New Chums Beach, Coromandel

This is a spot that is literally off the beaten track. To get to this stunning beach – voted in the world’s top 10 – you’ll have to wade through the estuary at the northern end of Whangapoa Beach and follow the shoreline to a track that crosses the low point in the headland saddle over to the scenic beach. Fringed by pohutukawa and native forest the golden beach is deserted for much of the year. There is not a solitary shack, let alone road or camping site here. Unspoilt beachbum paradise.