Location
New Zealand
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
About Uretiti Beach
Uretiti Beach is a long stretch of white sand on Bream Bay between Ruakākā and Waipu, south of Whangārei in Northland. It fronts the Uretiti Recreation and Scenic Reserves, and a Department of Conservation campsite sits behind the dunes. Naturists use the southern half of the beach for nude bathing, a custom rather than a designated area, and they have done so for decades. The campground itself does not allow nudity: campers found nude are asked to dress or leave. News reports have described nude men walking along the southern edge of the campground and stripping in the public day area to the north, and the campground manager has raised concerns about nude men watching children on the beach. Those reports are undated in the sources I saw, so the current situation may differ. The beach is popular for swimming, surfing and fishing, so keep to the southern section and stay discreet near families.
Getting there
Turn off State Highway 1 at the signpost, 5 km north of Waipu or 34 km south of Whangārei, and follow the road to the beach. The DOC campsite is behind the sand dunes. Bookings are open up to 30 June 2027, with a minimum three-night stay from 28 December to 1 January. The DOC page gives adult fees of $18 per night, children $9 and under-fives free; coin-operated hot showers cost $2. Gates are locked from 9 pm to 7 am. Public transport is not covered by the sources. The sources do not describe accessibility for people with limited mobility.
Amenities
Legal context
Nudity is lawful on the beach unless it is offensive or disorderly. The clothing-optional area is a custom, not a designated or signed zone, and nudity is not allowed inside the DOC campground. Press reports of nude men near children have raised concerns, and the campground is subject to DOC's campsite rules.
Naturism at Uretiti Beach sits under New Zealand's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: New Zealand public nudity guide.
Researched 25 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. -35.9578, 174.4658
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Uretiti Beach legal for nude bathing?
Nudity is lawful on the beach unless it is offensive or disorderly. Naturists use the southern half by custom, but nudity is not allowed inside the DOC campground.
Where is the clothing-optional area?
Naturists use the southern half of the beach, away from the campground and the public day area to the north.
Is it family friendly?
The beach is popular with families and surfers. Past news reports about nude men near children mean families may prefer the northern end.
Do I need to book?
Yes in summer. DOC takes bookings up to 30 June 2027 and requires a minimum three-night stay from 28 December to 1 January.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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