There is a lot of property for sale right now, but which listing suits you best? OneRoof’s Home Hunt series brings you the best in New Zealand real estate, from affordable starter homes to luxury mansions. We’ll highlight homes from around the country that are worth your attention.
Every summer, the New Zealand Herald runs a poll to find the country’s best beaches. It’s always hotly contested, with voters entering in their thousands.
Because not all beaches are the same, winners are divided into categories, including Best Overall, Best Camping Beach, Best City Beach and Best Family Beach.
We’ve rounded up holiday home options and opportunities among the 2026 winners, so whether you’re into surfing, sunbathing or pitching a tent, we’ve got you covered.
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868 Cove Road, Waipu Cove, Whangārei | Deadline sale, closing March 19
Waipu Cove was the Herald’s overall winner as well as the winner in the best camping beach category and second-best in the surfing and family beach categories. It’s loved for its golden sands, rockpools, popular campground and local hotspot The Cove Café.
868 Cove Road, in Waipu Cove, Whangārei, is next to New Zealand’s best beach of 2026. Photo / Supplied
Barfoot & Thompson agents Andy and Aileen Dalton have a two-bedroom bach for sale two blocks back from the beach at 868 Cove Road. The 1850sqm property is set across two titles – quite the find – with an RV of $1.7m, and offers panoramic views of the sea, Hen and Chicken Islands and Whangarei Heads. It is being pitched as a development opportunity for those who want to secure their legacy next to the beach.
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395A Oceanbeach Road, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga | Price by negotiation
Mount Maunganui took the top spot in the best city beach category. It’s a much-loved spot where community spirits are high – even after this summer’s campground tragedy.
Property-wise, the Mount is one of the country’s most expensive spots, with beach mansions typically trading for many millions of dollars. Getting a foothold in this suburb often means rolling up your sleeves and taking on a retro beach home that requires significant renovation work. Powers Real Estate agent Sandra Powers has one of the few remaining classic beachfront baches for sale.
395A Oceanbeach Road is being pitched as entry-level beachfront at Mount Maunganui. Photo / Supplied
The five-bedroom 1960s bach at 395A Oceanbeach Road sits on a 938sqm section and is being pitched as “entry-level beachfront”. The RV is close to $6m, so entry-level is relative, but Powers suggests in her listing that the price is worth it. “Whether you’re dreaming of creating your own architectural masterpiece or holding as a nostalgic Kiwiana holiday retreat, this property offers scope and position that are almost impossible to replicate. Everything about this location embodies the easy coastal rhythm that locals love.”
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10 Earles Place, Raglan | Price by negotiation
The World Surf League agrees with Herald voters that Manu Bay is the country’s best surf beach and has added Manu Bay to its 2026 Championship Tour for the first time. From May 15-25, the top 36 men and 24 women will compete at the world-famous left-hand point break.
The luxurious home for sale at 10 Earles Place, in Raglan, is close to the town’s renowned surfing spots. Photo / Supplied
Ray White agent Julie Hanna has a listing at 10 Earles Place that is made for surfies. The four-bedroom architectural masterpiece is perched high on this Raglan hill – perfect for watching all the action. The contemporary residence showcases mesmerising views over the iconic Manu Bay surf break and along Ngarunui Beach. Walls of glass do the outlook justice and a walkway from the 1042sqm property leads directly to Ngarunui Beach. The RV is $2.85m.
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109A Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Road, Kaiteriteri | Offers over $1.35m
With its golden sand and lagoon-like water, family beach champ Kaiteriteri feels more Fiji than the South Island. Summit agent Iain MacFadyen has a three-bedroom bach for sale, nestled into the bush overlooking the bay. He says it’s all about location.
109A Kaiteriteri-Sandy Bay Road overlooks the family-friendly beach at Kaiteriteri. Photo / Supplied
“The home is fully north-facing so it gets all-day sun, as well as enjoys beautiful views that go straight up the coast of the Abel Tasman. You’ve also [got a] walking track that goes straight down Kaiteri beach, so you don’t have to get in the car.”
He also notes this property is currently utilised as a highly successful and very popular Airbnb, so is a great way to generate income when you’re not staying there.
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