Motunau Beach is a surf spot located inside a wildlife reserve, offering a mix of waves for surfers. It features high tide beach breaks and a unique left point break, making it a bit more interesting. The beach itself is mostly sandy, but there are some rocky patches further out, so you'll want to keep an eye out for those while you're paddling around.

The best conditions for surfing at Motunau Beach happen with an east swell direction. You can catch waves coming from the northeast and south, and the spot works well with swell sizes around 2 feet (about 0.6 meters). The waves here primarily break over sand and can roll in both left and right. High tide is when it's really worth it, and the preferred wind direction is from the north. This spot is pretty beginner-friendly, so if you’re just starting out or looking for an easier session, it can be a good option.

If you're planning a session, remember that when the wind shifts to a more westerly aspect, it might be worth heading over the hill to another spot called Fields for better conditions. Make sure to check the forecast before you go to get the best out of your day at Motunau Beach.