Sandy Bay

Sandy Bay is the best surf beach on the Tutukaka Coast, consistently producing waves a size or two larger than neighbouring Matapouri and Woolleys Bay on the same swell. It faces east-northeast across the open Pacific, so NE swells arrive with full energy and the peaks can turn powerful and hollow on a solid groundswell. Multiple peaks run along the beach, and because of its size and orientation Sandy Bay works for genuinely all levels: beginners in the softer sections near the stream at the northern end, intermediates on the main beach peaks, and more experienced surfers when the larger swells fill in. A small stream cuts across the northern end and creates a calm, shallow pool that doubles as a natural option for young children.

The beach is wide and open, backed by low dunes. Behind them there are toilets, changing rooms, a picnic and BBQ area, and a small car park, basic but better equipped than most Tutukaka Coast bays, though there is no shop or cafe at the beach, so stock up in Tutukaka village or Whangarei. It is an unhurried, unpatrolled spot, the kind of place a 7am summer paddle out with warm clear water and empty peaks stays with you for years.

• Set up at the northern end near the stream if you are bringing children or very new surfers, the most protected and forgiving section, and walk south as your confidence and the size you want grow.
• When a bigger swell is forecast, factor in that Sandy Bay runs a size or two up on Matapouri and Woolleys Bay, so what looks modest elsewhere can be solid here.
• The Poor Knights Islands dive trips out of Tutukaka marina are worth building a trip around for the marine reserve, the visibility and the sheer scale of life, so book a dive and surf Sandy Bay before or after.
• Aotearoa Surf does not run lessons at Sandy Bay; our base is Te Ārai, about two hours south, so if it is looking bigger than you are ready for, the drive south to a gentler, guided beginner beach is worth it.
• Bring the dog outside peak summer; from 20 December to 31 January dogs are only allowed before 9am or after 5pm, and the rest of the year they are welcome under control.

• Sandy Bay is unpatrolled, so read the water from the dune and pick your peak before paddling out, and surf with someone rather than alone.
• Rips can form between the peaks when a swell rebuilds the banks, so spot where the water is funnelling out and use it as a paddle-out channel rather than getting caught in it.
• The peaks grow bigger and more open the further south you walk, so match how far down the beach you go to the size you are comfortable taking off on.
• When the bigger groundswells fill in the drops get heavy and the hold-downs longer, so step up your board and your fitness for the size or pick a smaller day.
• This is cool, open Northland water with no patrol cover outside summer, so check yourself for cold and tiredness and head in before you are spent.

Getting there

Tutukaka Coast, Northland, about 40 minutes north of Whangārei and 10 minutes on from Tutukaka marina, sealed all the way.

Parking

Free car park at the beach access. Fills early on summer weekends, by 10am in January the carpark is full.

Toilets & showers

Public toilet block and changing rooms behind the dunes. There is no outdoor surf shower, so plan to rinse off elsewhere.

Shops, cafes & fuel

No shops at the beach itself. Tutukaka village 10 minutes back has cafes, restaurants, the Schnappa Rock Cafe and a small store. Whangarei 40 minutes for full supplies and fuel.

Accommodation

Bach rentals and Bookabach options in Tutukaka and Matapouri. Tutukaka Marina has motels. Whangarei 40 minutes south for the full range.

Camping

Freedom camping at the Sandy Bay toilet block and grass area is banned over peak summer (December 18 to February 8) under the Whangarei District bylaw. McAuslin Road is closed to overnight camping year-round. Outside those dates, designated areas are fine.