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Visiting accessible beaches

Find beach wheelchairs and beach mats

Going to the beach is an important part of summer for many people in Aotearoa, but it can be a challenge for our disabled community who use mobility aids. We know regular wheelchairs aren’t designed to be used on sand, and people who use walking sticks or frames for balance can find the terrain challenging. Beach wheelchairs make all the difference!

The image is a creative and surreal depiction of beach accessibility. It features floating or flying beach wheelchairs with large balloon-like tires against a scenic beach background. A blue accessibility mat extends towards the ocean, and stylized waves in an artistic, illustrated style add a whimsical effect.

Beach wheelchairs designed to be used on sand can be hired, and some beaches even have mats so people with mobility aids can get to the beach more easily.

Read Kimberly Graham's blog about going to Hot Water Beach with a beach wheelchair.

Where to find beach wheelchairs in Aotearoa?

Beach wheelchair hire is available across beaches around the country, thanks to the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation, the Flight Centre Foundation, and Wellington City Council and other communities across New Zealand. These are the locations and details of the beach wheelchairs:

The image is the logo of Waipu Cove Surf Life Saving. The design features a surfboard in the background with a circular emblem overlaying it. Inside the emblem,

Northland

Located at Tutukaka Surf Experience Shop, Marina Road, Tutukaka, Whangarei

Contact details: Simon Eggington on 021 227 0072 or email: simon@tutukakasurf.co.nz

Waipu Cove beach

Auckland

People in Auckland who want to hire a beach wheelchair can contact Beachwheels and hire a beach wheelchair for $50 per half day.

Words saying Toes in the water. A yellow penciled sun in the background.

Whangamata

Located at: Toes in the Water, Whangamata

Visit the Toes in the Water Facebook page

or phone the team on 021 088 589 39

Waihi

Mount Maunganui

Whakatāne

Taranaki

Wellington

Christchurch

Where can I find beach mats?

Many beaches across the country offer beach access mats during the summer, making it easier to enjoy the sand and surf! Perfect for a sunny day at the beach...Check it out below.

Mount Maunganui

The Tauranga City Council provides beach access mats at three locations at Mount Maunganui: Pilot Bay, the Cenotaph, and Cutter’s Cove.

Find out more about Tauranga City Council's beach access mats

Waihi

Waihi Beach offers Access Mats allowing people to explore the beach safely! The community came together to fundraise and implement this project over the year 2021.

The Access Mats were laid down on Labour Weekend and will remain out until Easter weekend.

If you have any queries about the mats contact hello@waihibeachinfo.co.nz

Wellington

The Hutt City Council provides beach access mats at Days Bay Beach over the summer period. Outside of this period, the Council will make the mat available for groups to hire out if needed to improve access to programmes, activities or events.

Find out more about the Hutt City Council's beach access mats

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