Blacks Beach (New Zealand) / North Island / New Zealand

This isn't exactly the greatest surfing spot in the world, but if you happen to be in the area it could be worth a look. It doesn't break very often, but is suitable for everybody and is a fun kind of break.

Although it is very close to the town, not many people bother coming here so you have plenty of room to do your thing. The beach is sandy and clear, and the water is relatively mild with temperatures reaching an average of about 20° C in summer and a low of about 14° C in winter.

This spot will only work when the wind and the swell both come in from the north-west. You also need to be here with the water at the low or mid tide position, though it does work on rising or falling tides, and the swell will start working at about 1 m to 1.5 m before reaching a maximum of maybe 2 m. It is a beach break, both right and left, and the waves are video and very in terms of power and speed but can still be fun. Length is usually around 50 m, so it's mostly short, but on a good day you can see 100 to 150 m.

Plimmerton is within easy reach of Wellington, so most people stay in the big city and just drive out here. However the town has plenty to offer in its own right, and is a pleasant place to hang around for a day or two.  You won't find any facilities on the beach, but you'll be able to pick up food and drink in the town.

You might see the occasional shark in the area, but they won't cause problems for anybody acting sensibly. Other than those, there are no hazards here at all.