THE BEACHES OF THE REGION

TRAVEL

THE BEACHES OF THE REGION

One of my newest favourite summer traditions is, after a day at work, driving around the Riwaka estuary to my Nana’s house to pick her up and then driving both of us to one of the many beautiful beaches in our region. We then rate the beaches. It’s a hard task and difficult work, but somebody has to do it. Words: Jade Alborn.

KAITERITERI

Pros: Kaiteriteri is the most popular beach on this list. With a rich history as a holiday destination for New Zealanders, Kaiteri really is ‘the place to be seen’ during the summer months. Gone Burgers is the ideal place for some tasty takeaways and the Kaiteriteri store provides all sorts of ice cream. With its crescent-shaped, golden-sand beach, Kaiteriteri is postcard perfect and is consistently rated as the top beach in the South Island.

Cons: Kaiteriteri’s popularity is both a blessing and curse. While it has all of the facilities you could want, if you are looking for a secluded peaceful experience this may not be the beach for you. In fact, during the peak season you may have to park your car in a different postcode!

RATING

LITTLE KAITERITERI

Pros: Kaiteriteri’s little sister is my Nana’s favourite beach and for good reason. Little Kaiteriteri has all the beauty of the Kaiteriteri main beach but a more peaceful atmosphere. Without all the noise a nap on the beach is even possible! There is also plenty of parking year round.

Cons: Little Kaiteriteri does not have the benefit of a store, so if you are in need of an ice cream you will need to walk over to Kaiteriteri in order to purchase one. But the sacrifice of a store and restaurant is made up for by

the serenity of this beach!

RATING

OF THE REGION

STEPHENS BAY

Pros: Stephens Bay is a hidden gem, and my personal favourite beach in the region. This bay is secluded, with a picnic/barbeque area, an estuary that children love to build dams and play in, and a stunning little beach. Stephens Bay really has it all. My family has spent countless hours swimming and sunbathing here.

Cons: In contrast to the golden beaches of Kaiteriteri and Little Kaiteriteri the sand at Stephens Bay is more of a grey colour, so this may not make for the best instagram photos. Stephens Bay does not have shops or cafes, so bringing your own picnic is a must.

RATING

MARAHAU BEACH

Pros: Marahau Beach is greatly underrated in my opinion. This beach is great for sunbathing, swimming, and collecting shellfish. The contrast between low and high tides is remarkable due to it having a tidal range of 5m, and therefore one of the largest in NZ. This means the beach itself changes throughout the day. Hooked is also just across the road, right on the waterfront and is a great place to get a drink, especially during the daily happy hour. It also has a really cruisy, relaxed vibe.

Cons: The huge tidal change that happens throughout the day makes swimming slightly more difficult. If you don’t time it right you will have to walk a few hundred metres in order to go for a swim. Having to drive over the Marahau hill in order to access the beach is also a downside, but that is also an advantage in that you won’t encounter big crowds, even during the peak season.

RATING