The search for the motu’s favourite beaches of 2025 has come to an end, with five brand-new champions rising through the ranks to claim the coveted titles. With three wins to its name, Northland is this year’s ultimate victor, taking out Best Family Beach , Best Camping Beach and Best Hidden Gem . So what does the local tourism board have to say about it? Here are its thoughts.
The Herald Travel’s annual Best Beach competition has hung up its jandals for another year, but celebrations are only just beginning for Aotearoa’s three winning regions. Northland scored a hat-trick, with Bream Bay’s Waipu Cove - an underdog plucked from Best Beach obscurity to claim two of the five categories - beating three-time Best Family Beach winner, Ōhope. It also took home the title of Best Camping Beach , while coastal jewel Whale Bay/Matapōuri was crowned Best Hidden Gem .
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