Overview
Houhora Heads is a river mouth left sitting where the Houhora Harbour meets the sea on the east coast of Northland. The wave breaks over a mix of uneven reef and sand, and it holds up as a decent option when the setup comes together.
When It Works
The banks fire when a big northeast to east swell sweeps in, pushing chunky waves across the sandbars at the harbour mouth. It draws swell from north to east (N-E), with northeast (NE) the direction that lines it up best. Expect a left off the river mouth. The spot works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 3 m / 10 ft, so it can handle real size when a solid swell is running.
Wind and Tide
Look for a west (W) offshore wind to clean it up. Mid tide is the call here, and a rising tide is generally the better window.
Local Tips
This one suits intermediate surfers who are comfortable in a river mouth setup. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it works.
Access
From Kaitaia, head north on North Road (State Highway 1). Before Pukenui, turn right onto Houhora Heads Road and follow it to the end at the river mouth. From there it is a paddle across the mouth to the Stanley Point side, where the wave breaks.
