Us on Pohara beach; the campsite was up a set of steps at the top of the beach! The camping experience was different this year as there were few tourists and mainly Kiwi families who come here every year for their holiday. They set up little 'villages' amongst themselves which are quite exclusive and they have their boats, kayaks etc. They also build fires on the beach and toast marshmallows on them after dark.
We did swim in the sea here which was not too cold but you'd have to go a long way out to get any great depth which is probably why it was warmish.