Daniels Reef Reviews and Ratings
(Northland, New Zealand)
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Visitor reviews of Daniels Reef surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Fun right and left here. Short walk from the car to get to the break: a little rock hopping but nothing to nasty although I would definitely recommend it for someone who is used to reef breaks or have some mates to show them the best way in.
It's a little localized but it can be a zoo on a good day and it helps keep everyone in line give respect to get respect.
Works at all stages of the tide although its a little shallow at dead low mellow drop in with the wave standing up tall on the inside sections with fun little ramps and walls to hack. At low tide be mindful of the reef, especially when it's a little bigger as its shallow on the inside.”
Jack from NEW ZEALAND - 31 May 2018
Daniels Reef Ratings
Overall: 4.0. Based on 6 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 4.7(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 3.2(1: Daniels Reef is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 4.2(1: Daniels Reef is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Northland. 5: the best break in Northland). |
Difficulty Level: 4.2(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.4(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Daniels Reef can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 4.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Daniels Reef, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.4(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Daniels Reef are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 4.3(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.8(1: Often too crowded. 5: Daniels Reef is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.0(1: Getting to Daniels Reef requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 5.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 3.4(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 3.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Daniels Reef for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.8(1: Camping at Daniels Reef is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 3.5(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Daniels Reef is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 2.7(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 4.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Daniels Reef, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 4.5(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Daniels Reef where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |

