Ngarunui Beach, also known as Wainui Beach, is tucked into the corner of Raglan Bay. It's a popular spot for surfers of all abilities, thanks to its accessible waves and beginner-friendly vibe. The beach is easy to get to, with parking available at the end of Wainui Reserve Road. Just walk out onto the sand and get ready to hit the waves.

The surf at Ngarunui is pretty decent, especially if you like beach breaks. The best waves usually come from the SouthWest swell, but it can handle swells from the NorthWest as well. You can expect waves that work well at sizes around 2ft (about 0.6 meters) and up. The beach offers both left and right breaks, which is nice for getting a taste of either direction. Mid to high tide is usually the sweet spot for the best ride. Just keep an eye on the wind—East winds are preferable if you want clean conditions. Overall, it's a solid spot for beginners looking to get their feet wet.

Be mindful that when the local crew is out, it can get a bit crowded, especially if the points aren't working. There are more peaks to find down towards the harbor, but those can get pretty messy with the SW winds. Ngarunui Beach is a great spot to learn and practice your surfing skills, just be patient and respectful of the local surfers.