Best Time to Ride · Mangawhai Heads vs Sandy Bay – Tutukākā Coast
Mangawhai Heads vs Sandy Bay – Tutukākā Coast: which is better for surfing?
Mangawhai Heads or Sandy Bay – Tutukākā Coast? Month by month: windy days, waves and water temperature side by side, from years of weather data.
Updated November 2026 · weather data 2022–2026
In short
- Sandy Bay – Tutukākā Coast has bigger waves in 6 of 12 months.
- Sandy Bay – Tutukākā Coast has warmer water in 7 of 12 months.
- Best months at Mangawhai Heads: June–September.
- Best months at Sandy Bay – Tutukākā Coast: June–September.
- 59 km apart.
BestJun–Sep
Mangawhai Heads
New Zealand
Intermediate and up · 16°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ WRE 41 km
Water temperature per month (°C)
JFMAMJJASOND212221201917161515161820
Best time to go →
BestJun–Sep
Tutukākā Coast
Sandy Bay · New Zealand
Beginner-friendly · 16°C water in season, 4/3 wetsuit · ✈ WRE 26 km
Water temperature per month (°C)
JFMAMJJASOND212221201917161516161819
Best time to go →Wave height: average daily maximum. Water: average sea surface temperature.