Papamoa has 16km of white sandy beach stretching from the boundary with Mount Maunganui in the west to the Kaituna River in the east. Widespread settlement of the area did not start until the early 1980s and prior to this Papamoa had been largely a rural area

In 2012, Papamoa Beach was the location for a skinny dipping world record attempt. On 2 December 2012, 299 people got naked in the water as the nearby Baywatch campsite in Gisborne hosted the event. Despite a cold day, lots of people stripped naked attempting to beat Christchurch's Summer Beach Dip.

Reviews

Add your review

Papamoa Beach is the centre of a spectacular 20km stretch of white sand stretching from Mount Maunganui to Kaituna River. It’s a surfing mecca when the easterly swell comes in and can be a mind blowing wild sea or a peaceful, calm and blissful place. The views down the beach and out to the islands are awesome. Look out for cruising sharks and orcas and sometimes a pod of dolphins or whales can be spotted blowing out at sea.

This 20km-long dog park is one big happy place for dogs, with very few no-dog or on-leash areas, which include within 200 metres of the Papamoa and Omanu Surf Clubs and Mount Main Beach. Dogs can swim, surf, fish, dig as many holes as it likes, hang out with mates or just chill out. By all means let them go barking mad but keep your dog under control, respect the wildlife and be courteous to non-dog people and keep off the Papamoa Dune Wilderness Area, where birds are nesting, because the neighbourly dog police will be up in arms and limit access.

This long stretch of beautiful white sand runs from Mount Maunganui past Papamoa and just begs to be walked on. The local Mount Maunganui landmark rises to the north and turn around and the cliffs past Maketu stretch out in the distance. Whether it’s a wild surf-thumping storm or a calm flat blue sea its magical spirit will capture you. The Papamoa end is mostly protected by extensive sand dunes where apart from a lone surfer, surf-caster or dog walker you can be quite alone.

My favourite thing about this beach is the surf casting. Not because I go fishing but because anyone who does seems to bring in some of the tastiest snapper ever. It’s also a great place to have fun with the family - swimming between the flags - and provides a lengthy stretch for a considerable beach walk. Once you’ve had enough sun and sand it’s also close to an increasing number of shops. The main holiday camp is right on the beachfront and caters very well to families.

This stunning surf beach is a popular local attraction for Kontiki long-lining and surf casting. It produces healthy sized snapper during the warmer months. It’s also a really nice way to spend an evening or early morning at the beach with the family.

We live on the doorstep of the most beautiful beach in New Zealand. Miles and miles of golden sand which provides a place to play, swim, relax and the occasional great feed! What better way to start the day than walking to school along the beach and feeling the sand between your toes! (Shoes are definitely optional at Papamoa Primary School...)

From laying on the beach to fishing pap beach has it all love it!

White sand and waves. Safe beach with people walking along with dogs , fishing or swimming.