Mangawhai Heads
Sand bar at the Mangawhai Harbour entrance with lefts and rights that hold from small to about 3.7 m faces; the council rates the bar 10 for quality. Busy, especially in summer. It works best on an ENE swell with W winds. Watch for: harbour-mouth currents, crowds.
Mangawhai Heads surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (60°)
- Direction range
- 25° - 110°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 4.4m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m - 3.4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 225° - 315°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
8/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Mangawhai Heads?
The Mangawhai Heads profile does not specify a preferred tide stage. That does not mean tide has no effect: check local conditions alongside swell and wind.
What wind direction is offshore at Mangawhai Heads?
The Mangawhai Heads profile uses wind from W (270°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 225° to 315°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Mangawhai Heads?
The Mangawhai Heads scoring profile favors swell from ENE (25° to 110°), a swell-height range of 0.5m to 4.4m, and a reference period of 12s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Mangawhai Heads?
The main season at Mangawhai Heads is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr.
How do I get to Mangawhai Heads?
The spot profile lists WRE as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 55 minutes.
What kind of wave is Mangawhai Heads?
Mangawhai Heads is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Getting There
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