Top 5 Surf Beaches Within 30 Minutes of Whangārei

This compellation of beaches is just a handful of what Northland has to offer, and are all a short drive out of Whangarei. Please respect our coast and enjoy what it has to offer.

SANDY BAY

Sandy bay (aka The Scunge Pit, Due to the summer time algae that gets stirred up in half decent swells) is one of the gems of the Tutukaka coast. Just 30 minutes northeast of Whangarei, you will find safe swimming and user friendly surf. Home of one of the longest running surfing competitions, The Polar Bear classic, surfers from all over the country come for the prestige of having their name on the trophy. Consistently average surf conditions, means you’re likely to get ridable waves most of the time.

MATAPOURI

Also located on the Tutukaka coast, Matapouri is another classic beach community, and described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Locals and tourists alike flock here in the summer months for the clean white sand and safe swimming in the crystal clear waters. In the right hand corner of the bay, you will find a playful peeling wave at the entrance to a shallow estuary. This is a great place for novice surfers to hone their skills, and on its day advanced surfers can shred it.

PATAUA

A beautiful long golden sand beach with a clean safe estuary at the southern end, you’ll find a quiet beach community. Safe swimming and paddle boarding in the crystal clear waters of the estuary and often some pretty damn good waves on the main beach. Shifting sand banks and able to hold solid swells make this a popular spot for many.  Stomping ground of the Pataua Surf Bastards, respect for the locals is a must.

OCEAN BEACH

Situated at the south end of a long untouched white sand bay, Ocean beach (aka OB’s) is one of the most popular for sunbathers and surfers alike. A real beach vibe, with a lush bush clad mountain overlooking crystal clear waters and powerful surf, on its day this place is not to be messed with. A magnet for swell, the surf here will likely be a touch bigger than anywhere else on the coast. Swimming can get hectic, so swim between the flags.

RACE COURSE

Quite possibly one of the best beach breaks in the country, situated in the coastal community of Ruakaka, Race course gets its name from the horse racing track behind the sand dunes. When conditions line up, you can expect to witness quality peaks up and down this stretch of beach, which begins at the mouth of the Whangarei harbour, and ends at another popular surf town of Waipu  Cove (with plenty in between). It’s not uncommon to see race horses taking a swim in the ocean, or charging down the long sandy beach.