Houhora Heads is a surf spot located at the mouth of the Houhora Harbour on the east coast of Northland, New Zealand. It’s a spot that can offer some decent surfing when the conditions line up right, especially when a significant northeast to east swell is rolling in. If you’re looking for a place to catch some waves and enjoy the coastal vibe, this could be worth checking out.
The surf at Houhora Heads is known for chunky waves that break over uneven reef and sand, creating a unique ride. The optimal swell direction here is northeast, but you can also catch waves with north and east swells. This spot handles swell sizes of around 2ft (0.6 meters) and can deliver some solid conditions, particularly during mid tide. The waves typically break to the left, making it a good choice for intermediate surfers looking to improve their skills.
To get to Houhora Heads, head north on North Road from Kaitaia. Before reaching Pukenui, take a right onto Houhora Heads Road and drive down to the river mouth. From there, you’ll need to paddle across the river to reach Stanley Point. It's a pretty straightforward route, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting to the surf.