The Insider's Guide to New Zealand

Ruakaka and Waipu Cove

-

The two most favoured beaches share many traits – both are speckled with bobbing surfers thanks to an often generous swell, both are monitored by surf life-saving clubs during summer and have flagged zones for safe swimming, and both are easily accessible. Both are also hugely popular during summer; walking along the beach becomes an obstacle course of bright umbrellas and sunseekers. Waipu Cove also has a small estuary at the southern end, which, at the right tide, is generally full of splashing toddlers. Both beaches are blessed with large campground­s, cafés and stores within walking distance. The two beaches are divided by Uretiti in the middle – the slightly more wild, and often risqué sibling. The area 200m south of the DOC campground is a popular nudist beach – keep that in mind when undertakin­g a leisurely walk in that direction.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from New Zealand