Ahipara Beach

This beach is well suited for families, make sure your family is prepared for the beach conditions, the beach is patrolled by Surf Lifeguards during the summer months.

Ahipara Beach is very popular for swimming during the summer months. The swimming season continues beyond most other areas in the country due to the warm climate of the area. The beach slopes gently into the ocean and stays very even which is good for swimmers because there are not too many surprises. Swimmers should be aware that the beach does have a great deal of sharp rocks under the surface on the high tide. The beach can have a strong longshore drift and rips and currents can form when waves are over a metre.

Surfing at Ahipara is not very good. The beach is very even and waves will normally close out. Just to the south at Shipwreck Bay there is one of the best left hand points in the country. This wave is offshore in a southwest wind and is best in a southwest swell that wraps around the point. It’s a long walk to get to these waves but worth the effort. You can also drive a car around the beaches and rocks to get to the waves but you need to be very careful not to get caught out by the tide or you may be looking for a new car.

Fishing is very popular at Ahipara Beach and also at the nearby Shipwreck Bay. Surfcasting in the area is popular although most people would rather fish from the rocks at the southern end of the beach where deep water can be reached. Boats can be launched from the beach. The beach is hard sand and boats can be shuttled to the water without too much trouble.