Surf: Most beaches on Great Barrier Island work nicely with N-SE swells but the best wave at Whangapoua rivermouth needs NE for the barrels to start spinning down the long triangulated bar. Awesome set-up in a pristine environment, with peaks up the crescent beach that catch SE as well. Various other beaches work in most E swells like Awana for small days, Kaitoke behind the islands and Medlands, where the southern reef of Shark Alley breaks once in a blue moon. Environment: Get the car ferry across and camp in one of the many spartan campsites around the island. Stronger rips and a bit sharkier than the mainland.