Pataua Bar is a surf spot located north of Whangarei, New Zealand. It's known for its classic rivermouth rights, making it a unique place for surfers looking to catch some waves. Accessing the beach involves a bit of a drive through the countryside, so make sure to follow the right directions to get there. The quality of the surf can vary quite a bit, depending mainly on the river flow and swells coming from the northeast.
This spot works best with a northeast swell and is capable of handling swell sizes around 2ft (approximately 0.6 meters). The waves break over sand and tend to form right-handers. If you're an intermediate surfer, you might enjoy the challenge here, but keep in mind that the take-offs can be tricky at times. To get the best conditions, aim for low to mid-high tides, and note that a southwest wind typically helps clean up the surf, making for better rides.
If Pataua Bar isn't doing its thing, you can check out Ocean Beach nearby for larger and more reliable peaks. It offers a 6km stretch where surfers can find powerful waves, so it’s a good backup if you're looking for more consistent surf.