Waipu Cove
Northland, New Zealand
Beach breakIntermediate
In Northland south of Mangawhai, Waipu Cove is a small beach community where northeast swells create the most accessible surf in the upper North Island, a gentle introduction to New Zealand surfing with a Scottish heritage village nearby.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalN (0°)
WindowW–E (270°–90°)
Size–E 1–2m at 10–14s
Wind
SW
Light to W under 15 knots
Tide
Mid tide
LowMidHigh
Season
Sep–Mar
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Beach break
Bottom
Sand
Shape
Beach peaks in the protected cove
Length
50–100m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Beginner to intermediate
- •Why: Relatively sheltered cove creates manageable waves good for learning
Hazards
- •Rip currents near the rocky headland
- •Gets crowded on summer weekends with Auckland day-trippers
- •Sandbanks shift after storms
Local Tips
- •Waipu village (5 minutes inland) was settled by Scottish Highlanders in the 1850s, the Nova Scotia Museum celebrates this history
- •The Waipu Pizza Barn is legendary, post-surf pizza is a tradition here
- •Mangawhai Heads to the south has more powerful, consistent surf for experienced surfers
Location
-36.0167, 174.4833