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Surf spot guide · Auckland & Coromandel, New Zealand
Classic rivermouth rights dependent on river flow and NE swell — tricky takeoffs and barrels for experienced surfers.
Pataua Bar is a classic Northland rivermouth setup where the quality of the wave hinges entirely on the interaction between river flow and a clean NE swell. When those two factors align, the bar produces excellent right-handers that peel for 200 to 500 metres down the sand spit, with tricky takeoffs opening into barrel sections for experienced surfers. The wave works across all tides with an outgoing push tending to sharpen the bar shape. SW winds groom the face cleanly. Size range is 2 to 1.8m - beyond that the close-out factor takes over. When the bar isn't working, nearby Ocean Beach offers larger, more reliable, powerful peaks along a 6km stretch. Rip currents are strong, especially on the outgoing tide, and sharks are present.
River flow and NE swell align to peel 500 metres down the sand spit.
You’re seeing the next 3 days. A free account opens all 14, which is the difference between checking tomorrow and planning a trip.
Sometimes crowded — 6/10. Reputation draws surfers when the bar is firing. Ocean Beach as backup.
Classic Northland rivermouth
Northland
Rare SE swell rivermouth bar serving shallow left barrels over migrating sandbars on the incoming tide.
Northland
Rare SE-swell rivermouth lefts peeling 200-500m on low tide — crowds flock when it's on, close-outs over 6ft.
Auckland & Coromandel
Transient rivermouth sandbar with punchy a-frame peaks and a standout low-tide right on the north bank.
+3 MORE →Quality depends on river flow + NE swell. Outgoing tide sharpens bar. Ocean Beach nearby for larger reliable peaks. Tricky takeoffs — commit fully.
HAZARDS · KNOW BEFORE YOU PADDLE
Free car park with camping and surf school available nearby. Good facilities for the area.
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