Mangawhai Heads
Northland, New Zealand
Beach breakIntermediate
An hour north of Auckland on the Pacific coast, Mangawhai Heads has a powerful bar break where the harbour entrance focuses northeast swells into one of Northland's most consistent and energetic waves, popular with Auckland surfers escaping the city.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalN (0°)
WindowW–E (270°–90°)
Size–E 1.5–2.5m at 10–14s
Wind
SW
Light to W under 15 knots
Tide
Mid tide
LowMidHigh
Season
Mar–Oct
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Bar break
Bottom
Sand
Shape
Peaks off the harbour bar, powerful lefts and rights
Length
80–150m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
- •Why: Harbour bar creates powerful, focused waves with strong currents
Hazards
- •Very strong rip currents through the harbour entrance
- •Sandbar shifts after storms
- •Boat traffic through the harbour
Local Tips
- •The bar is best on a building tide, the incoming current pushes the banks up
- •Mangawhai village has excellent cafés and galleries, a well-developed community
- •The sand spit estuary walk is beautiful on flat days
Location
-36.1167, 174.5833