Kumera Patch / North Island / New Zealand

A few kilometres south of Oakura, this spot is often overlooked as people drive through looking for the better-known names. They are missing out as this can be an excellent break on its day, and it is suitable for all levels of experience.

The beach is a decent size strip of sand, but you don't really need this place – is a pretty quiet spot, almost empty during the week and with no more than a handful of surfers out at weekends. Water temperatures are mild in summer, reaching up to 19 or 20° C, and cool in winter with lows of 12 or 13° C.

This place works with the wind from the south-east or the east, and the swell pushing against it from the west or the south-west. It will start working at 1 m to 1.5 m, before holding up to over 3 m and it does it best on a rising tide with the water at the low or mid tide position. It is a reef break, only to the left, and on the best days the waves are both hollow and fast. Length is usually short at around 50 m, but on a good day you can get 100 to 150 m out of it.

You can’t get too close to this spot in a car, so be prepared for a 15 to 20 min walk. The location is well away from any development, so make sure that you bring everything you need with you.

There aren't any hazards here as long as you use your common sense and obey basic safety rules.