Waves are generally big and heavy. Waves break about 500m offshore and re-form on the inside. Some good shallow flat water between broken waves near the beach.
Super long, black, soft sand surf beach. Heaps of room on the mid to low tide, less on full tide, but sand dunes and forest behind. The beach is about 50km long and ends at a harbor entrance.
Full wetsuit in winter, spring suit in summer for people from the tropics. Winter (May to October): air 14-15°C and water 12°C. Summer (November to April): air 20-22°C, water 16-18°C. A spot that can ride year round, and always has surf.
Southwest prevailing wind makes sideonshore. Winter blows pretty hard. Strong, often gusty winds with 20 knots average. About 15 knot average SW winds, more offshore and no wind days in summer, but often sea breezes. 90 % of the time SW in winter (or some westerly angle). Best direction for wave riding NW, but SW is fine too.
From Auckland City, take the North Western Motorway until it runs out, hang a left at Westgate, turn right at roundabout and travel through Kumeu, turn left at Waimauku at the sign that says `Muriwai`. Follow this round until the end and you are there. Gotta take a car. You can drive on the beach (all 50km of it). 4WD is best, watch out for incoming tide.
Drop a few beers off at the pink house on the cliff if you have a good session as a result of this review. You should be able to see it from down the beach.
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