Tākou Bay

Tākou Bay is a small east-facing bay twenty-one kilometres north of Kerikeri, tucked into the coastline between Whangaroa Harbour and Matauri. The Tākou River bisects a two kilometre stretch of sand and forms a small bar at the southern end where the bay's best surf sets up. The wave is a soft, forgiving beach break with multiple peaks running across the sand, both lefts and rights, suited to longboards, mid-lengths and learners. The river bar at the south is the highlight on a clean NE swell with a W wind, producing punchier, more shaped waves than the open beach. There is a reef on the southern side with good snorkelling on calm days. Surf-wise this is not a destination, it is a quiet alternative for when Matauri is crowded or Sandy Bay is too big.

The bay is culturally significant Ngāpuhi land. The Mātaatua waka, one of the great founding canoes of Aotearoa, ended its journey here, and the local marae behind the dunes continues that history. Some of the surrounding land is private. If you have time, read a little about the iwi history before you visit, because it changes how the place feels. Tread lightly, be humble, have a chat with any locals you see, and remember that Tākou rewards visitors who slow down.

• Read the south-end bar from the dunes before you commit, because it only shapes up when the sand has banked the right way and on the wrong bank it is just shifting closeouts.
• When the surf is small the south reef is better for a snorkel than a surf, since the water clarity here is exceptional in calm conditions, and Matauri Bay is only 8 km south if you want to pair the two.
• Aotearoa Surf does not run lessons here, our base is Te Ārai three hours south, so if you are a beginner wanting a guided session, drive south, because Tākou is for surfers happy to find their own way and read the bank on arrival.

• The river mouth carries strong currents on outgoing tides, stronger again after rain, so check the channel from the dunes before you paddle anywhere near the bar.
• At the south end, rocks on the reef cover over at high tide and lurk just under the surface, so eyeball the lineup from the dunes and know where they sit before your first wave.
• There is no lifeguard patrol, no facilities and no shop, so stock up in Kerikeri before the drive in and surf with company.
• Stay off marked paddocks on the private land around the bay, leave gates as you find them, and pack everything out with you.

Getting there

Far North. 21 km north of Kerikeri on SH10 then Tākou Bay Road. Sealed to the gate, last stretch can be slow. Around 25 minutes east of Kerikeri.

Parking

Limited parking at the road end. Keep vehicles off the beach and the grassed areas, this is a small bay and footprint matters.

Toilets & showers

No public toilets at the beach access. Nearest facilities are at Matauri Bay Holiday Park (8 km south) or in Kerikeri.

Shops, cafes & fuel

No shops, cafes or fuel at the beach. Kerikeri 30 minutes inland for full supplies, restaurants and petrol stations.

Accommodation

No accommodation at Tākou Bay itself. Kerikeri 30 minutes inland has motels, the Kerikeri Top 10 Holiday Park and plenty of Bookabach options. Matauri Bay Holiday Park 8 km south for the beachfront option.

Camping

Far North District Council bylaw prohibits freedom camping at council reserves. The closest legal camping is Matauri Bay Holiday Park or in Kerikeri.