Overview
Taupo Bay is a beautiful beach break on the east coast of Northland, tucked into a bay that cradles a series of sucky, barrelling peaks. On its day the waves can stand up to almost double overhead, and there are some thrusting rights that break off the southern end. It breaks over sand and offers both lefts and rights, which makes for a fun, varied setup.
When It Works
The bay takes swell from north through east, and it comes to life best on a northeast swell. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, so there is plenty of scope from playful days up to solid, overhead-plus surf. Those thrusting rights off the southern end really fire in strong northeast swells. Consistency is good here, so it picks up waves reliably through the season.
Wind and Tide
Look for a southwest offshore wind to clean things up, and the southern rights in particular are happy with any southerly in the mix. The bay works across low, mid, and high tide, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
Taupo Bay is an approachable spot that suits beginners, and there is a local surf school if you want a hand getting started. It does draw a crowd, so expect a busy lineup when the swell is on.
Access
The bay sits east of Kaitaia on the Northland coast. From Whangarei, head north on Western Hills Drive (State Highway 1). At Kawakawa turn left onto Queen Street (State Highway 1), then turn right onto State Highway 10. Turn right onto Taupo Bay Road and follow it all the way down to the beach, then take Marlin Drive along the beachfront. There is a car park at the beach, and facilities include restrooms, showers, camping, and the surf school.
