Taupo Bay

About 75 minutes north of Paihia, this stunning bay is a well-known surf spot with crystal-clear water and beautiful white sand. The southern end produces quality waves when a clean north swell arrives, drawing surfers from across Northland. Even if you don’t surf, the beach is gorgeous for swimming, and the water clarity is exceptional.

The northern end allows boat launching, and fishing is excellent both from the beach and by boat. Summer weekends see plenty of families enjoying the safe swimming, while surfers wait patiently for the right swell conditions. The long stretch of white sand and that exceptional water clarity make it worth the drive from the main Bay of Islands townships.

Taupo Bay and the Bay of Islands

Taupo Bay sits about 75 minutes north of Paihia on Northland’s east coast, far enough from the main tourist areas to maintain a more local, authentic feel. The bay faces northeast, catching swells that create the surf conditions respected among Northland’s surfing community. When the right swell arrives, surfers make the drive from towns across the region.

The bay’s versatility is its strength. The southern end lights up for surfers when there’s swell, while the middle and northern sections typically offer calm enough water for families. This means the beach works for different groups simultaneously, unusual for a quality surf beach.

Getting There and Access

Taupo Bay is approximately 75 minutes north of Paihia via State Highway 10 through Kerikeri. The route takes you through farming country and native bush, with roads sealed for most of the journey. The final approach is well-signposted.

From Kerikeri, the drive takes about 45-50 minutes heading into more remote Northland, so ensure you have fuel and supplies.

Parking: Free parking is available at the beach, serving both beach users and boat launchers. During peak surf conditions or busy summer weekends, parking can fill early. Arrive mid-morning or earlier on January weekends.

Boat Launching: The northern end accommodates beach launching for small to medium-sized boats. Check tide times before launching as conditions vary.

The Beach

Taupo Bay features beautiful white sand in a gentle northeast-facing curve. The standout feature is the water clarity. On calm days, you can see the sandy bottom clearly even in deeper water, with visibility extending several metres underwater.

The bay creates distinct zones. The southern end is where surfers congregate when there’s swell. The middle section offers excellent swimming with moderate conditions suitable for families. The northern end, where boats launch, tends to be calmest. The beach maintains that authentic Kiwi feel rather than being overly commercialized.

Swimming and Water Safety

Taupo Bay offers excellent swimming, particularly in the middle and northern sections away from the surf zone.

The bay isn’t patrolled. Swimming is generally safe, but conditions vary with swell size and wind. On flat summer days, the entire beach can be perfectly calm. When there’s significant swell, the southern end becomes surfers’ territory while the middle and northern sections usually remain swimmable.

Always assess conditions before entering. If there’s substantial surf at the southern end, leave that area to experienced surfers. Never swim alone and watch children constantly. The exceptional water clarity helps with safety, letting you easily see hazards and monitor swimmers.

Check the LAWA website for current water quality, especially after rain. After significant rainfall, avoid swimming for 2-3 days. Water temperature ranges from 20-23°C (68-73°F) in summer to around 15-17°C (59-63°F) in winter.

Surfing

When a clean north swell arrives, Taupo Bay’s southern end produces quality waves that have built the beach’s reputation. The break works best with north to northeast swell and offshore or light winds.

Surfers from across Northland make the drive when conditions align. On good days you’ll see a solid crew in the water. Show respect in the lineup and follow standard surf etiquette. The sandy bottom makes it more forgiving than reef breaks, suiting intermediate surfers while experienced surfers appreciate the quality. Bodyboarders also find excellent conditions here when there’s swell.

Boating and Fishing

The northern end provides beach launching for boats, making it valuable for the boating and fishing community. Like all beach launches, tide and sea conditions matter. Check before heading out, as lower tides can make launching more challenging.

The coastline offers productive fishing grounds. Snapper, kingfish, and various other species frequent these waters. Shore fishing can also be productive, particularly at the northern and southern ends. Observe all fishing regulations regarding size limits, bag limits, and protected species.

Activities

The clear water and safe swimming in the middle and northern sections make Taupo Bay excellent for families on calm days. The long stretch of white sand provides space for beach games and relaxing. When the surf is up, the southern end transforms into a surfing destination worth watching even if you don’t surf.

The exceptional water clarity creates decent snorkeling conditions, particularly around rocky areas near the beach edges. Bring your own gear. Fishing draws many visitors, both from the beach and by boat. The beach also provides good walking, particularly at low tide when firm sand makes for easy strolling.

Facilities and Dining

Taupo Bay has basic facilities:

On Site:

• Free parking
• Public toilets
• Boat launching from northern end
• No cafes, restaurants, or shops

What to Bring: All food and drinks for the day, chilly bin with ice, sun protection (sunscreen, hats, beach umbrella), towels and swimwear, surfboard or boogie board if surfing, fishing gear if fishing, and rubbish bag.

The nearest towns with services are back toward Kerikeri and the main Bay of Islands area, so pack comprehensively.

Planning Your Visit to Taupo Bay

Important Rules:

• Swim at your own risk; no lifeguard patrols
• Never swim alone
• Watch children at all times in and near water
• Stay away from the surf zone unless you’re an experienced surfer or bodyboarder
• Stay clear of boat launching area when boats are operating
• Observe fishing regulations
• Take all rubbish with you

What to Bring:

• All food and drinks for the day
• Plenty of water
• Picnic supplies and chilly bin
• Sun protection
• Beach gear and towels
• Surfboard/boogie board if surfing
• Fishing gear if fishing
• First aid kit
• Camera
• Rubbish bag

Best Times to Visit: Check surf forecasts if coming for waves to avoid the 75-minute drive for flat conditions. Summer weekends see families enjoying swimming. Early morning offers the calmest conditions before afternoon breezes. Weekdays outside school holidays are quieter.

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

Who Taupo Bay is Best For

Taupo Bay suits surfers seeking quality waves in a less crowded setting. When conditions align, the drive pays off with excellent surf. Families willing to drive 75 minutes for exceptional water clarity and beautiful surroundings will appreciate the safe swimming in the middle and northern sections.

Fishing enthusiasts benefit from both beach and boat access with productive waters. Visitors wanting authentic, less touristy Northland beach experience find it here. The beach is ideal for those who don’t mind packing everything they need in exchange for a more remote, natural setting with crystal-clear water and quality surf potential.