Mahia Peninsula
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Positives
- Variety of aspects
- Dominant offshore winds
- Consistent, quality spots
- Beautiful, wild area
Negatives
- Cold and wet climate
- Windy
- Cold water
- Some Localism
Mahia Peninsula surf travel guide
The Mahia Peninsula is located on the east coast of the North Island, between the cities of Gisborne and Napier. The peninsula is a beautiful, hilly promontory, with isolated golden sand beaches and wonderfully clear water. It has a flexible array of reefs, points and beaches, which between them will catch any swell going from NE to SW. The predominant SW winds are perfect for many of the exposed eastern spots and somewhere will always be offshore, no matter what the wind direction. Everything remains truly wild but the laid-back, country feel is somewhat tempered by localism, so a low profile attitude is needed.
Surf spots in Mahia Peninsula
Research the 13 surf breaks in Mahia Peninsula and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 13 breaks in Mahia Peninsula.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Mahia Peninsula
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 3,686,000
- Population
- 4,822,233
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- NZD
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 1.43 NZD NZD
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +64
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- English, Maori
Visas
No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days for members of the EU, USA, Canada, Japan, Brazilians and some others. UK nationals can stay up to 6 months and Australians can travel with no restrictions. South Africans need to get a visa before arrival.
Getting There
It will take you 7-8h to drive from Auckland to Mahia. The nearest airports to Mahia are Gisborne and Napier ($110o/w) from Auckland. The nearest sizeable town is Wairoa.
Getting Around
Mahia Peninsula You may be able to hitch from Opoutama to some of the more accessible spots, but it is likely to involve long waits.
Accommodation
Mahia Beach Holiday Park in Opoutama has camping from $12pp (no power, off peak) or cabins $75 dble (off peak, shared kitchen) and motel rooms $125 dble (off peak). Self Catering at Mahanga Beach from $80-240 per night (6 people). For quality hotels you need to stay in Gisborne. Fish & chips are cheap at $8.
Activities
The peninsula is a wild area that is a paradise for divers, fishermen, kite & windsurfers, bird watchers and horse riders. It is a mellow place with no nightlife. Napier is an interesting Art Deco city and Gisborne is one of the surf cities of New Zealand.
Hazards & hassles
Rolling boulders at Rolling Stones and other spots in large swells. Despite its peacefulness, there can be the occasional localism problem. Give the large local Maori population plenty of respect.
Handy Hints
Surf gear can be bought in Gisborne (see opposite) and Napier shops – Board Zone, Backdoor or Amazon.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.