It's the time of year when the beach is beckoning, but nothing is worse than running out the door and finding flat surf, with half the country taking up space on the sand.
To avoid this, Newshub has scoured the country to find those slightly unknown and unmissable beaches.
Awaroa Bay, Tasman
Nothing could make a Kiwi prouder than seeing the beach saved by Givealittle. This beach is only accessible by boat, but I say head to Abel Tasman National Park, hop in a water taxi and find out what was worth nearly $3 million.
Lake Waimanu, Auckland
A little out of the way from Auckland's wild west coast, this lake lies at the end of a walk across huge sand dunes. Take a boogie board or something to slide down the dunes on, because this is one case where half the fun truly is in getting there.
Cathedral Cove, Coromandel
For those who've seen The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, Cathedral Cove would certainly be familiar, but for others, prepare to be surprised by the beauty of this beach, just 10 minutes' drive from the Hot Water Beach in Hahei.
Lonely Bay, Coromandel
Just outside Whitianga, Lonely Bay is a short, yet steep walk from the carpark, but it's worth it. Down the bottom of the stairs, you'll find a beach filled with Pohutukawa, but light on crowds.
Tapotupotu Bay, Cape Reinga
Right at the top of the North Island, Tapotupotu Bay is reachable by car - somewhat of a rarity on this list - and boasts beautiful bush on one side and pristine ocean for a swimming on the other. It's also near several walkways, if you feel like you need a walk after the drive up.
New Chums Beach, Coromandel
It's a bit of a walk to get there, but just up the road from Whangapoua is a pristine wonder for Kiwi travellers over summer. If you want to avoid the walk, it's easily accessible by boat. New Chums regularly tops must-do lists, so it's certainly one you should see if you're in the area.
Black Pebble Beach, Kaikōura
The North Island and particularly the Coromandel are certainly overrepresented in this list, but the south boasts some beautiful coast as well. Kaikōura is finally accessible by road again and visiting Black Pebble Beach, near the settlement of Kekerengu, means you may even see seals while you're there.
Maitai Bay, Northland
There's a rāhui on the removal of seafood from Maitai Bay, but there's nothing to stop you from heading down for a swim. Located on the outer Karikari Peninsula, 2km down a gravel road, the beach boasts a campground and plentiful pohutukawa to laze under.
Purakaunui Bay, Otago
One for the deep south, Purakaunui Bay is a surf beach with stunning views of cliff faces near the Catlin's. Ten kilometres to the north lies Jack's Blowhole, a spectacular 55m deep blowhole about 200m from the sea.
Tawhitokino Beach, Auckland
You'll have to get your timing right to get to Tawhitokino Beach - it's only accessible during low tide, but sometimes the wait is worth it. Located near Kawakawa Bay, Tawhitokino provides a sheltered place, where you can almost feel like you've escaped Auckland, despite not having gone far at all.
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