AA Traveller marketing manager Rhys James said a lot of what made a beach popular with parents was about what else was available in and around where they were spending their day.
New Zealand was full of family-friendly beaches that offered more than just surf and sand but also captured the wider interests of people of all ages, he said.
"They’re looking for a beach that offers safe swimming, but beyond that they also want good facilities, including barbecues and playgrounds, walking and cycling tracks and places to eat nearby so they can really make a day of it."
When compiling the list, the first thing AA Traveller looked for was whether the beach offered safe swimming. Then it looked for what else was there.
St Clair Beach was chosen because it had cafes, bars and restaurants, a playground, the St Clair Hot Salt Water Pool and it was a great surfing location.
"St Clair has plenty to do, in and around the beach," Mr James said.
"It’s places like these that appeal, and the good thing is, you can find them throughout the country."
Mr James said having something for everyone was one of the many reasons why heading to the beach was a summer staple, and why so many families had a particular beach they always went back to.
"They’ve found a place that works for everyone, but we wanted to show Kiwis there are plenty out there to choose from, so don’t be afraid to head to a new place this summer."
Also on the AA Traveller list were beaches in Northland, Auckland, Wellington, Nelson/Tasman, Christchurch and Timaru. No Tauranga beaches made the list.
AA Traveller, which has been operating for more than 100 years, publishes and distributes more than three million guides and maps every year and provides travellers with a wealth of information, including 101 Must-Do’s to inspire and assist them when planning travel.
Top 10 NZ beaches
• Te Tii Bay, Paihia
• Matapouri Bay, Northland
• Cheltenham Beach, Auckland
• Long Bay Regional Park, Auckland
• Oriental Bay Beach, Wellington
• Kaiteriteri Beach, Nelson/Tasman
• St Clair Beach, Dunedin
• Caroline Bay, Timaru
• Sumner, Christchurch
• Rabbit Island, Nelson
