Surf spot guide · Northland, New Zealand
One of NZ's longest point breaks — a fast, hollow left over mixed reef and sand running up to 500m on SW swells.
High Waves
Large waves up to 2.1m expected at Peaks. Peak conditions around 9:00 PM.
Exercise extreme caution when entering the water. Strong currents and large waves present. Warning valid until 9:00 PM.
Peaks anchors the northern end of Ahipara's point complex, uncoiling as a fast left over an uneven floor of reef and sand. At size the wave launches off a sucky, critical takeoff into a full-speed wall that sequences through hollow barrel sections and punchy shoulder pockets before eventually flattening into the bay - a committed ride that can cover 200 to 500 metres when conditions align. The entry is technical: a narrow paddle channel threads between rocky outcrops, and the sweep runs along the entire length of the point, depositing surfers at a succession of secondary entry zones closer to the beach. This sweep dynamic means less-experienced surfers can still find waves by reading their position and picking a suitable section, though the main peak belongs firmly to those comfortable in fast, shallow conditions. Boils and abrupt depth changes amplify the speed and unpredictability of the wave, and rips are active when swell has any size. Peaks fires most reliably on solid SW to W groundswell paired with southerly wind, and performs best from low to mid-tide on a falling push when the reef is best defined. When it's on, the crowd runs moderate to heavy, since few points in the country offer a single section this long.
Fast left that unspools 200 to 500 metres over Ahipara's reef-and-sand floor.
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Draws a solid crew when conditions are right — expect a busy lineup on quality SW swells. The length of the wave spreads surfers somewhat, but the main peak is competitive.
Raw, powerful, remote
Northland
New Zealand's second most iconic left-hander — a long, forgiving point break at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach.
Northland
Short, sucky barrel section on the Ahipara point complex — more sheltered from westerlies than the outer points.
Northland
Variable left over sand and reef on the outer Ahipara point — works all tides and accommodates intermediates.
+7 MORE →Paddle out via channel between rocks on south side. Watch sweep and use secondary entry points. Southerly winds clean up face. Falls low on tide for sharpest sections.
HAZARDS · KNOW BEFORE YOU PADDLE
Uneven reef with exposed rocks at lower tides
Free car park available. No facilities at the break itself. Remote point break location.
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