(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“This is one of my favourites on the east coast there are so many bank options if you want your own slice of heaven but most people come here for the rivermouth sand bar the bar can get really good and can handle a good size swell good fast barreling sections on the left and shorter more explosive waves on the right but the bar changes from year to year as the sand moves and the left and right on the bar can change massively from year to year the paddle out for the bar can be lengthy but its generally good for most intermediate to experienced riders the wave is fairly steep and packs some punch for a east coast break if you surf west coast breaks as i do like maori bay etc most of the time youll feel right at home i dont reccomend the bar for beginners as theres a lot of water moving out there and if you snap your board on a big day its quite a way back in to the sand but all of the other banks along both sides of the beach are really good for your beginner and the bar is a good milestone to reach once you begin progressing”
Jack from NEW ZEALAND - 13 Apr 2017
Mangawhai Heads Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 16 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 4.1(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: 3.5(1: Mangawhai Heads is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.9(1: Mangawhai Heads is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Northland. 5: the best break in Northland). |
Difficulty Level: 3.4(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.1(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Mangawhai Heads can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.3(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Mangawhai Heads, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 3.2(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Mangawhai Heads are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 4.1(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.1(1: Often too crowded. 5: Mangawhai Heads is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.4(1: Getting to Mangawhai Heads 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: 4.5(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 4.3(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 3.8(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Mangawhai Heads for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 4.3(1: Camping at Mangawhai Heads is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 4.1(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Mangawhai Heads is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 3.5(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 4.3(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Mangawhai Heads, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 4.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Mangawhai Heads where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
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