About This Spot
Motukaraka Island, New Zealand is one of the world's premier wind-sports destinations, located in New Zealand.
Situated in Oceania, the spot offers Shallow and Flat water conditions, making it ideal for experienced riders pushing their limits.
With SW–WSW–W winds, peaking from September to November, Motukaraka Island, New Zealand delivers the kind of sessions that keep riders coming back year after year.
Why Riders Love It
Best time to ride here is during spring but as this spot gets wind from most directions it suits anytime of the year. Spring brings strong westerly and WSW winds, OFTEN over 20 knots and frequently over 30knots. This place can channel the wind so if the Tamaki meter is gusting 25 knots then expect it to be peaking at over 30 knots here. No holes either but the odd power gust. It's mainly a SW spot but this place can work in anything but E and SE. Winter is also quite good here too. In fact this place is pretty much kicking ass anytime of the year due to it's versatility.
When to Go
Water temp in the 20s°C in summer and in the teens in winter. Air temp likewise. Wetsuit is recommended.
What to Expect
A 200m long sandbar connecting the mainland with a small flat island (hence out nickname). This spot disappears at high tide but works mint as at mid tide. Also works well at low tide but it's a 200m walk to waters edge from rigging area. At mid tide water is flat on the leeward side of spit. In the water there are some nasty rocks, engines submerged at near low tide, stay away from the shore is my best advice if you don't wanna wreck your board.
Wind & Conditions
SW · WSW · W
Best wind direction
Best time to ride here is during spring but as this spot gets wind from most directions it suits anytime of the year. Spring brings strong westerly and WSW winds, OFTEN over 20 knots and frequently over 30knots. This place can channel the wind so if the Tamaki meter is gusting 25 knots then expect it to be peaking at over 30 knots here. No holes either but the odd power gust. It's mainly a SW spot but this place can work in anything but E and SE. Winter is also quite good here too. In fact this place is pretty much kicking ass anytime of the year due to it's versatility.
Best Months
Water Conditions
A 200m long sandbar connecting the mainland with a small flat island (hence out nickname). This spot disappears at high tide but works mint as at mid tide. Also works well at low tide but it's a 200m walk to waters edge from rigging area. At mid tide water is flat on the leeward side of spit. In the water there are some nasty rocks, engines submerged at near low tide, stay away from the shore is my best advice if you don't wanna wreck your board.
Check Conditions
Live Wind Forecast at Motukaraka Island, New Zealand
Check real-time wind conditions before you head out.
Facilities & Access
📍 Getting There
📍Medium walk to the beach
From the Airport drive to Howick (get the map out for this) and then drive to Whitford. Then drive past Formosa golf course. After that take the next left and drive to the end veering right at the curved intersection. This will take you through the township of Beachlands. At the end of the shops turn left into Second View ave. Drive to the end where you turn right at a t-junction. Drive to the end where you will see a reserve on the left with very limited parking (a ditch and a dirt road/driveway). At the end of the reserve are some steps which takes you down to the beach/sand spit. If mid tide you may have to ford some shallow rock pools.
Location
Travel Light
Travel Light to Motukaraka Island, New Zealand
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Schools at Motukaraka Island, New Zealand
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