(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Can get very good barrels but lots of sharks and locals can be very hostile. The barrels are very good and easy to paddle into. You can get barrelled very easily but locals will yell at you so bring earmuffs, also the sewage in the water can be annoying. All in all it will give pipeline a run for its money but be prepared to have abuse hurled at you for simply looking at the beach. Not many great whites but hammerheads and bronze whaler galore, great whites more common at south end of beach though still fairly rare. I have gotten very sick from the water. These photos don't really show the scale of the epicness that can be found at Takapuna though, as it is truly world class on anything over 1m with offshore winds.”
Franco LeRoga from NEW ZEALAND - 16 Oct 2021
Takapuna-North Reef Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 12 votes and 2 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 2.8(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: 1.7(1: Takapuna-North Reef is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.5(1: Takapuna-North Reef is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Auckland. 5: the best break in Auckland). |
Difficulty Level: 2.6(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.9(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Takapuna-North Reef can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.7(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Takapuna-North Reef, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 3.4(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Takapuna-North Reef are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.5(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.5(1: Often too crowded. 5: Takapuna-North Reef is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.5(1: Getting to Takapuna-North 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: 3.5(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 2.6(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 4.3(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Takapuna-North Reef for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 4.4(1: Camping at Takapuna-North Reef is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 4.2(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Takapuna-North Reef is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 3.6(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 5.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Takapuna-North Reef, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 4.7(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Takapuna-North Reef where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“This break is extremely inconsistent however on its day, it is the New Zealand equivalent of Teahupoo. Bring your ear muffs as inside the barrel on this treacherous stretch of reef, it is loud enough to burst your ear drums. Heavy localism here, do not even considering paddling out unless you are apart of the taka hard crew. Experts only. Beware of sharks.”
Jack from NEW ZEALAND - 15 Feb 2021
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