New Zealand has an exceptionally
long coastline compared to the size of the country (over 15,000 km) which makes it almost the same size as the mainland USA's coastline. Even though New Zealand is only about the same size as Colorado, the large coastline is possible because it is extremely iregular and indented. New Zealand's coastline is packed with deep coves, bays, intricate harbours, long sounds, and steep fiords.
Its territorial waters stretch from the sub-tropical through to the sub-antarctic.
New Zealand's coastline is spectacular and it reaches a scenic climax in both the Fiordland and Abel Tasman National Parks in the South Island, and 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. 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 their eastern coasts and the further north you go. The west coasts of both islands are quite rugged with cliffs and more unsettled weather. There are however some suitable swimming and bathing beaches here, with iron (volcanic) sand beaches (black sand) being common on the North Island.
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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