Continent
Oceania
Country
New Zealand
Next Big City
Auckland
Next Town
Beachlands
 
Type:
Ocean
Rider Ability:
Intermediate, Expert
Features:
None

Water

Type:
Shallow, Flat
Hazards:
Rocks
Quality:
Clean
Best Tide:
Low tide, Coming tide, Falling tide

A 200m long sandbar connecting the mainland with a small flat island (hence out nickname). This spot disappears at high tide but works mint as at mid tide. Also works well at low tide but it's a 200m walk to waters edge from rigging area. At mid tide water is flat on the leeward side of spit. In the water there are some nasty rocks, engines submerged at near low tide, stay away from the shore is my best advice if you don't wanna wreck your board.

Beach

Type:
Sand
Size:
Tidal
Hazards:
Shells
Beach Users:
None

It's a sandbar that disappears at high tide. Covered with shells. Self launching can be an issue and this place is hard on the gear. Plenty of room though and pretty safe. Entry is via steps at the end of Beachlands via a reserve. As the walk from the car can be quite a hike up and down steps the best option is to wear your wetsuit to avoid two trips.

Weather

Spring:
Normal
Summer:
Shorty
Fall:
Normal
Winter:
Normal

Water temp in the 20s°C in summer and in the teens in winter. Air temp likewise. Wetsuit is recommended.

Wind

Best Months:
September, October, November
Wind Type:
No information
Best Direction:
SW, WSW, W
Main Direction:
WSW, W

Best time to ride here is during spring but as this spot gets wind from most directions it suits anytime of the year. Spring brings strong westerly and WSW winds, OFTEN over 20 knots and frequently over 30knots. This place can channel the wind so if the Tamaki meter is gusting 25 knots then expect it to be peaking at over 30 knots here. No holes either but the odd power gust. It's mainly a SW spot but this place can work in anything but E and SE. Winter is also quite good here too. In fact this place is pretty much kicking ass anytime of the year due to it's versatility.



How to get there

Transport
Car
Access
Medium walk

From the Airport drive to Howick (get the map out for this) and then drive to Whitford. Then drive past Formosa golf course. After that take the next left and drive to the end veering right at the curved intersection. This will take you through the township of Beachlands. At the end of the shops turn left into Second View ave. Drive to the end where you turn right at a t-junction. Drive to the end where you will see a reserve on the left with very limited parking (a ditch and a dirt road/driveway). At the end of the reserve are some steps which takes you down to the beach/sand spit. If mid tide you may have to ford some shallow rock pools.

Extra information

Rules
None

Best to get here well before mid tide incoming. And best to have departed before 2 hrs before high tide. Tide comes in pretty fast and will wash your gear away if not careful about this. Also this spot is not for beginners due to nasty debris/rocks close to shore and hidden dangers. And unless you are powered and are a competent kiter stay away from the leeward side of the spit, a number of people (including myself) have had to self rescue due to drifting too far downwind, others have had to be rescued by locals. Just be careful here. Definitely leash your kite, next stop is Waiheke Island.

Nightlife

Howick is a 20 km drive.