Thornton Bar

This beach has limited facilities and may not be ideal for families. It is patrolled by Surf Lifeguards over summer months but does have the potential to be dangerous in poor conditions so ensure your family is well prepared.

The best area for swimming is to the west of the parking area where the beach is less effected by the Rangitaiki River mouth. The beach slopes quickly into the ocean and there is a large dip just off the shore. There is a strong rip around the river mouth and a lot of water is moving around in all different directions for a few hundred metres either side of the river mouth. Swimmers are advised to take extreme care even when there is no surf and especially if there is a wave running. A heavy beach dump is common during periods of swell.

Surfing at Thornton Bar can be good but bar conditions can change very quickly. There are very strong rips and surfers would be advised to surf only on an incoming tide. Thorton Bar is not really the best location for surfing and is only recommended to very experienced surfers with strong swimming ability.

Fishing is the most poplar activity at this beach and on any given day there will be a great many anglers. Surfcasting to the western bank of the river mouth is extremely popular. There is also a boat ramp in the river and small boats can make it over the bar on favourable tides and very calm surf conditions. The bar at the end of Rangitaiki River mouth is very active and not an easy one to cross but good fishing and diving around islands located approximately seven kilometres offshore is a real motivator.