The Surf Window

Bethells Beach

Auckland, New Zealand

Beach breakIntermediate

On Auckland's wild west coast, Bethells Beach (Te Henga) is a black sand beach backed by towering dunes and bush-clad hills where New Zealand's largest city escapes to find powerful Tasman Sea surf and a landscape unchanged since the beginning of time.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–NW 1.5–2.5m at 12–16s

Wind

SE

Light to E under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Apr–Sep

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Black volcanic sand

Shape

Powerful peaks along the beach

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
  • •Why: Powerful Tasman Sea beach break with strong rips, not for beginners

Hazards

  • •Very strong rip currents, Bethells has a significant drowning history
  • •Black sand heats up dramatically in summer, hot to walk on
  • •The access road floods in heavy rain

Local Tips

  • •The dune walk to Lake Wainamu (30 minutes through dunes) is extraordinary, sandboarding on the dunes
  • •Much more powerful than Auckland's east coast beaches, adjust your expectations
  • •The Bethells Lagoon behind the beach creates a unique ecosystem, wading birds common

Location

Map showing the location of Bethells Beach in Auckland, New Zealand

-36.8958, 174.4446