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auckland west coast
The City of Sails is spoiled for
choice surf locations, with two coasts and several northern
beaches just an hours drive from downtown.
Big city surfers, from the greenest grommets to the craziest
enchiladas, head west, to ride every wild, whipped-up wave from
Whatipu to Muriwai. There are wicked foam-flecked rollers out
there, with A-frame peaks. At times rogue sets assault this
exposed coastline and wipe you out. But you just have to be out
there charging for the fun and excitement value.
The fun starts at Piha (40 kms west of Auckland) where the surf
rocks, the views are stunning and the après-surf partying is
wild. This is the most popular west coast beach in New Zealand
and has cool left and right-handers at South Piha and an awesome
right-hander at North Piha. The sick outer breaks are recommended
for more experienced surfers.
Muriwai (50 kms from Auckland) has a proud heritage, as surfing
was first demonstrated to surf club members way back in 1915. The
beach has easy access and an abundance of waves, including some
great barrels. Muriwai Beach stretches 30 kms up to the Kaipara
Harbour, the entire beach being classified as a public road. The
best surfing is at the southern headland and off the river mouth
1 km north.
Just over the hill from Muriwai is Maori Bay with left and
right-hand point breaks in any winds from an easterly quarter.
The rocky points throw up some sick wall-like waves, which
inexperienced riders should avoid.
Bethells Beach (8 km south of Muriwai) is best surfed on moderate
swells from the east. The beach breaks can be quite enjoyable on
an incoming tide but beware of rips and holes on outgoing tides.
Just over the northern headland is O’Neill’s Bay, which
is a very popular playground boasting a fun-filled right-hander
off the southern point.
Many locals rave about Karekare Beach (4 km south of Piha) as the
quintessential surf-ripping venue. A consistent left-hander rolls
off the island in light easterlies and surfs well on an incoming
tide. There is a fast point break at the northern rocky point and
messy beach breaks in the middle of the bay. Outgoing tides
produce powerful rips so beginners may wish to watch the action
from the shore.
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