Overview
Takapuna Reef, known locally as Taka Reef, is a reef break that peaks up in front of the boat ramp and shoulders off to the right. The left is the trickier side, sucking over shallow rocks before spinning down a 50-metre reef. Both directions break over an uneven reef, and it rates as a below-average wave for the area.
When It Works
The reef draws swell from north through to east, with northeast (NE) the best direction. It works from 0.6 m / 2 ft to 2.4 m / 8 ft, giving a solid working range once a north-to-east swell fills in.
Wind and Tide
Look for west (W) offshore wind to groom it. The reef works on low and mid tide, and both a rising and a falling tide can deliver.
Local Tips
This one is best suited to intermediate surfers. Expect a busy, competitive local lineup whenever it's on, and keep an eye out for the channel marker pole in the water.
Access
From Auckland, head north on State Highway 1 (the Auckland–Waiwera Motorway), take the exit and turn right onto Esmonde Road, then left onto Barrys Point Road and right onto Anzac Street. At the roundabout, turn left onto Hurstmere Road and take the first right onto The Promenade. Park at the end of the road near the camping ground, with the reef right out in front. The beachbreaks to the south are a better call for beginners, stand-up paddlers and cruisy longboarders, though they hold little shape.
