|
northland east coast
Are you seeking magic, golden summer days
on quiet sheltered beaches, washed by warm clear water?
Northland’s east coast is deeply indented with a thousand
inlets, bays and sandy coves. When easterly winds assail the
coast, long rhythmic swells roll in from the Pacific Ocean. This
is New Zealand’s subtropical paradise extending from
Auckland to North Cape and boasting over 60 surf beaches.
The immense variety of surf locations on this coast could easily
have you cruising in the sun and enjoying fun waves all summer
long. The coastal scenery is stunning - white sand bays
landlocked by dramatic cliffs, which are draped with bright red
pohutukawa blooms each December. Just sitting out there on the
green water staring back at the coastline is a source of pleasure
and wonderment.
This surfer’s playground is so extensive that it is possible
to name only a select few of the best surf locations here. Pakiri
Beach (32 kms north of Warkworth) has a good beach break that
performs well around high tide in a 1.5 metre easterly swell.
Visit the renowned marine reserve at Goat Island to surf, or
snorkel, with big snapper and rock lobsters.
From Pakiri up to Bream Head the coast is relatively open and
exposed to easterly winds. Te Arai Point (48 kms north of
Warkworth) and the nearby ‘Forestry’ access have good
beach breaks in east and north-east swells. Waipu Cove (8 kms
south of Waipu) is at its best in moderate swells to 1.5 metres,
breaking off the rocky headland or sandbars. Nearby Mangawai
Heads has an interesting left-hand break peeling across the river
bar.
From Bream Head to Cape Brett there are at least 16 popular surf
beaches. Sandy Bay (32 kms north of Whangarei) is notable as the
prime hot spot. Also check out the left-hand bar break at
Whananaki inlet.
From Cape Brett to Cape Karikari there are 20 beach breaks and
some outstanding reef breaks such as Taronui Bay (14 kms north of
Kerikeri). Good beach breaks in a large swell can be found at the
beach resorts of Matauri, Tauranga and Taupo Bays.
|
