You can hire blokarts, bikes and kites or simply take a stroll along the boardwalk that hugs the coastline and get a dose of fresh ocean air. The 14 most exotic black sand beaches in the world travel. Best beaches on the north island, nz view retreats. Thanks to its heatretaining tendencies, black sand is great when the temperature is down, but under the hot midday sun, it can be sole. The sprawling beach, which spans 37 miles on the west coast of the auckland region, is also home to new zealand s largest colony of gannet birds. The top black sand beach in the world is punaluu beach, which is located on the big island of hawaii. Oct 18, 2019 new zealand is known for its incredible nature so its no wonder that the beaches in new zealand are some of the most stunning beaches in the world. A windswept rugged coastline stretching 60 kilometres, and interrupted only by streams and rivers, makes muriwai one of new zealands most spectacular blacksand surf beaches. The first tours we ran were our wilderness experience tours to the black sand beach of piha which still runs every afternoon. Wineries honey and black sand beaches from auckland 2020. While some beaches are predominantly made of black sand, even other color beaches can often have deposits of black sand, particularly after. Bush and beach award winning small group tours from auckland. The main beach is consistently voted new zealand s best for its surf, beachside cafes and seemingly neverending white sand.
Its landscape is also very impressive and has a jurassic feel to it. This is new zealands most adventurous day trip to the black sand beaches. Black sand tours wild west adventure trip is a different style of tourism. Mt smart stadium base to provide historic action for rally new zealand new partnership ensures the 36th americas cup will be accessible to all new zealanders. Take a day trip and discover the tranquil beaches and sheltered bays of the north and east. Auckland adventure tours blacksand adventure tours auckland. Piha is a rugged black sand beach in west auckland, and to get there from the city, you must travel through the waitakere ranges. Karekare, new zealand you may recognize this beach from its starring role in the piano, which won anna paquin an oscar and earned this beach the title of most famous blacksand beach in the world. Aucklands most adventurous day trip to black sand beaches including piha, muriwai, bethells and kitekite falls spend the day. Aucklandnewzealand tour west coast beaches, black sand. On the south islands west coast, black sand beaches such as this have. It may be the most empty, perfect, untouched beach in the entire world.
Worlds most colorful beaches for a world travel bucket list. Kariotahi beach waiuku 2020 all you need to know before. The highlight of this tour is the famous black sand beach of reynisfjara with its awe inspiring basaltic. Piha beach outside of auckland, new zealand known for. Piha black sand beach nomads hostels australia, new zealand. The beach is easy to find and about a 5mim drive from kawhia town. Plus, our photos are spectacular we take pictures of you and your friends exploring our locations all day, and they are freely available to you at no cost.
Wild west beach adventure day including piha beach. The beach is surrounded by black sand that was created by lava from volcanoes flowing into the ocean and then cooling. The lion rock whilst we did not walk up it look like a very hard hike. Here are our top picks for amazing beaches on the north island for you to explore during your holiday. New plymouth city, the hub of taranaki, is within easy reach of new zealand s international airports. Kitekite falls piha muriwai adventure day trip to black. Dr terry hume, of the national institute of water and atmospheric research niwa, is an expert in sand and beach processes. Black sand tours auckland central 2020 all you need to. This is due to volcanic reactions in the north island. Jun 11, 2019 new zealand has more than 9,300 miles of coastline, which ripples and zigzags to create bays, coves, fjords, and countless beaches. The 14 most exotic black sand beaches in the world. There are other black sand beaches to be found in nz and many are close to piha beach. Black sand beaches natural environment te ara encyclopedia. These long stretches of volcanic black sand, rocky clifftops and sweet swells are a day trippers dream.
Situated on the west coast of the north island, 40 kms from the city of auckland, this black iron sand beach has a reputation for awesome surf which rolls in over the tasman sea. Lincoln tan is the new zealand heralds diversity, ethnic affairs and immigration senior reporter. Aucklands west coast beaches north island new zealand. Blacksand surf beaches the rugged, dramatic beauty and pounding waves of our wild west coast beaches draw surfers, artists, families and celebrities alike. Black sand sets the stage for one of new zealands most beautiful beaches. Piha beach 2020 all you need to know before you go with. On this familyfriendly tour, escape to the blacksand beaches of piha and whatipu and enjoy a day by the sea on the scenic north island.
A windswept rugged coastline stretching 60 kilometres, and interrupted only by streams and rivers, makes muriwai one of new zealand s most spectacular black sand surf beaches. Jun 27, 2018 travelers flock to black sand beaches around the world. The black sand is very hot from the sun, so wear shoes and have a beach shelter or something to sit on when you are not in the water. On the west coast the tasman sea, notoriously wild, breaks against rugged cliffs, weathered rocks and long, soulful stretches of black sand. The type of sand you get its colour, density, and grain size. If you cant pick just one or you arent sure of any, here is a list of the top 10 black sand beaches. Auckland, new zealand for a truly oneofakind beach experience explore the black sand beaches of new zealand when you cruise with royal caribbean to auckland, new zealand. We do other locations including more black sand beaches, waterfalls and the like, all over the waitakere ranges. It involves walking through sandy creeks with black sand, rolling and sliding down gigantic 150 foot sand dunes, diving off jetties into beautiful mountain lakes and exploring some amazing surf beaches in a fun, family oriented and safe way.
Forbes traveler uncovers the sexist beaches in australia and new zealand. This beach is popular for surfing, hanggliding, and paragliding as the prevailing westerlies provide favorable conditions. You need internet these days quicker than books and homework gets harder when you get older. In fact, the black sand of the beach is caused by its high iron content, a byproduct of its volcanic beginnings. The sands also contain other heavy minerals eroded from the southern alps and concentrated on beaches through wave action. Ideas to the best nz places to visit in summer air new zealand. May 27, 2015 karekare, new zealand you may recognize this beach from its starring role in the piano, which won anna paquin an oscar and earned this beach the title of most famous black sand beach in the world. New zealand is filled with pristine natural environments, one of the most intriguing and dramatic is the black sand found in a number of beaches scattered across the country. Check out maraetai, with safe swimming and spectacular views, and nearby beachlands or omana. Muriwai is a hugely popular beach in the auckland region of new zealand. Theres nothing quite like a relaxing beach vacation to recharge, help reduce stress, and reconnect with loved ones. Dont wait no more and book your black sand tours adventure today.
Its a time for swimming and picnics, sailing and kayaking, hiking in the hills and holiday houses by the water. In the north island the black sands are derived from volcanic rocks and. The ocean is said to be rocky, so be aware if you plan on going into the water. This is new zealand s most adventurous day trip to the black sand beaches.
Huge sand dunes right next to the exit point of the. The name is a misnomer as the beach stretch is actually 55 miles long. If youre looking for a more unique travel experience this year, look no further than a black sand beach no, black sand beaches were not formed for those who tend to be attracted to the darker, more gothic side of life. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the dates you selected. Possibly new zealands most iconic black sand beach, piha is just 40km from auckland city on the west coast, at the end of piha rd off scenic drive. Where to find black sand beaches in auckland nz pocket. Discover the produce and panoramas for which new zealand s north island is famous on this 5. The well known black sand beaches sweeping down the west coast of the north island are the sites of new zealands greatest known reserves of ironsand. With gentle waves rolling in over soft sand and spectacular natural scenery, new zealand is widely considered home to the worlds most beautiful beaches. One type of black sand is a heavy, glossy, partly magnetic mixture of usually fine sands, found as part of a placer deposit. Just came across your post as i was searching for records of pink beaches in northlandauckland as i am writing a section of my new book on the colour of beach sands and know of the pink beaches and have a photo of the pink shell sand on this beach from 2005 that i intend to include. The geography books say this is a small black sand beach when compared to the other black beaches of new zealand. Its located on the west coast around a 45minute drive from auckland.
Take a scenic drive to the pohutukawa coast for beautiful white sand beaches, expansive regional parks and familyfriendly activities. Ironsand beaches, western north island iron and steel. Dig your own low tide hot tub kawhia hot water beach. Piha beach, waitakere a black sand beach close to auckland. We went here to experience the black sand beaches of nz. Visit the kumeu river winery with your guide and learn of new zealand s early winemaking pioneers. Its formed largely from volcanic activity and provides a stunning canvas for photography. From white sand to black sand new zealand do have a variety of different beaches depending on which area you visit. Black sand is an adventure tour company giving tourists a fun and adventurous day out in auckland, exploring beautiful black sand beaches, amazing waterfalls and hidden places you will not find without us. Kitekite falls piha muriwai adventure day trip to black sand. Those looking to melt into a world of bliss sparkling with sand and sea should check out the following top 5 beach holiday destinations in new zealand. Jul 26, 2019 when you imagine new zealand, you might think of plunging bungee jumps, bright hobbit doors, and jagged mountain peaks. We are a small group never more than 12 people adventure tour.
If you want to experience a black sand beach, the north islands west coast is home to a few that are the result of volcanic eruptions. In the north island native pohutukawa trees are blooming crimson, while the south island lakes and rivers are freshly topped up with snowmelt. Possibly new zealand s most iconic black sand beach, piha is just 40km from auckland city on the west coast, at the end of piha rd off scenic drive. The shore area is dotted with sand dunes resembling a desert landscape. In new zealand, sand is made up of either ground rocks or shell, says dr hume. Ironsand beaches, western north island next darkcoloured sand rich in titanomagnetite is found on beaches on the west coast of the north island between whanganui and auckland. While the country is known for every kind of inland adventure, sometimes travelers forget that, at its heart, its an island nation, meaning the ocean is as much a part of the landscape and experiences as the mountains. The unbridled wilderness, the stretch of black sand and the distinct lack of crowds makes piha a surfers haven. The best beaches in new zealand, on the north island and. From black sand beaches, to quiet, soft and sandy stretches, the beaches in new zealand have it all. Back beach is a secluded stretch of coastline on the north island. Swimming, surfing, hiking, bird viewing, and wine tastings are among the many things to do in west auckland new zealand. These run the gamut from surfing hot spots to quiet sheltered. The magnetite in the sand contains fairly large quantities of titanium, and is sometimes referred to as titanomagnetite.
Located on the north island, the area is renowned for its silty black sand, a result of iron content in the silt deposited by ancient volcanoes, particularly the socalled kaipara volcano, which was active 16 million years ago. On the south islands west coast, black sand beaches such as this have successfully been mined for gold. The longest beach in new zealand is the ninety mile beach, which in reality is about 60 miles long. So with that in mind, we have made this list of where to find black sand beaches in auckland. Piha is a scenic blacksand surf beach on the rugged coast west of auckland. A wide range of popular and useful new zealand travel books. It is north of whatipu, south of piha and west of the centennial. Book one the black sand beach series, a middle grade graphic novel series about. There are actually many black sand beaches around the world, including muriwai black sand beach in auckland, new zealand. Piha things to see and do north island new zealand. Of all the beaches in new zealand, those found on the north island definitely place among the best in terms of natural beauty and waterrelated activities. Blacksand adventures wild west beach adventure day. There are a number of black sand beaches on the west coast of the south island nz that have been successfully mined for gold.
Black sand tours limited adventure daytrip auckland, nz. Only 35 minutes from the auckland cbd, the unspoilt muriwai beach has a lot to offer auckland visitors. Book one the black sand beach series, a middle grade graphic novel series about a haunted summer vacation, written by richard fairgray, a bestselling and. One thing i love about the new zealand beaches is how empty they are. Ironsand occurs extensively on the west coast of new zealand s north island. Like all of aucklands west coast beach, bethells has black sand and a rugged coastline.
Beautifull black sand beaches en moderately warm sea. Its one of new zealands most famous surf beaches, but like many beaches along new zealands entire west coast, the seas are rough and only suitable for experienced surfers or newbies with an instructor. Stunning black sand beaches you have to visit thrillist. The sand makes up a large portion of the black sand beaches on the north island, as well as the surrounding sea floor. Just remember that since new zealand is located in the southern hemisphere, the new. Heads lighthouse and had wonderful time enjoying the vast expanse of black sand beach. Another type of black sand, found on beaches near a volcano, consists of tiny fragments of basalt. It is located 35 kilometres 22 mi west of auckland city centre, south of the larger beach of piha. Pull your camper in for the night at top 10s hot water beach holiday park. New zealands incredible black sand beaches graphic design. So, the next time youre planning a vacation or looking for a new place to go to for a few days, try heading to a black sand beach.
Put on your walking shoes and head up mauao for a spectacular view of the peninsula. The surf like quite dangerous so i woulod suggest only swim if you know how. Perfect for a day out on a summer noon, ninety mile is among the best beaches in new zealand. On the east coast the pacific ocean plays along bays and beaches where white sand, surf and calm harbours provide enormous scope for fun. Piha is one of the most popular beaches in the north island and one of the best beaches in new zealand. No matter where you are a campervan in rotorua, a hostel in queenstown or road tripping through new zealands north or south island the beach is near by. The rugged, dramatic beauty and pounding waves of our wild west coast beaches draw surfers, artists, families and celebrities alike. Since this is located on the west coast of auckland, it wears black sand. This is a great overview of the auckland area as we quickly leave the city behind and head through vineyards, market gardens, villages and sheep farms to the black sand beach of muriwai black water. Auckland central tourism auckland central accommodation. Jan 14, 2019 the 14 most exotic black sand beaches in the world. Most of new zealand s black sand beaches can be found on the west coast of the auckland region well within an hours drive of the city. He now owns multiple tables, scanners, and lamps in new zealand, usa. Being black, the sand gets hot quickly so always take footwear because you will burn the soles of your feet if youre not careful.
It is remote enough that you might even find you have the. Auckland beaches by day muriwai beach at the southern end of a 50 km stretch of silky black sand, is one of the most stunning west coast auckland beaches as can be seen from the video above. Aucklands best adventure day trip to black sand beaches including piha. From black sandy beaches to hot water pools no part of new zealand is more than 128 kilometres from the ocean. Karekare is a small coastal settlement in northern new zealand, sandwiched between the waitakere ranges and a large black sand surf beach. Black sand adventure day trip from auckland head off the beaten track to aucklands best black sand beaches for a day of swimming, rockscrambling, hiking, even sand dune sliding. Plan to pause at the lookout as you round the corner and the coast which is unmissable with lion rock rising from the sand first comes into full view. Family adventure day trip to black sand beaches from auckland. Auckland full day tours west coast black sands tours must do new. All of our tours are on black sand beaches surrounded by truly spectacular scenery. For hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts, this beach provides numerous trails. Nov 11, 2009 australia and new zealands sexiest beaches. But out in the sun on hot hot beach shoveling sand may not be so much fun.
Hugely popular in the auckland region of new zealand, muriwai is known for the silty black sand. Oct 11, 2015 located at the northernmost tip of new zealand, this golden sandy beach is just beside aupouri forest. The black sand is due to new zealand being a fairly volcanic place, the sand is a mixture of volcanic sand and iron oxide. Black sand is the story of the unlikely collaboration between detective lieutenant teddy lucas, who runs a squad of earthy, quirky new york street cops, and major andreas vassos of the hellenic national police, a man bent on recovering his nations loss and revenging his own. As its on the west coast, piha has black sand caused by its previous volcanic activity. The gannet colony is in residence from august to march. The chilledout surf town, shortened to the mount by locals, is the perfect place to unwind in the sunshine.
Brace yourself for amazing views, undulating dunes, islands primed for hiking, and long, seemingly endless walks along the shore. Muriwais stunning black sand comes from a mix of materials including iron and titanium from the areas ancient volcanoes. Black sand adventure day trip from auckland waitakere. That said, there are still some fine beaches for swimming and surfing which often have iron sand in the north island, a black volcanic sand which can get very hot on a sunny day. Its a subtropical rainforest with trails, black sand beaches, wildlife, and waterfalls. However, it can also be fun to explore the worlds strangest beaches with unique surrounding landscapes, rare sand colors or unusual beachgoer companions. Auckland west coast wilderness experience greatsights new zealand. Taranaki might be lonely planets second best region in the world but its black sand foreshore has been snubbed from a list of new zealand s top 10 beaches.
Most of the west coast of the north island of new zealand has black sand. The 10 best new zealand beaches with photos tripadvisor. In australia we have lovely yellow or white sand so black sand is certainly different for us. The view across the beach is stunning and was really relaxing sitting in the warm water and watching the ocean waves roll in. Bush and beach are celebrating running tours for 35 years, so when you book with us you know you are booking with a company that has plenty of experience. Black sand of course, decent surf, the monolithic keyhole rock, amazing quiet lagoons and rock pools, fun lowlevel cliff jumps, beautiful sand dunes for running rolling sliding down, and a quiet, safe river for a lazy swim.
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