Surf Forecasts:
Takapuna-North Reef surf forecast from 17 Aug 2026:
- Most powerful swell: Wednesday 19 Aug, 6AM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.8m), 4s period, S swell with 15 kJ wave energy.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Takapuna-North Reef this week:
The most powerful waves expected at Takapuna-North Reef in the next 16 days are 0.8m 4s and forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Aug 19) at 6AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.7m 4s period and expected on Sunday (Aug 23) at 6AM.
| Wave Type | Time (NZST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | - | - |
| Best Surf | - | - |
| Most Powerful | 6AM (Wed 19th Aug) | 2.5ft (0.8m) 4s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Takapuna-North Reef over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
G’day, Rusty here. Look, I’ll be straight with ya – this 16-day outlook for Takapuna-North Reef is a pretty grim one. We’re looking at a long, flat stretch ahead with hardly a bump to get excited about. The first real sign of life doesn’t arrive until Tuesday the 1st of September, and even then it’s tiny. There’s a big gap from now through to the end of August with next to nothing – a proper dry spell.
The Surf Window (such as it is)
Alright, let’s break down what little we’ve got. The only faint pulse of energy shows up on Tuesday, the 1st of September, with a bit more on Wednesday the 2nd. It ain’t gonna light the world on fire, but it’s something.
For Tuesday morning, we’re looking at a tiny 0.5ft (0.2m) swell out of the NE, with a period of 5 seconds – that’s short period wind swell, no power. The combined swell energy is weak at just 21. Winds are glassy from the ENE, so the surface will be clean and smooth. For a beginner-level spot that’s inconsistent, this is about as good as it gets, but don’t expect much push. The water’s sitting at 57°F, which is about average for this time of year (anomaly of -0.7°F), so nothing unusual.
Tuesday afternoon stays tiny at 0.5ft (0.2m) from the NE, with the period lifting a bit to 10 seconds – slightly better shape, but still only 50 units of combined energy. The wind turns light cross-onshore from the ENE, so you’ll get a few ripples on the surface. It’s not going to be a classic session, but for a sheltered reef that rarely sees much, it’s a chance to get wet.
Wednesday the 2nd of September sees a small bump – morning has 3ft (0.8m) from the NNE, but with a short period of just 4 seconds, so it’ll be weak and messy. The combined energy is only 19, and we’ve got a fresh 19 mph (30 km/h) onshore wind from the E. Honestly, this setup looks more interesting for kite surfing than paddle surfing – the wind’s too strong for the tiny swell to be any fun on a surfboard.
Wednesday afternoon cleans up a bit – 3ft (0.8m) still from the NNE, with a 4-second period, but the wind shifts to a 9 mph (15 km/h) cross-offshore from the NNW, leaving the surface clean. Combined energy is 19 again, so it’s still weak. For a spot that’s inconsistent and sheltered, this is your best bet across the whole outlook, but it’s a far cry from pumping.
The Long Flat
The rest of the period from now until the end of August is a write-off. Days and days of zero swell, or tiny 0.3ft – 0.7ft lines with no energy. There’s a stretch from the 18th to the 31st where every record says “poor surf conditions.” Even the Saturday the 30th of August gives us glassy conditions with 0.7ft (0.2m) from the N, but no real energy. It’s one of those blank runs that’s more normal for this sheltered area, so don’t beat yourself up – forecasts can change.
Summary
If you’re desperate, Tuesday the 1st of September morning with flat-calm winds and a clean 0.5ft NE swell at Takapuna-North Reef is the standout, but it’s barely a ripple. The crowd factor here is “sometimes” – on a day like this, you’ll probably have it to yourself, which is one positive. Don't expect any real waves; keep the expectations low and enjoy the paddle.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 13°C on Tue afternoon, min 8°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryModerate rain (total 14mm), heaviest on Sun afternoon. Very mild (max 15°C on Sat morning, min 12°C on Fri morning). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday 18 | Wednesday 19 | Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | |||||||||||||||
AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NE 10 | NE 10 | E 9 | S 3 | S 3 | — | — | E 12 | — | — | — | NW 3 | N 3 | WNW 2 | N 14 | N 13 | NNW 4 | N 7 | — | N 13 | N 12 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
4 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 3 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross-off | glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | off | off | off | off | cross-off | off | cross-off | off | off | off | off |
High Tide | 11:01AM2.87m | 11:15PM2.85m | 11:45AM2.75m | 11:59PM2.72m | 12:29PM2.62m | 00:44AM2.58m | 1:17PM2.50m | 1:32AM2.46m | 2:12PM2.40m | 2:25AM2.36m | 3:18PM2.36m | 3:25AM2.32m | 4:21PM2.40m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 5:12PM0.62m | 5:40AM0.60m | 6:00PM0.77m | 6:24AM0.72m | 6:51PM0.89m | 7:11AM0.85m | 7:45PM0.99m | 8:01AM0.96m | 8:40PM1.06m | 8:54AM1.03m | 9:36PM1.10m | 9:51AM1.05m | 10:33PM1.10m | ||||||||
7:01 | — | — | 6:58 | — | — | 6:58 | — | — | 6:56 | — | — | 6:56 | — | — | 6:54 | — | — | 6:52 | — | — | |
— | 5:49 | — | — | 5:50 | — | — | 5:50 | — | — | 5:51 | — | — | 5:52 | — | — | 5:52 | — | — | 5:53 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 11 | 3 | — | — | 1 |
Temp °C | 11 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 14 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 16 | 15 | 13 |
Feels °C | 6 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 11 | 11 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NE 10 | NE 10 | E 9 | — | — | — | — | E 12 | — | — | — | — | N 3 | — | N 14 | N 13 | NNW 4 | N 7 | — | — | — |
4 | 4 | 2 | — | — | — | — | 3 | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | 4 | 3 | 7 | 4 | — | — | — | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | N 13 | N 12 |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3 | 3 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 3 | — | SSW 3 | S 3 | S 3 | — | — | — | — | — | — | NW 3 | W 2 | WNW 2 | NW 3 | NW 4 | WNW 4 | WNW 3 | — | W 3 | WNW 3 |
1 | — | 3 | 8 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 15 | 10 | 1 | — | 2 | 3 | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 15 | 82 | 104 | 175 | 59 | 31 | 31 | 35 | 84 | 84 | 104 | 124 | 341 | 341 | 343 | 343 | 343 | 42 | 221 | 226 | 244 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Auckland | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Takapuna-North Reef Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Takapuna-North Reef provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Takapuna-North Reef can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Takapuna-North Reef surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Takapuna-North Reef) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).
Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Takapuna-North Reef may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.
Takapuna-North Reef is 7 km (4 miles) from the city of Northshore. If you plan a holiday in Auckland, look for hotels and other accommodation in Northshore. Northshore has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











