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Shipwreck Bay is located at the township of Ahipara, which lies at the southern most point of Ninety Mile Beach. Ahipara is approximately 2.5 hours journey by car from Whangarei, or about 4-5 hours from Auckland. Shipwreck Bay is easily located once at Ahipara - just follow the beach road.
distance    week-end trip
walk    instant access (<5 mn)
easy to find?    OK
public access?    public access
special access    4x4

alternative name    Shippies/Ahipara
Surf Quality
wave quality    World Class
experience    all surfers
surf frequency    regular
Wave     type    point-break
direction    left
bottom    sandy with rock
power    - hollow
- fast
- powerful
- fun    normal length    long (150 to 300 m)
good day    exceptional (>500m)
Tide, Swell and Wind
swell direction    - West
- SouthWest
- South
wind direction    - SouthEast
swell size    starts working at less than 1m / 3ft and holds up to 2.5m+ / 8ft+
tide position    low and mid tide
tide movement    rising and falling tides


Staying there:

There are at least two camping grounds at Ahipara, with one being right in front of the Bay.
note though, it only has tent sites, no caravans or cabins. There are also a number of small B&Bs and budget lodges.
If you are planning to go at any time close to a public holiday, it is recommended that you book accommodation in advance.

The town has a petrol station, take-away bar and general store. The fish & chips are excellent.
Overview
Atmosphere     Longest ride possible on good swell is from outside Peaks to inside Shipwreck, about 1 km +!!! Shipwreck rideable from 2' upwards, low tide. If open west coast swell is 3-4m (usual winter size)Shipwreck will be 1-2m. Smallest at Shipwreck, getting bigger as you go around point to Peaks, Mukurau 1 & 2, then Supertubes & Pines. Best shape Peaks to Shipwreck.No way it holds 16'!!! The biggest i've ever seen Shipwreck is 6-7',equals 8'-10' around point. Very crowded on big swells during long weekends/holidays.Believe me, i've been surfing here for over 40 years!!!!

General     Mostly low to mid tide, unless BIG. Inside Shipwreck good for learners. Tiring surf sessions due to walking/jogging back around point, and strong rip sweep along rock shelf outside Shipwreck