Pouto is a right-hand point break that peels over sand just inside the mouth of Kaipara Harbour, on the north side south of Dargaville on the west coast of Northland. It's a decent wave when everything lines up, and it sits deep enough inside the huge harbour mouth that the rips run strong. On rare big southwest swells the sandbank can throw grinding, Kirra-like rights on a low, incoming tide, but those sessions don't come around often.
When It Works
This is a right-hander breaking over a sandbank. It draws swell from southwest through west (SW-W), and it's at its best on a southwest (SW) swell. The break is usable from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.8 m / 6 ft. Consistency is on the patchy side, so you'll want to time it, but the payoff is there when a solid SW pulse hits the bank at low, incoming tide.
Wind and Tide
Look for a northeast (NE) wind to groom it offshore. It surfs through the lower half of the tide, working on both low and mid, with a rising tide generally the better call.
Local Tips
The wave suits intermediate surfers. Expect a moderately busy lineup when it's on.
Access
From Whangarei, head west on Maunu Road (State Highway 14), then continue onto State Highway 12 into Dargaville. Work through town on Jervois Street, onto River Road heading south, and onto Pouto Road. Continue onto Norton Street, turn right onto West Coast Road, then left back onto Pouto Road and follow it all the way to the end. From there it's a short walk along the beach to the break. There's a car park with free parking as well as roadside parking. Keep the strong harbour-mouth rips in mind once you're out.
