Pataua

About

this spot on it's day is perfect, hollow and long but most of the time it's average and short.

Atmosphere:
it's all pritty laid back but when it's going off there is a small take off zone and if you are getting in the way people are going to get pritty pised off but there is a long beach with breaks all along it so you can surf away from the people.

Additional Info:
The bar only works when the banks are working so it's better to find out if it is working before you promise someone it is going to be pumping. The beach works most of the time but dependent on the banks.

Location

Access

Drive east from Whangarei on Whangarei Heads Road and follow the signs. Park at the end of the road and walk across the bridge to the beach or swim across the lagoon.

Walk	Short walk (5-15 min)
Public access	Yes
4x4 required	Unknown
Boat required	Unknown

Wave Characteristics

Type	Rivermouth
Direction	Right
Bottom	Sandy
Power	Hollow, Fast, Fun
Frequency	Sometimes breaks (50 days/year)
Normal length	Short (<50m)
Good day length	Normal (50 to 150m)

Ideal Conditions

Wind direction	West, SouthWest, South
Swell direction	SouthEast, East, NorthEast
Swell size	Less than 3ft - 6ft+
Tide	Low and mid tide
Tide movement	Rising tide