Destination: Top of the South
Life’s a beach
Few New Zealand regions have beaches quite like those in the Top of the South. We narrowed down our top three from the range of worthy contenders, for you to add to your ‘must-swim’ list. We know the award for ‘best beach’ differs from person to person so don’t worry, you’re not ‘tide’ to our picks.
Awaroa Beach
The beach ‘New Zealand bought’ through a crowd-funding campaign and one of the best beaches in the world according to luxury travel publication Condé Nast Traveler, Awaroa Beach is nestled within Abel Tasman National Park and only accessible by foot or water transport.
It’s been described by Condé Nast Traveler as “hemmed in by clover-green native bush and seas that sparkle like freshly blown glass” and by Nelson Tasman New Zealand as a “pristine paradise”. With its golden sand, turquoise waters, and a shallow inlet for keen water babies, we don’t disagree.
Tata Beach
Arguably one of the most beautiful New Zealand-wide, Tata Beach in Golden Bay is resplendent with the deep, teal, gold and green colours of the sea, sand and bush. Launch your boat, kayak and swimming adventures, or soak up the sun (SPF included) from the glistening sand. The water becomes deep fast, so you don’t have to wade far – just be careful if you have less competent swimmers with you.
Governors Bay
Further east, it’s just as hard to choose – with popular spots including Whites Bay and Anakiwa vying for the top spot. Governors Bay, accessible from the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive road and a quick track down, wins with its lush bushland, golden beach and ideal swimming shores. Perfect for a picnic, this is a firm favourite for a beach day in Marlborough.
