Ahipara
Ahipara, Northland, New Zealand
Sports: Kitesurfing, Surfing, Surf foiling, SUP
Best time to go: March–September
Ahipara lies at the southern end of Ninety Mile Beach in Northland, on the west coast of the North Island. To the west of the town a series of rocky points around Shipwreck Bay produce long left-handers when south-westerly swells wrap around the headland. On small days the inside sections break slowly over sand and reef, giving long, mellow rides that suit longboards and prone foils, while the open beach in front of the town offers easier beach waves.
Easterly and north-easterly winds blow offshore, and the most reliable season is autumn and winter, when Tasman Sea swells are more frequent. The prevailing westerly winds make it popular for kitesurfing on the beach. Ahipara is far less crowded than most surf towns, but foilers should still keep clear of other surfers and swimmers; check local rules. Hazards include rocks and reef near the points, strong currents on bigger swells, vehicles driving on the beach and the remote location, with limited services nearby. The water is cool, so a wetsuit is needed most of the year.
Month by month at Ahipara
- January: 9 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 11 knots, waves 1.8 m, water 20°C, air 23°C (nights 18°C), 28 sunny days, 15 rainy days
- February: 5 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 10 knots, waves 2 m, water 21°C, air 23°C (nights 18°C), 25 sunny days, 13 rainy days
- March: 6 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 10 knots, waves 2.1 m, water 20°C, air 22°C (nights 17°C), 28 sunny days, 11 rainy days
- April: 10 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 12 knots, waves 2.3 m, water 20°C, air 20°C (nights 16°C), 23 sunny days, 16 rainy days
- May: 10 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 12 knots, waves 2.5 m, water 18°C, air 18°C (nights 14°C), 25 sunny days, 13 rainy days
- June: 9 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 11 knots, waves 2.4 m, water 17°C, air 17°C (nights 13°C), 22 sunny days, 18 rainy days
- July: 13 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 12 knots, waves 2.7 m, water 16°C, air 16°C (nights 12°C), 25 sunny days, 18 rainy days
- August: 9 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 11 knots, waves 2.4 m, water 15°C, air 15°C (nights 11°C), 26 sunny days, 16 rainy days
- September: 12 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 12 knots, waves 2.7 m, water 15°C, air 16°C (nights 12°C), 25 sunny days, 17 rainy days
- October: 12 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 12 knots, waves 2.4 m, water 16°C, air 18°C (nights 13°C), 25 sunny days, 19 rainy days
- November: 7 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 11 knots, waves 2 m, water 18°C, air 19°C (nights 15°C), 27 sunny days, 17 rainy days
- December: 9 windy days (15+ knots), average wind 11 knots, waves 1.9 m, water 19°C, air 21°C (nights 17°C), 26 sunny days, 18 rainy days
When is the best time to go kitesurfing at Ahipara?
March–September, when it is windy most often.
When is the best time to go surfing & surf foiling at Ahipara?
February–December, when the waves are biggest.
How warm is the water at Ahipara?
15°C to 21°C over the year: a 3/2 full suit in the warmest month, a 5/4 with boots in the coolest.
How windy is Ahipara?
About 111 days a year with at least 2 hours of 15+ knots in the daytime, most in July.
Figures from 5 years of weather data (Open-Meteo).
Spots near Ahipara
- Rangiputa (34 km)
- Orewa (211 km)
- Muriwai (218 km)
- Piha (231 km)
- Lake Pupuke (231 km)
- Auckland – Waitematā Harbour (236 km)
More: All spots in New Zealand · Kitesurfing in New Zealand · Surfing in New Zealand · Surf foiling in New Zealand · SUP in New Zealand
Compare with: Ahipara vs Rangiputa · Ahipara vs Orewa