Decorated with boulders that look like misshapen seals, Stingray Bay is a picturesque golden strand at the foot of tree-topped cliffs. Enjoy a tranquil swim in the clear blue-green water, with the white cliffs at the rear of the beach providing a scenic backdrop. Wade in the placid, warm water and play sports with your friends or family.
Stroll along the part of the beach where it meets the water, taking in the inspiring views of the white bluffs. Let your little ones build sand castles and clamber over the large boulders. This is a small and isolated beach, allowing you to relax and sunbathe in utter tranquility.
Walk around the shallow parts of the sea, ankle-deep in the water, while stingrays glide past your toes. Bring snorkeling gear to go deeper into the water and catch a closer look at these exotic creatures. Don’t be surprised if they glide alongside you rather than race away.
For a change of scenery, walk north past the rocks to reach Cathedral Cove. Rising from the water in this adjacent bay is the Smiling Sphinx Rock. Follow a nature hike along the meandering Cathedral Cove Walk at the back of the beach. A little farther north, take photos of Te Hoho Rock. Join one of the boat tours around the promontories jutting out from the coast.
Find Stingray Bay toward the northern tip of the North Island in New Zealand. It marks the northern side of Hahei, a small town a little northeast of the Coromandel Forest Park. From Auckland, drive east around the southern edge of the Firth of Thames for 100 miles (160 kilometers) to arrive in about 2 hours. Other sights in the region include New Chums Beach, Hot Water Beach and the Purangi Golf & Country Club.
