Wharariki Beach, NZ (February 12, 2026)
For ocean lovers, it’s clear that not all beaches are the same. Growing up in Northern California, today felt surreal in that here I am in Wharariki Beach, New Zealand (approximately 6,600 miles from where I grew up) and yet I felt like I was visiting Bodega Bay, California.
For example, any of the following pictures I took could easily be in either location.
What’s familiar are the sand dunes which, growing up, felt somewhat unique to Bodega Bay. Then there’s the rolling hills in the background. The sheep grazing on the surrounding land as you approach the ocean. The rocks that jet out of the ocean and make the waves crash high into the sky. Then there are the seals. Didn’t see any today, but they are often seen in both places. The seagulls running along the beach pecking at the sand. And the royal blue color of the ocean with perfectly timed waves you can easily body surf.
I had a momentary flash back as Violet, seeing the steepest dune, began running down it. My brother Brian used to do that and I would follow him all the way down until we ran into the water feeling the brisk temperature on our feet.
Violet running down one of the steep dunes heading to the ocean
The ocean called to me and I answered, surrendering completely. The waves were perfect and I caught a few long rides body surfing. While the water was cool when I first got in, my body adjusted quickly and the fun of playing in the waves took over. I felt like a kid again back in the ocean where I grew up.
Violet was kind enough to take a picture of me enjoying the ocean
There are, of course, some key differences that make Wharariki Beach uniquely different from most other beaches including Bodega Bay. The amount of sand, for one thing, is immense. The wind-blown rock formations are truly unique and sit like islands breaking up the waves and creating unique surf patterns. Even the hiking trail to get to the beach was a unique experience.
Giant rock outcrops like small islands dotting the landscape
After a few hours of bliss, we headed back to our rental car. That’s when we discovered all the sheep had migrated right to our walking path on our way out. That, too, was unexpected and quite fun.
Oh yeah, and we saw a bonus bird: a beautiful peacock. This peacock was just hanging out at the local coffee joint where beach goers stop by before or after their visit to the beach. What a beautiful sight to see and a great way to round out our trip to this incredible beach.
Giant, beautiful peacock just hanging around the local coffee shop
Walking back to our rental car from a day well spent together
