Whangamata

Popular town with long peeling left hand waves for all levels.

Whangamata sits on New Zealand's Coromandel Peninsula and is best known for its famous bar break at the northern end of the beach, which produces a long, peeling left-hander over sand that can run for up to 200 metres on a good northeast swell. The beach break offers both lefts and rights and works through all tides, with waves typically ranging from 2 to 6 feet. Offshore winds blow from the southwest, and the sandy bottom makes it accessible to surfers of all levels, from beginners on the inside to experienced riders threading the bar. The spot picks up northeast through east swells reliably, and autumn and winter tend to deliver the most consistent conditions. Crowds can build on good swells since it is one of the Coromandel's premier waves, but the long stretch of beach means there is usually room to spread out.

Best months to surf Whangamata

Wave consistency

Moderate

Things to do nearby

• Relax on the sandy beaches
• Explore the nearby Pohutukawa trees
• Take part in local surf competitions
• Visit the Whangamata Estuary for kayaking