New Chums Beach

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New Chums Beach

Beach

New Chums Beach is an undeveloped white-sand beach on the Coromandel Peninsula of New Zealand, prized for its solitude and native-bush backdrop. Travelers come for long quiet sands, coastal walks and views over Wainuiototo Bay.

New Chums Beach Hamilton, New ZealandTaupōMatamataCambridge, New ZealandWhitiangaNew Chums Beach

New Chums Beach essentials

Address: Whangapoua, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, New Zealand

New Chums Beach sits in Wainuiototo Bay on the northeast coast of the Coromandel Peninsula and is about one kilometre long, backed by steep, undeveloped hills covered in native bush. The lack of roads, buildings and facilities on the beach and the hills behind it gives a strong sense of remoteness compared with more developed Coromandel spots. The beach gained international attention in travel coverage and guidebooks for being a rare significant stretch of undeveloped coastline, and local campaigns have resisted development proposals to preserve its character. Visiting feels like stepping into a preserved coastal refuge: expect sand, bush and sea rather than cafes or lifeguards, and follow basic backcountry precautions. Access is restricted by tide and terrain, so plan arrivals and departures carefully and bring everything you need for a beach day, including water and sun protection.

  • The white-sand shoreline: A continuous sweep of clean, fine sand that is largely free of development and often quiet outside peak holiday days.
  • Native bush-backed hills: Steep, forested hills rise immediately behind the beach, offering a compact coastal wilderness setting and habitat for native birds.
  • Wainuiototo Bay vistas: Wide views across the bay from both ends of the beach are good for photography, especially near dawn and dusk.
  • Offshore island views: On clear days you can look toward the Mercury Islands and other offshore isles, which add to the coastal panorama.
  • Beach walking and boat access: The beach is ideal for long walks at low tide and can be reached or explored by kayak or small boat when conditions allow.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit New Chums Beach#

The Coromandel has mild summers and wetter winters; the warmest and relatively driest months are the most comfortable for a beach visit, while shoulder seasons offer quieter conditions. Choose season based on weather tolerance and desired levels of solitude.

Summer (best)
December - February · 13°C - 24°C (55°F - 75°F)
Warm, relatively drier weather and calmer seas make summer the most reliable time for beach activities, swimming and boat access, though it can be busier on holiday weekends.
Spring (pleasant)
September - November · 8°C - 20°C (46°F - 68°F)
Milder temperatures and fewer visitors make spring a pleasant time for walks and photography, with wildflowers and active birdlife in the coastal bush.
Winter (quiet, wetter)
June - August · 6°C - 16°C (43°F - 61°F)
Winters are cooler and wetter with higher rainfall and rougher seas, which reduces visitor numbers and can make boat access and swimming less reliable.

Weather & Climate near New Chums Beach#

Climate

New Chums Beach's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 6°C to 24°C. Abundant rainfall (1690 mm/year), wettest in July.

Air Quality: AQI 23 Good
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
25°
Warmest Month
7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 14° - 24° 19° 106 mm partly cloudy 78% 4.8 m/s 2.6 extreme 14.2h
February Very Good 15° - 24° 19° 113 mm partly cloudy 78% 4.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.3h
March Very Good 14° - 23° 18° 129 mm partly cloudy 77% 4.7 m/s 1.6 very high 12.2h
April Good 12° - 20° 16° 172 mm partly cloudy 77% 4.5 m/s 0.9 moderate 11.0h
May Good 9° - 18° 13° 156 mm partly cloudy 79% 4.4 m/s 0.5 low 10.0h
June Good 7° - 16° 11° 148 mm partly cloudy 79% 5.0 m/s 0.3 low 9.6h
July Acceptable 6° - 15° 11° 189 mm partly cloudy 80% 4.9 m/s 0.3 low 9.8h
August Good 7° - 15° 11° 189 mm partly cloudy 80% 5.3 m/s 0.5 moderate 10.6h
September Good 8° - 17° 13° 132 mm partly cloudy 80% 5.1 m/s 0.9 moderate 11.7h
October Good 10° - 18° 14° 135 mm partly cloudy 79% 5.3 m/s 1.5 high 12.9h
November Good 11° - 20° 16° 109 mm partly cloudy 78% 5.1 m/s 2.0 extreme 13.9h
December Very Good 13° - 22° 18° 112 mm partly cloudy 80% 5.0 m/s 2.4 extreme 14.4h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to New Chums Beach#

The nearest settlement is the small village of Whangapoua; the nearest larger town with shops and services is Whitianga. For national and international connections travel via Auckland (major airport) or other regional airports, then drive to the Coromandel Peninsula and onward to Whangapoua.

From Whangapoua the beach is reached either on foot via a coastal track that is only passable at low tide or by boat/kayak directly to the sand; check local tide tables and conditions before attempting the walk and allow extra time for the return. There are no roads down to the beach and no visitor facilities, so cover the last stretch prepared for a self-sufficient visit.

Tips for Visiting New Chums Beach#

  • Plan your visit around low-tide windows if arriving on the Whangapoua track and allow plenty of time for the return walk.
  • There are no facilities on the beach - bring water, shade and everything you need, and pack out all rubbish.
  • Respect the fragile dune and bush environment by keeping to established paths and avoiding disturbance of birdlife.
  • Cellphone reception may be limited; tell someone your plans if you head there alone and carry basic safety and navigation items.