The quiet seaside community of Ahipara sits near the tip of the North Island at the base of the Tauroa Peninsula and the edge waters of the Tasman Sea. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to this part of the Northland region for recreational activities and hiking access to the New Zealand countryside and its surrounding woodlands.

A surfing mecca, Ahipara is home to an expansive bay with thundering breaks and world-class waves along the golden sands of Ninety Mile Beach. Away from the coast, you’ll find forested mountains, rolling grassy hills, and lofty dunes. Rental equipment is available if you’d like to try surfing, sandboarding on the dunes, or quad biking. If you want to catch your own dinner, you can charter a fishing boat to angle for red snapper, bonnethead shark, and marlin. Learn about Maori art and traditional clothing at the Te Whare Whiri Toi Gallery, and afterwards enjoy some local cuisine at one of the restaurants and cafes.

In the Southern Hemisphere, seasonal conditions are opposite from the North American weather patterns: summer runs from December through February and winter begins in June and concludes at the end of August. Ahipara’s oceanic, subtropical climate is mild and temperate throughout the majority of the year. During the summertime, temperatures are pleasantly warm with moderate rainfall that occasionally necessitates a waterproof layer. Temperatures do fall somewhat during the winter months, and levels of precipitation roughly double. But overall variations are minor, and no matter what time of year it is, hiking and spending time outdoors is enjoyable. Just make sure to pack a few extra layers in the colder months.

When it comes to festivals and events, the Northland region has a host of year-round celebrations for all inclinations. The Ocean & Orchard Festival in Kerikeri is a showcase of the area’s locally produced wines and culinary traditions, along with vendors, booths, events, and costume contests.

Te-Oneroa-a-Tōhē/Ninety Mile Beach

While not quite 90 miles long — it is 88 kilometers, or 55 miles — the sprawling Ninety Mile Beach runs the length of Ahipara with soft golden sands alongside turquoise waters. A popular destination with surfers, the bay features one of the longest surf breaks in New Zealand. Swimmers and sunbathers also frequent the area, as do wind-powered sand buggies that zip up and down the coast.

Ahipara Sand Dunes

Park at the Ninety Mile Beach Lookout lot and walk west along the beach for about two miles, where you’ll find towering sand dunes running to the water’s edge. Climb to the top of the dunes and take in spectacular vistas stretching back toward the town. You can hike in a board for sand sliding, or rent a buggy or motorcycle to explore the area and easily traverse the dunes.

Te Kōhanga / Shipwreck Bay

Te Kōhanga / Shipwreck Bay is another popular surf spot that attracts wave riders from across the country to this small crescent beach west of Ahipara. The expansive beach, set among stunning coastal mountains, is a great place to watch surfers catch the waves. A host of old shipwrecks remain in the bay waters here, and can often be spotted peeking out of the water during low tide.