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Picture this... white sand dunes surrounded by rolling green hills, on an empty beach scattered with rock formations.
If you ever owned a PC, there’s a good chance you’ve already seen this place.
Wharariki Beach, on New Zealand’s South Island northwest coast, is that wild, stunning beach from one of the most recognisable Windows wallpapers.
We’ve visited multiple times now, and each trip reminds us why it’s one of the most beautiful, untouched places we’ve ever encountered.
To get there, you follow a long gravel road past classic New Zealand sheep farms, park up in the middle of nowhere, and then walk about 20 minutes over grassy dunes and coastal forest.
Despite its breathtaking beauty and growing reputation, Wharariki still feels like a secret spot where you can soak in total isolation.
On one visit, we had the entire beach to ourselves for hours. No crowds, no noise, just the wild landscape and the crashing waves.
At low tide the wet sand reflects the rock formations, creating mirror-like reflections that perfect for photos.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll spot seals playing in the rock pools near the far end of the beach.
Of course the highlight is the huge cave that perfectly frames the rocks in the ocean - the exact spot from that iconic Windows image.
Wharariki is a wild, quiet slice of New Zealand that rewards those who are willing to make the trip.
It’s a bit of a mission to reach, but once you’re there, you’ll see why it’s one of the best beaches in New Zealand - it’s peaceful, remote and absolutely stunning.
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