Top 50 beaches in the world and NZ doesn’t even make the top 40

It could well be a first – a list of the so-called top 50 beaches in the world, with New Zealand not even making the top 40.

First place goes to Playa Conchal in Costa Rica, but New Zealand’s only offering – at number 49 – is Koekohe Beach, the Moeraki pebble beach in Hampden, south of Oamaru. A beautiful beach, but certainly not the only one that deserves a place in the top 50?

Best 7 Travel, which compiled the list, says it used aggregate scores from past media results, official Blue Flag locations, and contributions from the Big 7 Travel editorial team. Which begs the big question: have any of them actually been to New Zealand?

Just over a month ago, Condé Nast Traveler listed the 29 best beaches in the world, and New Zealand came in at number nine, with beautiful Awaroa Beach in Abel Tasman National Park. We’re excited to see this beach out there, as we now own it all, thanks to a crowdfunding initiative in 2016 that raised $2.8 million to buy the beach from private owners.

READ MORE:
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* Are these the best beaches in New Zealand?

But back to the top 50 and that number one spot. Best 7 Travel calls Costa Rica “the most popular destination to visit right now”. “Not only does it offer staggering biodiversity, this eco-friendly destination also has one of the best beaches in the world. This small beach is covered with crushed seashells, wrapped around a turquoise bay. Paradise.” Crushed shells? Try making a sandcastle with them.

Number two went to Turquoise Bay in Exmouth, Australia, followed by Grace Bay in the Turks and Caicos, Siesta Beach, Florida and the admittedly breathtaking Punta Mosquito in Holbox, Mexico.

But let’s face it – New Zealand is worthy of a place much higher than 49. The American travel site Fodor’s has listed the top 10 beaches in this country, with Waihi Beach at the top. It says the nine-kilometer stretch of sand is “perfect for safe surfing, swimming and long walks; there are even some bike paths”.

Then come to Ōhope Beach, Bay of Plenty, Karekare Beach, Auckland, 90 Mile Beach, Northland, Doubtless Bay, Northland, Fitzroy Beach, New Plymouth, Raglan, Waikato, Wharariki Beach, Nelson-Tasman, Lyall Bay, Wellington and St Clair Beach, Otago.

But what about some of our other amazing treasures? Like New Chum and Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula, and what about that secret little cove where Lorde filmed her Solar Power video? Cactus Bay on Waiheke Island, accessible only by boat or private property.

There is an argument to suggest that the best beach offers a mix of beautiful sand, rolling surf, clear water, rock pools and…emptiness.

And maybe, just maybe, we don’t want to share that with the world.