What to do and see in South Island, New Zealand: The Best Beaches

May 11, 2022 Terina Blouin

Discover the best top things to do in South Island, New Zealand including Waikouaiti Beach, Purakaunui Bay, Tata Beach, Allans Beach, Sumner Beach (Cave Rock), Corsair Bay, Waimairi Beach, Warrington Beach, Bob’s Bay, Waikuku Beach.
Restaurants in South Island

1. Waikouaiti Beach

Beach Street, Waikouaiti New Zealand
Excellent
88%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 16 reviews

Waikouaiti Beach

Reviewed By 40beckye - Dunedin, New Zealand

Love love love this beach. It’s an awesome place to take your furry friend for a nice stroll. The beach is really long (walk all the way to entrance to Karitane estuary) so you can take a long walk should you so wish. Beautiful outlook towards Karitane near the south of the beach. Often horses training on the beach so make sure you have a lead for your dog just in case. Surf is usually pretty gentle so can swim safely (while not patrolled). Family friendly!

2. Purakaunui Bay

Purakaunui Bay Rd New Zealand http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/catlins-coastal-area/things-to-do/purakaunui-bay-campsite/
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 10 reviews

Purakaunui Bay

3. Tata Beach

Pohara New Zealand
Excellent
85%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 27 reviews

Tata Beach

Reviewed By C5804LOterrim - South Africa, null

Went to the beach a couple of weeks ago on a good day. It was absolutely stunning. Went again today after major storms. There was a lot of drift wood and debris on the beach which spoilt it and the water wasn't as blue. Went for a kayak trip and was amazing. Hard work but fun. Do recommend it. Would be even nicer when hot and swimable. The water was pretty cold.

4. Allans Beach

Portobello, Cape Saunders 9077 491-591 Allans Beach Road RD 2, Dunedin 9077 New Zealand http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/otago/places/otago-peninsula-area/things-to-do/allans-beach-track/
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 5 reviews

Allans Beach

Reviewed By 422iana - Dunedin, New Zealand

This is Dunedin's hidden gem! Off the tourist route, but you are likely to see sea lions in this area. Walk all the way down the beach to the estuary. You can also see penguins are the right time. Please read the signs and don't get close to these animals. So many tourists get right next to them and they are big animals and if provoked could cause damage.

5. Sumner Beach (Cave Rock)

The Esplanade Sumner Beach, Christchurch 2004 New Zealand +64 3-379 9629 http://www.beachsumner.co.nz
Excellent
52%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 326 reviews

Sumner Beach (Cave Rock)

Reviewed By Juliea1928 - Tauranga, New Zealand

Easy to get to by bus or car the beach is just lovely and takes you back in time. There is a lovely big rock you can walk through on low tide which is amazing. Quant shops nearby and a fun place to visit

6. Corsair Bay

Governor's Bay Road Near Lyttelton, Christchurch 8082 New Zealand
Excellent
48%
Good
48%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 60 reviews

Corsair Bay

Reviewed By 194fayh - Christchurch, New Zealand

This beach is very safe for all ages to swim at. Also has a wonderful playground and picnic areas . Secluded - turnoff main road this bay is on two levels well off the road way so safe for little ones too.

7. Waimairi Beach

Beach Road, Christchurch 8009 New Zealand
Excellent
68%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 22 reviews

Waimairi Beach

8. Warrington Beach

Dunedin 9471 New Zealand
Excellent
33%
Good
67%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

Warrington Beach

9. Bob’s Bay

Picton New Zealand
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6 reviews

Bob’s Bay

Reviewed By jasdombo - Wellington, New Zealand

Take the lower track to Bobs Bay, it's right on the waterfront, really well constructed track and beutiful.

10. Waikuku Beach

Waikuku Beach Waimakariri District, 2004 New Zealand +64 3-312 7663
Excellent
57%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7 reviews

Waikuku Beach

Reviewed By rachelb161 - Christchurch, New Zealand

We stayed at the holiday camp, by the beach. Very clean and very quiet, although it was not during the holiday season. Beautiful beach with easy access. We also visited the local café, excellent coffee and a good selection of homemade food, including delicious muffins. There is also a selection of take away food, such as fish and chips. Ice creams would also be popular on hotter days.

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