Northland and Auckland
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Positives
- Super-wide swell window
- NZ’s warmest region
- Mostly uncrowded
- Shipwreck Bay lefts
Negatives
- West coast frequently onshore
- 4WD access at many spots
- Inconsistent East Coast
- Long hikes to some spots
Northland and Auckland surf travel guide
Clear, warm sub-tropical waters wash both sides of a peninsula that benefits from a near 300° swell window. Any pulse from SSW all the way round to SE will hit countless uncrowded beaches, points and reefs. Northland is relatively narrow and at the widest point it’s still less then 1 hours drive from east to west. The Twin Coast Discovery Highway leads to most of the surf locations so it’s perfectly suited to campervan touring.
Surf spots in Northland and Auckland
Research the 33 surf breaks in Northland and Auckland and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 33 breaks in Northland and Auckland.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Northland and Auckland
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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
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- 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
Auckland (AUK) is NZ main airport.
Getting Around
The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is Northland’s scenic touring route. Buses from Auckland to Kaitaia take 6h ($60). Auckland to Cape Reinga is 6h drive. 3 Northland airports with Air NZ: Whangarei, Kerikeri and Kaitaia. $50 o/w for board bag. A rental car for a week costs $160. Escape Rentals has campervans that perfectly fit surfers needs.
Accommodation
Ahipara is a good base. Options include budget backpacker, homely B&B, spacious holiday park, family motel or luxury hotel from $15-150. Camping is a summer option. Good Vibrations run a surf camp/school/guiding from $55 day. Expect $12-25 for a meal. Try some of the seafood with fine Kiwi wines.
Activities
The Bay of Islands and The Poor Knights Islands marine reserve are well known. Don’t miss Whangarei, the Scottish settlement at Waipu and the beautiful Whangaroa Harbour. Enjoy fine arts and crafts, fishing, diving and boating.
Hazards & hassles
Main problem is the cold & wind and some rocks with razor-sharp mussels. Crowds are only a factor at Piha, Muriwai and North Auckland spots. Some shark attacks on both coasts over the years but mainly on swimmers and spear fisherman.
Handy Hints
Bookings are essential for the peak period of Dec-March. Various companies in Auckland offer shuttles to Orewa, Mangawhai, Piha, Muriwai or Shipwreck Bay. Good quality boards in Auckland and beach shops.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.