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.