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For reasons unexplained, the North Island's West Coast beaches are some of the wildest and most undiscovered stretches of sand in the region. One assumption is that locals want to keep these treasured coastlines all to themselves—when you take a medical job in New Zealand, you can blend in with longtime locals and stretch out along Port Waikato, Whatipu or Karekare, three of the best beaches in this area out west.
Whether you're with family or friends, Port Waikato is a great place to visit for a day out on the sand or a bit of adventure. You can fish, surf and swim, or take long strolls on the beach where you might even come across some unique marine life, such as rare species of dolphin and seal.
Known by many as the "Coast of Ghosts," the Whatipu Beach is ideally secluded for a peaceful day trip or overnight camping adventure. Along the beach, you'll find beautiful caves to explore and wild trails that, as rumor has it, see many ghosts venture along the paths.
Lastly, Karekare is a beautiful stretch of coast that isn't quite as crowded as its neighbor Piha. One of the main reasons why knowledgeable locals recommend this beach is its eponymous falls, located only a short walk away from the beach, up the valley along Company Stream.