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New Zealand has an exceptionally long coastline compared to the size of the country (over 15,000 km) because the coast is irregular and indented with many coves, bays, harbours and fiords. Its territorial waters stretch from the sub-tropical through to the sub-antarctic.
New Zealand's coastline reaches a scenic climax in the South Islands Fiordland and Abel Tasman National Parks, as well as the Bay of Islands Maritime Reserve in the North Island. Mitre Peak in Fiordland is one exceptional feature of New Zealand's coastline, it rises a staggering height of nearly one mile from the ocean. The Abel Tasman National Park contains New Zealand's best sandy beaches and has one of the highest sunshine hours in New Zealand.
Both islands tend to have better swimming beaches on the eastcoast and the further north you go. The westcoasts of both islands are rugged and have many cliffs, but there are still suitable swimming and bathing beaches here. Iron sand beaches (black sand) are also common along the North Island's westcoast. The unusual black colour is the result of nearby volcanic eruptions.
The longest beach in New Zealand is the 90 mile beach, which is actually about 60 miles long. This beach is famous for its huge sand dunes and resembles the Sahara Desert in places. This beach occupies the north western coastline of the North Island.
New Zealand also has some great surf breaks in both islands. The most famous break is situated west of Hamilton in a small town called Raglan. Raglan is known for its unusually long surf rides and is a part of surfings world circuit.
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