Elliot Bay

About 30 minutes from Russell on the east coast, Elliot Bay is where you go when you want surf. This white sand beach faces the open Pacific and gets more swell than the sheltered Bay of Islands beaches. When conditions are right, it’s excellent for surfing and bodyboarding. The beach is more rugged and exposed, giving it a wild, dramatic feel compared to the calm bay beaches.

There’s a small fee to access through the farm gate, but it’s worth it for the change of scenery. The beach is long enough to find your own space, and the surrounding landscape is beautiful. Rock pools at either end are worth exploring at low tide.

Elliot Bay and the Bay of Islands

Elliot Bay sits on the eastern side of the Russell peninsula, facing the open Pacific Ocean rather than back into the sheltered Bay of Islands. This fundamental difference in orientation creates a completely different beach experience. While the inner bay beaches offer calm, protected waters, Elliot Bay receives ocean swells and wind, creating surfable waves and more dynamic conditions.

The 30-minute drive from Russell takes you across the peninsula and out to this more exposed coastline. The journey itself is scenic, passing through rural farmland with views across the water. The change in landscape mirrors the change in beach character, from the settled, historic township atmosphere of Russell to the wilder, more rugged east coast.

Access through private farmland means a small fee at the gate, a common arrangement at New Zealand beaches where access crosses private property. This helps maintain the track and facilities while allowing public beach access. The fee is modest and worthwhile for the unique experience Elliot Bay offers.

Getting There and Access

Elliot Bay is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Russell township via sealed and unsealed roads that cross the Russell peninsula.

By Car: Follow the road east from Russell, heading toward the peninsula’s east coast. The route is signposted to Elliot Bay. The final section involves unsealed roads through farmland, so drive carefully and watch for stock. At the farm gate, pay the small access fee (usually just a few dollars per vehicle or person), then continue to the parking area near the beach.

The unsealed sections are generally manageable in normal vehicles during dry conditions, but can become challenging after heavy rain. Check conditions if there’s been recent wet weather.

Parking is available near the beach. The parking area is basic but adequate, with space for multiple vehicles. Pay the access fee at the gate before proceeding to the parking area.

Getting to Russell from Auckland takes roughly 3 hours, then add 30 minutes to reach Elliot Bay.

The Beach

Elliot Bay features a long stretch of white sand backed by coastal vegetation and farmland. The beach is more rugged and natural than the developed bay beaches, with a wild, dramatic feel that comes from its Pacific exposure. The surrounding landscape is beautiful, with the open coastline creating expansive views quite different from the island-studded vistas of the inner bay.

The beach is long enough that you can easily find your own space, even when others are around. Sand is clean and white, perfect for walking or setting up for the day. At either end of the beach, rocky areas create tide pools worth exploring at low tide for small marine life and interesting coastal formations.

The exposed position means the beach can experience wind and larger waves, creating dynamic conditions that change with weather and swell. This variability is part of Elliot Bay’s character, offering something different each visit depending on conditions.

Swimming and Water Safety

Swimming at Elliot Bay requires more caution than the sheltered bay beaches due to surf conditions and the open ocean environment.

The beach isn’t patrolled. Swimming here is only recommended for confident, experienced swimmers comfortable with surf conditions. The beach faces the open Pacific and can have significant waves, rips, and currents. Never swim alone, always assess conditions carefully before entering the water, and don’t swim if conditions look challenging. If in doubt, stay out.

This is not a beach for young children or nervous swimmers. The surf conditions that make it appealing for surfing and bodyboarding create genuine hazards for inexperienced swimmers. Watch children extremely carefully at all times, keeping them well away from the water if conditions are rough.

When swell is running, Elliot Bay offers good surfing and bodyboarding conditions. Wave quality varies with swell direction, size, and tide. Local surfers know the best conditions, but visiting surfers will find it a worthwhile destination when the swell is right. As with any surf beach, respect other surfers in the water and follow standard surf etiquette.

Check the LAWA website for current water quality information. The exposed, oceanic nature of Elliot Bay means water quality is generally good, though still avoid swimming after heavy rain.

Water temperature is similar to other Bay of Islands beaches but can feel cooler due to the more exposed conditions and wind. Wetsuits are advisable for extended time in the water, particularly outside summer.

Activities

Surfing and bodyboarding are the main draw for Elliot Bay. When conditions are right, the waves provide excellent opportunities not available at the calm inner bay beaches. Bring your own board and equipment, as there are no rentals at this remote beach.

On calmer days when surf is minimal, confident swimmers can enjoy the open ocean experience. Always assess conditions carefully and stay within your abilities. The dynamic conditions require respect and caution.

At low tide, the rocky areas at either end of the beach reveal tide pools with small marine creatures. This is excellent for curious visitors and a gentler activity than dealing with surf. Wear appropriate footwear as rocks can be slippery.

The beach itself provides good walking, and the surrounding coastal landscape offers opportunities to explore the rugged east coast environment. The scenery is different from the inner bay, with that distinctive Pacific coastline character.

Around the rocky areas on calm days, snorkeling can be rewarding. The clear water and rocky habitat support various marine life. Only snorkel if conditions are calm and you’re an experienced snorkeler comfortable in open water environments.

Facilities and Dining

Elliot Bay has limited facilities, reflecting its remote, undeveloped character:

On Site:

• Basic parking area
• Natural beach environment
• No toilets
• No rubbish bins
• No shops or cafes

What to Bring: Pack everything you need for your beach visit: all food and drinks (bring plenty of water), picnic supplies, sunscreen and sun protection, appropriate gear for surf conditions (wetsuit, board), first aid kit, rubbish bag to carry out all waste, and small cash for the access fee at the farm gate.

The nearest services are back in Russell township, 30 minutes away. Plan accordingly and be completely self-sufficient for your time at Elliot Bay.

Planning Your Visit to Elliot Bay

Important Rules:

• No lifeguard patrols; you’re responsible for your own safety
• Only confident, experienced swimmers should enter the water
• Assess surf conditions carefully before swimming
• Watch children extremely carefully; keep them away from water if conditions are rough
• Pay access fee at farm gate
• Respect private farmland; stay on designated tracks to the beach
• Take all rubbish with you (no bins provided)
• Close all farm gates behind you
• Drive carefully on unsealed roads, watch for stock

What to Bring:

• All food and drinks for the day
• Plenty of water
• Surfboard/bodyboard if planning to surf
• Wetsuit recommended
• Sunscreen and sun protection
• First aid kit
• Appropriate footwear for rocks if exploring tide pools
• Rubbish bag
• Cash for access fee
• Towels and change of clothes

Best Times to Visit: Check surf forecasts if you’re coming specifically for waves. Early morning often offers the best conditions before afternoon winds increase. Low tide is best for exploring rock pools. Be prepared for changing conditions throughout the day on this exposed coast.

For broader information about planning your Bay of Islands visit, including seasonal weather patterns, check the full planning guide.

If there’s been heavy rain, check locally about road conditions before attempting the drive, particularly if you’re in a low-clearance vehicle.

Who Elliot Bay is Best For

Surfers and bodyboarders looking for waves unavailable at the calm inner bay beaches. Confident, experienced swimmers who appreciate more dynamic ocean conditions. Adventurous visitors wanting the wild, rugged Pacific coastline experience rather than sheltered harbour beaches.

The beach is not suitable for young children (due to surf conditions), inexperienced swimmers or those uncomfortable in surf, visitors wanting facilities and easy access, or anyone unprepared to be completely self-sufficient.

Elliot Bay offers a genuine contrast to the Bay of Islands’ typical beach experience. If you’ve spent days enjoying the calm waters of Paihia, Russell, and the inner bay beaches, Elliot Bay provides a completely different coastal experience, reminding you that you’re on New Zealand’s edge facing the vast Pacific. Just come prepared, respect the conditions, and enjoy this wilder side of the Bay of Islands region.