Beaches

Beaches on Aotea Great Barrier Island

The beaches on Aotea Great Barrier Island have something to suit everyones needs. Take the 90 minute drive north from the Tryphena ferry terminal and you’ll pass safe, sheltered and gently sloping sandy beaches where small children play, and come across breathtaking views of dramatic surf beaches at Medlands, Awana, and Okiwi.

Leave the main road and drive down an arterial route to the coast and you will discover more beaches, rocky headlands, and harbours at Okupu / Blind Bay, Whangaparapara, Port Fitzroy, Karaka Bay, Port Abercrombie with Nagle’s Cove in the distance. The road to Kawa and Motairahe will take you to Katherine Bay with two marae providing the heart of Aotea’s iwi community: Ngati Rehua / Ngati Wai ki Aotea.

Slip a kayak or small boat into the water and explore secluded coves where no other footprint appears on the sand.

We can help you explore – check out the beaches below and discover the best swimming, beach combing, dog walking and surfing locations.