A stretch of coastline on New Zealand’s North Island has been named the ‘best beach in the world’.
Located in the seaside town of Phia, 45 minutes west of Auckland, Phia Beach is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and striking black, magnetic sand.
Enjoy Travel, a global travel authority, has ranked the beach first out of 50, ahead of Stokes Bay in South Australia and Moon Bay in Slovenia.
Unlike most popular white sand beaches with gentle tides, Phia is often a rough and treacherous bay with powerful currents that can make swimming difficult.
That said, there is a set area marked off for swimming and patrolled by lifeguards in summer.
The ‘enchanting’ magnetic black sand is the result of ancient volcanic activity in the area near Phia Beach
Lion’s Rock, known locally as Te Piha, is an imposing and iconic feature and looms above the sand
It’s the strong currents and superior swell that make surfers around the world call Phia Beach their favorite destination.
In fact, it was during Phia’s hiatus in 1958 that two Californian surfers first introduced contemporary surfing to New Zealand.
The swell isn’t just for elite surfers, there are ‘fun and innovative’ surf lessons available Phia Surf Academy. They teach all ages and levels, with a special course for children.
Lion’s Rock, known locally as Te Piha, is an imposing and iconic feature, rising above the sand between Phia and North Phia beaches.
It promises mesmerizing and far-reaching views, and what one visitor called a ‘seriously awesome’ climb.
Travelers to the beach enjoy crashing waves. fantastic landscapes and sheer beauty that, according to one tourist, ‘always clears the cobwebs’.
One beachgoer commented on the “fascinating patterns” the “pounding waves” make in the magnetic black sand, especially across the estuary.
Dramatic rock formations on Phia beach
According to Maori legend, Phia is the location of an underwater cave home of a mythical creature
“It’s one of the best beaches I’ve seen so far… sparkling,” said one visitor.
Others said Auckland ‘felt a world away’ even though it was only a 45-minute drive away.
The magic in the air, water and sand seems to go all the way back to the Moari legend, in which Phia Beach is the location of an underwater cave where a powerful mythical creature lived.
Aerial view of ‘world’s best beach’ Phia, New Zealand
A trekker admiring the beautiful sunsets of Phia was mesmerized by ‘the long white clouds on the horizon’ from which Aotearoa takes its name.
Another local who had waited years to visit said Phia Beach “embodies the rugged beauty of the west coast.”
Those who want a guided exploration of the area can book a tour at Bush and beach.
And Murray Phia is an easy pit stop for foodies right on the beach, where visitors can eat hearty burritos, nachos, pies and ice cream while taking in the amazing views.
However, if you are traveling in winter, some locations may be closed for up to a month during the colder season.
There are also numerous homestays, bed and breakfasts and Airbnbs offering accommodation in the Phia Beach region.
Phia is an ideal and easy day trip from Auckland city.
Auckland is a 3 hour and 40 minute flight from Sydney.