Our Beaches
The best surf beaches on New Zealand’s coastline…
all within a few minutes drive!
Te Arai, Forestry and Mangawhai have been the go to beaches for surfers for decades. On Auckland’s East Coast and just over an hour’s drive from Auckland city, they’re easy to get to and are well known for their safe conditions, consistent surf, white sand and clear water. We also operate on beaches closer to Auckland, such as Orewa, Omaha and Pakiri. Let the Aotearoa Surf team show you around!
Get the best advice, from locals who know where to go!
Surf Forecast NZ Wide
Not sure whether the conditions are right for you? Check out Our How to Read Surf Charts and Reliable Surf Forecast tool. You don’t need much swell for Te Arai, only 0.2 of a metre. Other beaches such as Orewa, Tawharanui, Omaha need at least 0.8m and Mangawhai heads needs at least 0.5m.
Alternatively, give us a buzz. Call +64 9 431 5760 and we’ll be happy to discuss where the best beaches are to visit on the day based on the conditions and your skill level!
Te Arai – Our Home Break
Te Arai is Auckland’s #1 surf beach offering pristine white sand beaches and a campground within the regional park. It is well known by surfers for consistent conditions. The quarry at Te Arai that makes for a safe swimming and snorkelling area. Facilities include; parking, toilets and change rooms.
What to know: Most consistent swell on the East Coast from Auckland to Whangerei.
Waipu, Mangawhai, Langs &
Forestry – Nearby Surf Breaks
Waipu Cove
Waipu is a long sandy surf beach with safe swimming, surfing and fishing. The wave at Waipu is half the size of Te Arai and Mangawhai. Enjoy exploring the rock pools and the secluded surroundings. The Cove beachside cafe is the perfect spot for breakfast.
What to know: Great beach on large swell days because the surf is smaller, also great for longboard action
Mangawhai Heads
For surfers, the waves are smaller than Te Arai however it has a world-class wave on the bar on low tide. Beach surf mid to high. A smaller beach than Te Arai, it is busy during holidays with limited parking. It is great for surfing and swimming and gives access to the clifftop walk.
What to know: Watch out for hidden rocks when surfing and keep your eye out for the local dolphin pods!
Langs Beach
Langs Beach is a picturesque beach, perfect for a swim, walk or relax under the Pohutukawa trees. It offers the smallest wave of all beaches, is spotlessly clean and has a growing residential population. Langs needs some big swell to get into the bay, and it’s very sheltered from the wind
What to know: Don’t surf the right on the low or the high tide as it can be dumpy, this wave is best on the mid-tide. When the swell is big, get into those 3ft barrels.
Forestry Beach
Forestry is a beach break and can act like a left- hand point break that is good for all levels of surfer. Forestry is popular because it allows the ability to walk your pups! It’s the perfect spot for those wanting a little privacy. We regularly swap between Forestry and Te Arai for our surf lessons.
What to know: Protected from Northerly winds
Ruakākā, Orewa, Omaha & –
Further Away Surf Breaks
Frequently Asked Questions
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Te Arai Beach offers gentle, consistent waves perfect for beginners and fun rides for all levels. It’s home to Aotearoa Surf School and known for its clean water, soft sand, and year-round surf conditions — just 60 minutes from Auckland CBD. We recommend being cautious with west coast beaches, as these are suitable for advanced surfers only.
We teach at Te Arai, Mangawhai, Orewa, and Omaha Beaches — four of the most consistent and safe beaches on New Zealand’s east coast. Each location offers ideal conditions for learning to surf and stunning natural scenery.
At Te Arai and Mangawhai, waves around 0.3–1.0 metres are perfect for learning. Both beaches handle larger swells too, ideal for progressing surfers. Our team checks surf conditions daily, with most lessons held at Te Arai and Orewa for the best safety and consistency.
Yes. Beaches like Te Arai, Orewa, and Omaha are known for their gentle, forgiving waves and wide sandy shorelines, making them perfect for beginners. We check conditions daily, and whether you book Te Arai, Mangawhai, or Orewa, you’re guaranteed a safe and magical experience.
Always check local surf reports, swim between the flags, and surf with a buddy. When joining Aotearoa Surf, you’ll receive a full safety briefing and supervision from certified instructors trained in ocean awareness and rescue.
Surfing in Northland and Auckland is great year-round. Summer (November–April) offers warm water and gentle waves for beginners and progressing surfers, while winter swells bring more size for confident surfers. Aotearoa Surf operates all year with gear suited to every season.
Yes! You can book surf lessons directly through Aotearoa Surf for Te Arai or Orewa. Mangawhai and Omaha are available on special request. Select your preferred beach when booking online or contact us to discuss the best location for you. Orewa can be smaller, making it ideal for kids and young adults.
Te Arai is about a 60-minute drive north of Auckland. Follow State Highway 1 through Dome Valley, then take Wayby Valley Road and Te Arai Point Road to the beach. There’s free parking, toilets, and our Aotearoa Surf base located right at the beach.
Yes. Aotearoa Surf provides regular surf forecasts, local insights, and weekend reports for Te Arai, Mangawhai, and Orewa through our blog and social channels. We help you choose the best beach for your surf level and the day’s conditions.
Yes. We offer surfboard and wetsuit hire directly from Aotearoa Surf HQ at Te Arai or from our Surf Lodge in Mangawhai, with delivery available for Orewa. All our hire gear is high quality and suitable for every skill level.
