect the beaches?

• Take all rubbish with you.
• Keep off the dunes, which are fragile and home to nesting birds such as the New Zealand dotterel.
• Give seals, penguins and nesting birds plenty of space.
• Follow any rules on dogs, which vary between beaches.

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Frequently Asked Questions