Whangapoua

Whangapoua is a right hand river mouth bar break and also features beach breaks up the beach, all on a sandy beach. located near the Okiwi Airstrip, on the east coast of Great Barrier Island.  The main break is the right hander on the river mouth bar at the southern end of the beach. There are also several peaks up the beach with both right and left handers. The wave is punchy and hollow, with barrels on offer. Best for intermediate to expert surfers. River mouths often have strong currents or rips. Beach can get popular in the summer, so watch out for swimmers.

Quality Rating: 

9

Optimal Swell Direction: 

NE

Optimal Wind Direction: 

SW

Tide: 

All

Wave Type: 

Right point
Beach break
River mouth

Wave Size Min: 

1.0ft

Wave Shape: 

Punchy
Powerful
Hollow

Beach Type: 

Sand

Skill Level: 

Intermediate

Crowd Level: 

7

Wildlife: 

Sharks

Danger: 

River mouths often have strong currents or rips. Watch out for swimmers.

Directions 

Whangapoua is located ner the Okiwi Airstrip on the east coast of Great Barrier Island, which is a approximately a 3-4 hour ferry ride out east of Auckland. From Auckland, take one of the ferrys, Fullers or Sealink are options and you can take your car over. Ferry takes approx 3-4 hours depending which ferry and which destination you arrive at. You can also fly to Great Barrier Island Okiwi Airstrip which is much quicker and the best option. From Port Fitzroy its a 20min drive to Whangapoua. Drive north on Aotea Road until you get to the Okiwi Airstrip. From here its a short 5min walk to the southern end of Whangapoua beach and the river mouth. To get to the north end of the beach, approximately half way to the Okiwi Airstrip, turn left onto Maybe Road, and follow this to Whangapoua Beach.

Nearest Town: 

Tryphena

Nearest City: 

Auckland

Travel Time from City: 

240mins

Road in: 

Seal
Gravel

Walk in: 

Yes

Parking at beach: 

Yes

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