Tawharanui (Northland)
- Freeride, Bodyboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Tawharanui is an exposed surfing beach in Northland with a mix of beach and reef conditions, described as having quite reliable surf. The spot is generally best when a northeast swell lines up with southwest offshore winds, which can groom the wave face for more usable peel. Wave power is characterized as moderate, with punchy, fun surf and generally good wave quality. For surfing, both directions are reported workable (waves can run both ways around the beach/reef layout). Sources note peeling wave shape and that the area can be suitable for learners on smaller days, while intermediate surfers get more from it as conditions improve. Typical ride lengths are described as medium, and sandbar quality influences the exact length of each session. Safety considerations are a major theme here: rocks are present at both ends, rip currents are commonly reported near the rocky headlands, and sharks and swimmers are noted hazards. During busy summer periods, swimmers can be harder to spot between sets, so keeping situational awareness high is emphasized. Marine reserve rules also apply, so fishing/taking marine life is not allowed, and there are restrictions such as no dogs and park gate access times. Even though it’s primarily a surfing destination, wind sports can sometimes be possible depending on conditions. Kitesurfing is described as rarely used due to reserve status and the cliffs, while wingfoiling and windsurfing are described as more conditional—linked to specific wind directions and generally best when swell is smaller for foiling and when advanced skill is available for windsurfing. Summer is consistently highlighted as the best period for surf and weather, with January singled out as a key month.
- Exposed beach/reef break with quite reliable surf
- Northeast swell with southwest winds described as favorable
- Marine reserve setting for exceptional water clarity
- Exposed beach and reef break with quite reliable surf
- Offshore grooming winds in the southwest are described for surf conditions
- Marine-reserve setting supports exceptional water clarity and nature-focused atmosphere
- Often not ideal for wind sports; marine reserve status and cliffs limit kitesurfing potential
- Rip currents are commonly reported near rocky headlands
- Crowds can be extreme on summer weekends and public holidays
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW
- Offshore directions
- SW
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Southwest to westerly winds are described; wind performance depends on passing weather systems.
- Reliability
- Moderate; depends on passing weather systems
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — Described as light-gusts.
- Best Months
- January
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs behind the beach can create a wind shadow in southerly conditions
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — Sand beach; with reef/rock elements at the ends.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Also described as small most of the time; another source characterizes it as medium depending on conditions.
- Launch
- Big — Spacious white-sand beach with plenty of room for setup and launching; main surf area is right in front of the car park.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Launch difficulty described as easy.
Through the year
Extremely crowded during summer weekends and public holidays; very quiet during winter weekdays
Winter (June to August) is the rainiest period
By sport
What to expect for each.
Rarely used for kitesurfing due to marine reserve status and high cliffs, but possible for experienced riders in North-Northeast winds.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Not a primary windsurfing destination; less popular than nearby alternatives due to the walk from the car park with heavy gear and the protected nature of the bay.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–5.7 m²
Suitable during Northeast winds when the swell is small; clear water makes it attractive, though the walk from parking is significant.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil friendly is indicated.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Exposed beach and reef break with quite reliable surf; punchy, fun waves. Works best on northeast swells with southwest offshore winds. Generally rated good for beginners to intermediates on smaller days.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NE, E
- Swell Height
- 0.8–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Optimal tide referenced as mid.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed beach and reef break; shelter varies by wind direction.
- Wind Effect
- Southwest winds are described as offshore and grooming the swell.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out when swell exceeds 2.5 meters
- Wave Quality
- Good — Good wave quality; described as quite reliable.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Punchy, fun waves with moderate power.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling / fun, punchy surf.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling waves.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Rides typically range from 50 to 100 meters depending on sandbar quality.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–100 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides typically range from 50 to 100 meters depending on sandbar quality.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Tawharanui (Northland) in the full forecast view.
Tawharanui (Northland) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–18 ktsGusts 27 kts
- Direction
- W267°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2918 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–0.8 m5s period
- Temperature
- 11–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, Tawharanui (Northland) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 27 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.2–0.8 m with a period of about 5s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Sharks
- Rip currents
- Swimmers
- Sun exposure
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards described as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability described as limited.
- Emergency Info
- For emergencies dial 111. Nearest hospital referenced in Warkworth (~25 minutes).
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Local rules around swimmers and respectful behavior are emphasized.
Rules of the spot
Marine reserve rules apply (no fishing/taking of marine life). No dogs permitted in the regional park. Follow park gate access times.
- No dogs
- No fishing
- No drones without permit
- Park gate access times apply
- No taking of marine life
- Be mindful of swimmers during busy summer months
- Watch out for swimmers
- Check park gate closing times before heading out for an evening session
- Know the local rules and respect the locals
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Auckland
- Nearest Town
- Matakana
- Nearest Airport
- Auckland Airport (AKL), approximately 95 km away
- Parking
- Large gravel car park available within the Regional Park; also described as a car park located directly in front of the main surf area (easy reach) and it fills up quickly on sunny weekends.
- Public Transport
- No direct public transport; access requires a private vehicle
- Access
- Accessible via Tāwharanui Regional Park; road is paved until the park entrance, then follows a well-maintained gravel and paved road.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English, Māori
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Tāwharanui Regional Park campground is available (bookings required); additional accommodation in Matakana/Omaha.
- Food & Drink
- No shops within the park; nearest cafes and stores are in Matakana.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rentals on-site; equipment can be rented in nearby Matakana or Omaha.
- Gear Storage
- No public gear storage available in the regional park.
- Gear Repair
- Specialist repair shops are available in Auckland city (~75-minute drive).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A premier nature escape set within a marine reserve and regional park, combining high-quality surf with open-sanctuary conservation. The area is noted for abundant native wildlife and excellent water clarity.
A protected area offering world-class snorkeling and diving among diverse marine life.
Historic pā (fortified village) sites and significant cultural landscapes belonging to Ngāti Manuhiri.
A nearby hub featuring artisanal cafes, a farmers market, and local breweries.
Safe, shallow rock pools ideal for children to explore marine biology at low tide.
A predator-free sanctuary walk offering sightings of rare native birds like the takahē and kiwi.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Tawharanui (Northland)?
The best overall months at Tawharanui (Northland) are January, February, March, April, October, November, December. The best wind months are January.
Which wind directions work at Tawharanui (Northland)?
Tawharanui (Northland) works with SW winds. Offshore directions are SW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Tawharanui (Northland)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Tawharanui (Northland): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–25 kts.
What skill level is Tawharanui (Northland) suitable for?
Tawharanui (Northland) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced to Expert · Windsurfing: Advanced to Expert · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.