Surf at Tairua Beach

Tairua Beach offers a few pristine miles of turquoise waves and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the east coast of the North Island without the crowds. It's ideal for swimming, surfing, and body surfing. The waves are mellow enough for beginners and it's a perfect spot to surf at sunrise or sunset. 

These are beach break waves, typically 150 ft in length, with a sandy bottom. The swell is east, northeast and can hold up to about 8 ft. The best time of year to surf at Tairua is February-April when the swells are strongest. Reportedly it can be inconsistent, but the waves are hollow and powerful.

From the small town of Tairua, the beach is only a 30 minute walk from main street. Parking is also available right along Ocean Beach Road with public beach access. Nearby, the harbor's calm waters are great for SUPing or kayaking. There are some hostels and camping options in town which make this a great launching point for other exploring in the area, including Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove.