Surf: The Bay of Islands region works on any E swell and idyllic Elliot Bay will have clear water beachbreaks, often when the rest of the coast is flat. This means some crowds, despite the difficult access and walk over private land. Directions: Elliot Bay is located just south of the Bay Of Islands on the east coast, north of Whangarei. From Whangarei, head north on Western Hills Drive, State Highway 1. Turn right onto Russell Road. Turn left to stay on Russell Road. Turn right onto Rawhiti Road. Continue round to Elliot Bay, down to the beach. From here you will need to cross private property to access the beach, where you will find an honesty box to pay your way. Environment: Look for more pristine, isolated breaks to the north and the ‘honesty box’ on the farmland fence.