'It just feels so good' - Nudists want Kiwis to join them on togless day

Kiwis are being encouraged to get their kit off at the beach on Saturday to dip their toes in the nudist lifestyle.

"It just feels so good to have your clothes off," Free Beaches NZ president Wendy Lowe told Newshub.

The 'Day Without Togs' event, starting at 10am, will be held across beaches from Northland down to Christchurch. Not all of them are specifically nude beaches.

The Naturist Federation, along with Free Beaches NZ, hopes to increase acceptance of having no clothes on, saying it contributes to inner health and well-being.

Participants have no need to worry about legal implications - there is no law against being nude in public, a police spokesperson told Newshub.

"It is perfectly legal to be naked in a public place… beach, street," Ms Lowe added.

"Police have to apply time, place and circumstance."

While the act of being nude is not an offence, offensive behaviour accompanying your birthday suit can be.

Offensive behaviour or language is against the law under section 4 of the Summary Offences Act, including threatening, indecent or obscene words towards another person.

"But the fact somebody else is offended doesn't make an action offensive," Ms Lowe explained.

"A person cannot be offensive. What you do can be offensive."

While indecent exposure in a public place is also against the law under section 27 of the Summary Offences Act, this comes down to the intent behind being naked. Generally speaking, enjoying a day at the beach does not have offensive intent.

Police say if they receive any calls they will respond "on a case by case basis".

"Anyone who is concerned or feels unsafe, can contact police."

Ms Lowe says more and more young people are "embracing nudity and naturism".

That's not translating into club membership, however.

"We think that's because young people often don't join any type of club.

"But everybody is embracing it. There are more older people as well.

"It helps self-esteem and perception of body.

"You learn tolerance and acceptance of others as well."

She's looking forward to tomorrow and hoping "weather plays the game".

Newshub.