Best Known Surf Beaches in Whangārei
There are many surf beaches around Whangārei, in close proximity to Port Nikau. If you’re just learning or already a seasoned surfer, we have the best local spots for you to visit!
Ocean’s Beach
Distance from Port Nikau: 40 mins
Best conditions: E-NE swell combined with an offshore wind direction from the W
Break: Left and Right Beach and Reef
Best tide time: Mid-tide
Walk the length of the 5km beach and you’ll find sand dunes and rock pools, and at the lookout, you can see the memorial to commemorate HMS Pururi, the only WW2 navy ship lost to enemy action in New Zealand waters.
Local tip: The sandy walkway from the carpark gets super hot so don’t forget your jandals.
Sandy Bay
Distance from Port Nikau: 45 mins
Best conditions: E-NE swell combined with an offshore wind direction from the W-SW
Break: Right Beach
Best tide time: High tide when rising
This beach has a variety of surf conditions for beginners and the more experienced, but watch out for dangerous rips. For a slower pace, you can usually find smaller swells at nearby Woolleys Bay and Matapouri.
Local tip: Stop off at Matapouri Bay Store for some awesome fish ‘n’ chips.
Pataua
Distance from Port Nikau: 20 mins Pataua South, 40 mins Pataua North
Best conditions: NE swell combined with an offshore wind direction from the SW
Break: Point
Best tide time: All
A 2.4km stretch of white sand that’s good for beginners and less experienced surfers. There are strong rips, so be careful. Pataua tidal estuary is a safe swimming area popular with families.
Local tip: Park at Patua North or South, you can easily access the other side via the footbridge.
Langs Beach
Distance from Port Nikau: 50 mins
Best conditions: NE swell combined with an offshore wind direction from the S
Break: Left and Right Beach
Best tide time: Mid-tide when falling
Further along the coast from Waipu Cove, this pōhutukawa lined beach has consistent surf and good fishing. It’s popular with locals and holidaying Aucklanders, so be warned that it can get busy in the summer.
Local tip: At low tide, you can access the hidden Ding Bay.
Waipu Cove
Distance from Port Nikau: 45 mins
Best conditions: NE swell combined with an offshore wind direction from the SW
Break: Left and Right Beach
Best tide time: Mid-tide when rising
This beach has it all – a beautiful stretch of white sand, toilets, a campsite, coastal walks, and nearby cafes and restaurants.
Local tip: The Cove, overlooking the beach, is the perfect spot for a post-surf beer.
Need a surfboard?
Hire equipment or book progression lessons from local companies Tutukaka Surf and Learn 2 Surf Waipu Cove. Pick up a second-hand board on Trade Me, Marketplace or one of the many local buy-and-sell Facebook pages, or you can buy a board at Mega Surf in Okara Park.
Check out the conditions
Check out Surf Forecast, MetService Marine section, or Surfline for up-to-date conditions. With our subtropical climate of hot summers and mild winters, our average water temperature ranges from 15.4°C in winter to 21.4°C in summer, meaning surfers can enjoy the water all year round.
Port Nikau Marine News
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The History of Port Whangārei
Port Whangārei has played a key role in the economic growth of Whangārei and the wider Northland region. Situated at the heart of Whangārei Harbour, it was once a bustling industrial and marine hub, servicing Whangārei township through significant periods of growth. Today, its legacy is evolving as Port Nikau takes shape, transforming the area
Iceberg spotted at Port Nikau
When the luxury motor yacht Iceberg, built by Circa Marine, returned to Whangārei for maintenance and repairs, it was more than just a homecoming – it was the beginning of a deep connection with Port Nikau and the surrounding Northland region.