Ocean Beach is Hawke's Bay's premier stretch of Pacific coastline — a long, wide beach on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island where the Pacific Ocean produces powerful surf against a backdrop of coastal farmland, sand dunes, and the distant peaks of the Ruahine range. It is one of New Zealand's most consistent surf beaches and home to an annual international surf competition, but its real photographic appeal lies in the vast scale of the landscape and the extraordinary Hawke's Bay skies.
Capture the magic of Ocean Beach, New Zealand with these insider tips from our photography team.
The optimal time to visit Ocean Beach, New Zealand is during Sep–Mar. This is when you'll find the best combination of weather, water conditions, and crowd levels.
Located in Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand, this Pacific Ocean destination offers a unique beach experience that earned its #44 ranking on our list of the world's most Instagrammable beaches.
Coordinates: 39.67° S, 177.96° E
Ocean Beach is Hawke's Bay's premier stretch of Pacific coastline — a long, wide beach on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island where the Pacific Ocean produces powerful surf against a backdrop of coastal farmland, sand dunes, and the distant peaks of the Ruahine range. It is one of New Zealand's most consistent surf beaches and home to an annual international surf competition, but its real photographic appeal lies in the vast scale of the landscape and the extraordinary Hawke's Bay skies.
This stunning Pacific Ocean destination has earned its place as one of the world's most Instagrammable beaches. With 16–21°C water temperatures and low crowd levels during peak season, it's a photographer's paradise. The golden hour here (6:30 AM – 7:15 AM · 7:40 PM – 8:25 PM (NZST)) offers magical lighting that transforms every shot into a masterpiece.
Whether you're capturing the wide-angle shoreline or intimate details of the sand and surf, Ocean Beach, New Zealand delivers. The unique geography and natural beauty make it a must-visit for beach lovers and content creators alike.
Ocean Beach, New Zealand is located in Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand. Coordinates: 39.67° S, 177.96° E. The best approach depends on your starting location—most visitors fly into the nearest major airport and arrange ground transportation or a local boat transfer to reach the beach.
Sep–Mar — Golden hour: 6:30 AM – 7:15 AM · 7:40 PM – 8:25 PM (NZST). Visit during these months for optimal weather conditions and the best photography opportunities.
Drone regulations vary by location. Always check local laws before flying, especially in protected areas, national parks, or near wildlife. Some beaches may require permits for commercial drone use.
