Mimiwhangata Bay is a surf spot located on the east coast of New Zealand, specifically north of Whangarei and south of Helena Bay. It features beautiful scenery and provides access to Okupe beach. To get to the beach, you’ll need to ask for permission and pay a small fee to cross some private farmland. This spot is a bit off the beaten path but offers a unique surfing experience.
The surf here is pretty versatile. It handles swell sizes starting at 1ft (about 0.3 meters) and works best with southeast swells while northeast and southeast swells also produce fun waves. You can catch left and right breaking waves on a sandy bottom, making it suitable for surfers of all levels, including beginners. Optimal conditions happen with a northwesterly wind, and the waves are enjoyable during low, mid, and high tides. If you find the main peaks crowded, you might want to walk south towards Paraparea for some quality waves without the crowd.
There’s a nice campsite located on the west side of the beach, which is great if you want to stay overnight and enjoy the surf for an extended time. Just remember to keep it chill and respect the local access rules when you head out to catch some waves.