NORTHLAND
Te Tai Tokerau has a large coastline spanning East and West with big inter-regional differences in wave variety, meaning there’s something for everyone. In the Far North it’s an easy hop to the other side if one side is on-shore, and only about a 1 ½ hour drive in the wider part of the region, from Sandy Bay to Baylys Beach.
The East coast doesn’t often get really big, but if you have a longboard you will be in for a treat on the smaller days. The West, like everywhere in Aotearoa, is just that bit wilder and heavier than the East, with more consistent swell.
On the East there are endless beaches and rocky outcrops to explore, bay after bay hiding a mini paradise behind nearly every headland. The West is almost the complete opposite with exposed, wind beaten coastline, the ‘Wild West’ is a description that rolls off the tongue easily after pulling up at Baylys Beach on a significant swell. Both coasts are well worth the visit, and with a bit of driving, you can find a wave nearly every day. Just be mindful that not all beaches have public access and you must read and respect signs and locked gates while you are on your next Northern adventure.
Milder than most other regions in Aotearoa, no wetsuits are needed in the Summer, but sun protection is a good reason to cover up. In the middle of winter you will probably still want a 4’3 and booties are recommended, especially for rock jumps and if you want to last in the surf that little bit longer.
Te Tai Tokerau has a large coastline spanning East and West with big inter-regional differences in wave variety, meaning there’s something for everyone. In the Far North it’s an easy hop to the other side if one side is on-shore, and only about a 1 ½ hour drive in the wider part of the region, from Sandy Bay to Baylys Beach.
The East coast doesn’t often get really big, but if you have a longboard you will be in for a treat on the smaller days. The West, like everywhere in Aotearoa, is just that bit wilder and heavier than the East, with more consistent swell.
On the East there are endless beaches and rocky outcrops to explore, bay after bay hiding a mini paradise behind nearly every headland. The West is almost the complete opposite with exposed, wind beaten coastline, the ‘Wild West’ is a description that rolls off the tongue easily after pulling up at Baylys Beach on a significant swell. Both coasts are well worth the visit, and with a bit of driving, you can find a wave nearly every day. Just be mindful that not all beaches have public access and you must read and respect signs and locked gates while you are on your next Northern adventure.
Milder than most other regions in Aotearoa, no wetsuits are needed in the Summer, but sun protection is a good reason to cover up. In the middle of winter you will probably still want a 4’3 and booties are recommended, especially for rock jumps and if you want to last in the surf that little bit longer.
Tia Lord
Kia ora! My name is Tia, I grew up in Sandy Bay on the Tutukaka Coast of Tai Tokerau (Northland). My whole family surf and my first memory of surfing was about 32 years ago, hanging off my mum’s back like a baby koala while she trimmed along a little peeler at Sandy Bay.
My mum surfed competitively in New Zealand and around the world, meaning a young life of travelling around beautiful surf spots, chasing waves and watching mum chase the dream of being a professional surfer, which was pretty tough at the time, especially if you were a woman.
I work as a Surf Coach for Tutukaka Surf, I am the Vice President of North Coast Boardriders and the President of Northland Surfing Association. My key areas of interest are surfing development for young surfers and increasing participation and engagement for women and girls who surf. I’m excited for this opportunity to give back to the women’s surf community that nurtured me and shaped the person I am today.
Tia Lord
Kia ora! My name is Tia, I grew up in Sandy Bay on the Tutukaka Coast of Tai Tokerau (Northland). My whole family surf and my first memory of surfing was about 32 years ago, hanging off my mum’s back like a baby koala while she trimmed along a little peeler at Sandy Bay.
My mum surfed competitively in New Zealand and around the world, meaning a young life of travelling around beautiful surf spots, chasing waves and watching mum chase the dream of being a professional surfer, which was pretty tough at the time, especially if you were a woman.
I work as a Surf Coach for Tutukaka Surf, I am the Vice President of North Coast Boardriders and the President of Northland Surfing Association. My key areas of interest are surfing development for young surfers and increasing participation and engagement for women and girls who surf. I’m excited for this opportunity to give back to the women’s surf community that nurtured me and shaped the person I am today.
LOCAL LINKS
Local Boardriders Club
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