Photo / Getty ImagesOf course, beaches aren't just about wildlife, and although some people see a preferable beach choice as being a black-or-white decision, we literally have our choice of black or white sand beaches here. And there is the pure white silica sand beach of the Pārengarenga Harbour, made from ground quartz and said to be the whitest sand in the Southern Hemisphere. We also have beaches with none, perfect swimming spots for little ones. Right now, as I write, I have my 2.5-year-old pulling at my laptop asking loudly to go to the beach. Re-experiencing the joy of our beaches again through her has been the perfect confirmation of just how good we really do have it here.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 23, 2021 21:00 UTC