You’ll have numerous choices when looking for the best beach resorts in New Zealand. With over 15,000 km of coastline, New Zealand is home to many beautiful beaches – some are flanked by gorgeous hotels and resorts, offering the perfect setting for a relaxing beach getaway.
New Zealand’s most delightful beaches are spread in three distinct areas – the sub-tropical Bay of Islands, the far north with abundant marine life, and the sun-drenched Coromandel peninsula close to Auckland. Thus, you’ll find most of the beach resorts in New Zealand within these areas.
If you need help deciding which resort to book for your holiday, here’s our choice for the best beach resorts in New Zealand. Also, be sure to read my guides for Glamping in New Zealand, Luxury Lodges in New Zealand, and Festivals in New Zealand for more future trip-planning inspiration!
The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs
Where: Matauri Bay, Northland
Price: $1,700+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/kauri-cliffs.en-gb.html
New Zealand’s North Island is where you’ll find some of the country’s most breathtaking beaches. So, it’s not a surprise that it’s home to some of the best beach resorts in New Zealand, such as the Lodge at Kauri Cliffs in Matauri Bay. Facing the sweeping views of the Pacific, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs is spread across 6,00 acres of land with a clifftop golf course and a serene spa.
Accommodation options at The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs include elegant suites and two-bedroom cottages. All have a private patio, a walk-in wardrobe, a fireplace, and an en suite bathroom. For ultimate luxury, book the Owner’s Suite, which has a private infinity pool and a kitchen. Boasting three beaches, you are guaranteed to enjoy a fun-filled beach getaway in The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs.
Credit: The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs
Bay of Many Coves
Where: Arthur’s Bay, Marlborough
Price: $662+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/bay-of-many-coves-new-zealand.en-gb.html
https://www.bayofmanycoves.co.nz/
The Bay of Many Coves is one of the most remote beach resorts in New Zealand, accessible via a half-hour water taxi ride through the Queen Charlotte Sound. Its secluded location makes it an ideal choice for couples looking for a tranquil place for a romantic escape. Arrive in style by booking the resort’s 20-minute helicopter ride from Wellington.
The upscale resort occupies a 52-hectare of native bushland, surrounded by stunning nature. All rooms are furnished lavishly with comfy beds, and some have balconies overlooking the spectacular views of the bay. While there is no air-conditioning, the ceiling fans are enough to keep you cool and comfy. Spend your day at the resort’s private beach and enjoy water-based activities like paddle boarding and kayaking. After dark, enjoy a scenic stroll along one of the tracks to spot glowworms.
Credit: Bay of Many Coves
Beachfront Enclosure Bay – Waiheke
Where: Oneroa, Waiheke Island
Price: $433+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/beachfront-enclosure-bay.en-gb.html
Beachfront Enclosure Bay is a modern hillside retreat in a tropical oasis, offering gorgeous accommodations. You can stay in a king-sized double room, but there are spacious apartments if you prefer a more generous space. All accommodations are bright and airy, with neutral and cozy furniture, including comfy beds.
As one of the most luxurious beach resorts in New Zealand, expect world-class amenities and top-notch service at Enclosure Bay. A glass of local wine awaits at check-in. Head to the resort’s stunning beach, which you can reach on a short walk further down the road. It is a sheltered swimming spot offering fishing and snorkeling opportunities. The resort can also book sightseeing excursions for a more enjoyable holiday.
Credit: Beachfront Enclosure Bay – Waiheke
Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel
Where: Paihia, Northland
Price: $138+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/paihia-beach-resort-spa.html
https://www.paihiabeach.co.nz/
For couples on a romantic getaway, stay at Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel, one of the best beach resorts in New Zealand. The lovely resort overlooks the beautiful Paihia Beach and offers stunning boutique accommodations designed for comfort and luxury. All accommodations are aesthetically pleasing, with modern amenities like a TV, Wi-Fi, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Aside from having direct access to Paihia Beach, the resort has a saltwater swimming pool and warm plunge pools. But one of the highlights is the resort’s onsite spa, Le Sa Naturale, which offers a range of relaxing treatments, massages, and therapies.
Credit: Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel
Split Apple Retreat
Where: Motueka, Tasman
Price: $2,000+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/split-apple-retreat.en-gb.html
If you’re planning a visit to the Abel Tasman National Park, the Split Apple Retreat would be the perfect place to stay. The lavish beach resort lies on the north coast of South Island, a few miles away from Abel Tasman National Park. It’s named after the Split Apple Rock, a stunning geological rock formation in Tasman Bay, a five-minute walk from the resort.
Rooms at the Split Apple Retreat have Asian-inspired themes, with minimalist interiors and natural materials for decors. The spacious rooms have private decking overlooking the sparkling ocean views. Offering direct access to Split Apple Beach, you could spend the entire day swimming and working on your tan. Take advantage of the resort’s upscale amenities, such as the luxurious salt-water infinity pool and the elegant onsite restaurant specializing in Asian-Mediterranean fusion food.
Credit: Split Apple Retreat
Eagles Nest
Where: Russell, Northland
Price: $855+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/eagles-nest.en-gb.html
If you’re looking for a beach resort in New Zealand that’s close to Auckland, the Eagles Nest is an ideal choice. Perched on a hill, it’s only three hours from the city center. Eagles Nest offers various accommodation options, including a cozy villa called “First Light,” perfect for honeymooners. The villa’s best features are the separate “his and her” bathroom and the incredibly stunning views.
If you want to splurge, book the Presidential Suite, and enjoy lavish amenities like sliding glass walls, numerous bathrooms, a 25-meter pool, wine cellar, gym, sauna, direct access to a private beach, and use of a Porsche Cayenne! But even if you book the other accommodations, you can take advantage of the resort’s luxurious facilities. You can also request a personal trainer, masseuse, or a helicopter ride.
Credit: Eagles Nest – Luxury Beach Lodge New Zealand
Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Beach Hotel
Where: Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Price: $386+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/black-swan-lakeside-boutique.en-gb.html
https://www.blackswanhotel.co.nz/
The Black Swan is a cozy hotel perched along the shore of Lake Rotorua. It’s only a short drive from the center of Rotorua, making it an ideal base for your holiday on the North Island. The hotel has nine cozy rooms featuring a monochrome theme and with either a garden or lake view.
Service and facilities include two spa pools and an outdoor swimming pool available during the warmer months. Its location along Lake Rotorua means you’ll wake up to scenic views every morning. The hotel has a jetty port and can arrange fishing expeditions on the lake. You can also book scenic flights over Mount Tarawera and Waimangu Thermal Valley onboard water and floatplanes.
Credit: Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel
The Duke of Marlborough
Where: Russell, Northland
Price: $92+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/the-duke-of-marlborough.en-gb.html
The Bay of Islands is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand, making it a top destination for a beach holiday. When holidaying in this part of the country, book a stay in the Duke of Marlborough, a beachfront resort overlooking the stunning Bay of Islands.
Located in the historic port of Russell, the Duke of Marlborough exudes an old-world charm, housed in a building dating back to 1827. Even though it has undergone fire twice, it still has numerous period detail, including ancient old furniture. You can stay in one of the well-appointed standard rooms featuring all-white decor or splurge on a larger room with a lovely balcony overlooking the promenade and the bay.
Credit: The Duke of Marlborough
The Crown Hotel
Where: Napier, Hawke’s Bay
Price: $135+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/the-crown.en-gb.html
Boasting over 300 km of coastline, Hawke’s Bay is home to some of New Zealand’s most gorgeous beaches, stretching from Porangahau to Mahia Peninsula. It’s where you will find some of the best beach resorts in New Zealand, one of which is The Crown Hotel, a beachside hotel located in the picturesque seaside town of Napier.
The Crown Hotel offers stylish accommodations, from one-bedroom suites to spacious studios. All come with modern furnishings and amenities, such as a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Aside from enjoying the beaches, you can take hikes along hilly terrains, explore vineyards, and sample delectable local wines.
Credit: The Crown Hotel New Zealand
Castaways Resort
Where: Waiuku, Waikato
Price: $173+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/castaways-resort.html
Perched on a cliff above Kariotahi Beach, Castaways Resort is one of the best beach resorts in New Zealand, boasting incredible views of the Tasman Sea. It’s only a short drive from Waiuku, a charming town between Auckland and the Waikato River. Castaways Resort offers beautiful accommodations like elegant studios and chalets with fully equipped kitchens.
Each accommodation has a private deck overlooking the stunning ocean views. You’ll also have a spacious living area with a TV and DVD player. While you won’t be far from the best restaurants along Kariotahi Beach, the resort has an on-site restaurant serving gourmet meals and delectable wines.
Credit: Castaways Resort Beach New Zealand
Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort
Where: Pauanui, Waikato
Price: $169+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/puka-park-resort.en-gb.html
Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort is a secluded beach hotel in the beachside town of Pauanui, about two hours’ drive from Auckland. Offering chalet-style suites that seem like you’re in a treehouse, enjoy first-class amenities and world-class service during your stay. Aside from fitness facilities like a gym overlooking a tennis court, you’ll have access to an outdoor spa and a solar-heated pool.
Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort offers 48 chalets. Each is a five-minute walk from the main lodge. Electric buggies are available for your comfort, which come in handy during the rain. The rooms feature wraparound windows overlooking the stunning nature views. Trees fill the property, and you’ll wake up to birds singing.
Credit: Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort
Boatsheds on the Bay, Waiheke Island
Where: Ostend, Waiheke Island
Price: $121+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/boatsheds-on-the-bay.en-gb.html
https://www.boatshedsonthebay.co.nz/
Boatsheds on the Bay is one of the most unique beach resorts in New Zealand, with a private beach offering opportunities for fun water activities like snorkeling and fishing. The resort lies directly above Oneroa Beach, about a 10-min drive from the island’s main ferry terminal.
You can choose from sea-themed rooms with deck chairs and loungers. If you need more space, book the bungalows or Owner’s Cottage, which has a kitchen and a heated pool. All accommodations overlook the stunning views over the harbor and come with modern amenities like an espresso machine and a minibar with local beer and wine.
Credit: Boatsheds on the Bay, Waiheke Island
Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Where: Punakaiki, West Coast
Price: $104+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/punakaiki-resort.en-gb.html
https://www.scenichotelgroup.co.nz/punakaiki/scenic-hotel-punakaiki/
The Scenic Hotel Punakaiki is nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Great Coast Road along a surf-pounded beach a few hundred meters from the Paparoa Track. It’s right in front of the stunning Wild West Coast Beach, famous for its rolling waves and a popular spot for surfing.
You can choose from a range of accommodations, although if you want to have a balcony with stunning views, book the rooms on the first floor. Some of the bigger rooms have extra amenities like a kitchen with a microwave. All accommodations have bright and spacious bathrooms with good pressure in the shower.
Credit: Scenic Hotel Punakaiki
Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort
Where: Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Price: $89+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/wai-ora-lakeside-spa-resort.html
https://www.waioraresort.co.nz/
The Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort is one of the best beach resorts in New Zealand, perfect for those visiting Lake Rotorua for a holiday. It’s only a few minutes’ drive from the airport, and the resort offers free airport transfer, making it easily accessible. All accommodations come with modern amenities like a flatscreen TV and Wi-Fi. Some have a private balcony with beautiful views of the beach.
Aside from offering cozy accommodations, the Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort offers luxury amenities, including an award-winning spa, the Wai Ora Day Spa, which offers relaxing massages and a sauna. Enjoy delicious meals at the resort’s onsite restaurant, the Mokoia Restaurant, which serves delicious, fine-dining meals made from fresh local ingredients.
Credit: Wai Ora Lakeside Spa Resort New Zealand
Romantic Piha Beach Resort
Where: Piha, Auckland Region
Price: $143+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/nz/romantic-piha-piha2.html
Romantic Piha is a beautiful beachfront hotel that gives off a homey feel. Offering spacious accommodations like a Family Suite and Queen Suite, it’s one of the most family-friendly beach resorts in New Zealand. All rooms have a lovely terrace overlooking stunning views. They also have all the modern comforts and amenities, including Wi-Fi, TV, and DVD player.
One of the best features of the resort is its location. Aside from being a walking distance of Piha Beach and Karekare Beach, the area offers opportunities for fun outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Surrounded by the stunning views of nature, you’ll surely enjoy a relaxing stay at this beach hotel.
Credit: Romantic Piha Beach Resort
