The Island / North Island / New Zealand

Known to the locals as Matakana, this is a decent spot for experienced surfers, but most of the challenge comes from getting here safely.

The beach is long and sandy, and in fact you’re going to have to walk quite a way down it to get to the spot – be prepared for a good half hour walk.  Despite the fact that it isn’t the easiest spot to reach if you don’t know anyone with a boat, it can get crowded when the conditions are good.  The sea temperature will average about 20C in the middle of summer and about 14C in the middle of winter.

With the wind from the southwest and the swell rolling in from the northeast, the waves will start working at under 1m and hold up to about 2m at most.  The spot works on both rising and falling tides, and is best at the low or mid tide mark.  It is a beach break, both right and left, and the waves are powerful and ledgey.  Length can be short, with 50m being the common length, but a really good day might extend that to about 150m. 

There isn’t any infrastructure on the island, but the Tauranga area has plenty to offer.   Hotels and guest houses provide accommodation, while restaurants and bars see to the nightlife, espeically around Mount Maunganui. 

Getting here is a hazard in itself.  You’ll need to paddle out from  Mount Maunganuiharbour if you can’t find a boat ride, and paddling means avoiding strong currents and container ships.  Sharks are also frequently sighted, and once you arrive the locals won’t put up with anybody they don’t know who can’t handle themselves.