Making Waves And Saving Lives 🌊🏄‍♀️🏄‍♂️

Together with Surf Life Saving NZ, Here’s Our Ultimate Guide to a Safe and Enjoy our Epic Kiwi Summer

With 15,000km of stunning coastline and over 25 marine reserves, New Zealand is home to some of the best beaches in the world (if we do say so ourselves). Whether you’re chasing world-class surf, diving into crystal-clear snorkelling spots, or hunting for a secluded bay to kick back and relax, you won’t have to look far to find your perfect slice of beach heaven.

Staying Safe on New Zealand’s Beaches

From the rugged, black-sand surf beaches of the West Coast to the sheltered, golden-sand coves of Northland’s East Coast, there’s a beach for every kind of adventurer.

But while these breathtaking coastlines set the scene for an epic summer adventure, staying safe in or around the water and under the sun is key to making the best kind of memories.

Here at Kiwi Experience, we’re all about helping you make the most of your adventures - whether that’s bungying off a canyon, skydiving over epic landscapes, white-water rafting through wild rapids, or diving into summer with some legendary beach days.

However you choose to get your adrenaline fix, we’re here to make sure it’s safe, unforgettable, and full of good vibes. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Surf Life Saving New Zealand, to bring you five top tips for staying safe while soaking up the long Kiwi summer.

Five Essential Water Safety Tips with Surf Life Saving New Zealand

New Zealand’s beaches can be unpredictable, with strong currents, rips, and big waves - so knowing how to stay safe in the water is a must!

Before you dive into that quintessential Kiwi summer beach day, take a moment to check out Surf Life Saving New Zealand’s five essential water safety tips.

Tip 1. Know How to Float	If you don’t know how to float, don’t go into the water. Floating is a lifesaving skill that allows you to stay calm, keep your airways clear, and conserve energy. If you get caught in a rip, floating is the first thing you should do instead of trying to fight against the current. If you’re unsure about your ability to float, practice in a pool before heading to the beach. If you can’t float confidently, it’s best to stay out of the water.
TIp 2. Find the Safest Place to Swim	Before heading to a beach, always check www.safeswim.org.nz to find a lifeguarded beach. Once you’re there, always swim between the red and yellow flags, as this is the safest area monitored by surf lifeguards. Surf lifeguards are trained to spot hazards, monitor weather and tide conditions, and assist swimmers in difficulty.
Tip 3. If in Doubt, Stay Out	Remember - waves can be bigger than they look, rip currents are hard to spot, and the weather can change quickly. If you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about getting into the water, stay out. Many people get into trouble in the water because they overestimate their abilities and underestimate the conditions. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
4. Take Care of Others	If you’re heading to the beach with mates, look out for each other. Everyone has different swimming abilities, so check in with your mates and make sure everyone stays safe.
5. Know How to Get Help	If someone is in trouble in the water and surf lifeguards are on patrol, get their attention immediately. If no lifeguards are present, call 111 and ask for the police - they have a direct line to surf lifeguards and emergency responders. If you’re in the water and need help, stay calm, float, and raise one arm to signal for assistance.

Be Sun Safe: Slip, Slop, Slap

Along with rips, waves, and strong currents, New Zealand also has some of the harshest UV rays in the world. That means protecting yourself from the sun is just as important as staying safe in the water.

Remember to:

Slip on a shirt or rash top
Slop on plenty of SPF 50+ sunscreen
Slap on a wide-brimmed hat

Even on cloudy days, the New Zealand sun is intense, so reapply sunscreen regularly and stay hydrated with plenty of water.

Our Top Pick New Zealand Beaches to Enjoy This Summer

Armed with these top tips - plus a pair of trusty jandals (aka thongs/flip-flops), your togs (aka swimmers/bathers/swimsuit), and your SPF 50+ sunscreen - you’re all set to hit the beach safely.

Now, all you need is a destination. Here are some of our Kiwi Experience crew’s top beach picks for this summer:

Georgia, Marketing Executive at Kiwi Experience

🏝️ Favourite Beach: Muriwai Beach, Auckland

“My favourite beach is Muriwai, located a short drive from Auckland CBD out on the West Coast. Muriwai is a surf beach and is notorious for swimmers getting into trouble, that is why I always make sure to only swim there when the red and white surf lifesaving flags are out, so I know I am safe if I get into trouble. Muriwai is also home to a gannet colony around certain times of the year and makes for an epic spot to watch the sunset.”

Shelley, Marketing Manager at Kiwi Experience

🏝️Favourite Beach: Goat Island Marine Reserve, Auckland

“Picking a favourite New Zealand beach is tough, but Goat Island, just an hour north of Auckland, tops my list. As a marine reserve, it's an underwater paradise! Snorkelling is a must, but exploring by glass-bottom kayak or boat is also fantastic. My personal favourite? An early morning paddleboard session before the crowds arrive. Pure bliss!”

Josh, Operations Delivery Manager at Kiwi Experience

🏝️ Favourite Beach: Tokerau Beach, Doubtless Bay

“My favourite beach in Aotearoa is Tokerau Beach, in the beautiful Doubtless Bay in the Far Far North. 14 kms of magic golden sand and pure clear blue waters. Long days of Fishing, Swimming, Paddle Boarding, walking, driving, sandcastle building and sometimes surfing (if the swell is on) are to be had, once we even had Orca Whales visit, swimming right into the waves. Epic!”

Simon, Finance Manager at Kiwi Experience

🏝️ Favourite Beach: Orewa Beach, Auckland

"Orewa Beach is my go-to spot - just 30 minutes north of Auckland. The beach is huge, so there’s plenty of space to spread out, go for a swim, or even boogie board. Plus, there’s a great selection of cafés right across the road, you can grab an ice cream or a coffee after a day in the sun.”

Enjoy!