The east coast heartland an hour north of Auckland: Mangawhai's bar, Te Arai's groomed sandbanks, Waipu Cove and Ruakaka beyond. Forgiving white-sand beach breaks that suit everyone from first-timers to loggers chasing runners, with proper surf-town infrastructure the whole way.
Day 1 is today. Forecast refreshes every 3 hours.
Northland East · 3hr session
Saturday morning at the bar by the harbour mouth. Banks shift with the estuary, so have a look from the dunes before you paddle.
Auckland / Rodney · 3hr session
Fifteen minutes south for the afternoon. Pine-backed beach with some of the most consistent sandbanks on the coast, and usually a peak to yourself if you walk.
Northland East · 3hr session
Sunday morning twenty five minutes north. The cove picks up a touch more swell than Mangawhai and the rivermouth bank can be excellent on a NE.
Northland East · 2hr session
Last surf before the drive home. Long open beach by the rivermouth, softer banks that are kind on tired arms.
Aotearoa Surf can help with lessons, board hire and accommodation across most North Island routes. Get in touch for a guided run of any of these trips.
Plan a guided trip