KiteGlobeMotukaraka Island
Motukaraka Island is a kiteboarding spot near Auckland in New Zealand, with open ocean conditions and prevailing SW, W wind, best ridden in September, October, November.
| Country | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Nearest town | Auckland |
| Water type | Open ocean |
| Launch | Ocean |
| Best wind direction | SW, W |
| Best months | September, October, November |
| Tide | Low tide, Coming tide, Falling tide |
| Coordinates | -36.8816, 174.9810 |
About Motukaraka Island
A 200m long sandbar connecting the mainland with a small flat island (hence out nickname). This spot disappears at high tide but works mint as at mid tide. Also works well at low tide but it's a 200m walk to waters edge from rigging area. At mid tide water is flat on the leeward side of spit. In the water there are some nasty rocks, engines submerged at near low tide, stay away from the shore is my best advice if you don't wanna wreck your board.
When is the best time to kitesurf at Motukaraka Island?
The best time to kite Motukaraka Island is September, October, November, when the SW, W wind is most reliable.
What are the wind and water conditions?
Motukaraka Island offers open ocean conditions with SW, W wind, launching from ocean.
How do I get to Motukaraka Island?
From the Airport drive to Howick (get the map out for this) and then drive to Whitford. Then drive past Formosa golf course. After that take the next left and drive to the end veering right at the curved intersection. This will take you through the township of Beachlands. At the end of the shops turn left into Second View ave. Drive to the end where you turn right at a t-junction. Drive to the end where you will see a reserve on the left with very limited parking (a ditch and a dirt road/driveway). At the end of the reserve are some steps which takes you down to the beach/sand spit. If mid tide you may have to ford some shallow rock pools.
Hazards at Motukaraka Island
Rocks.
View Motukaraka Island on the interactive map →Where can I take kite lessons near Motukaraka Island?
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Other kite spots near Motukaraka Island
Spot data last updated 2026-07-20 · part of the KiteGlobe database of 6,633 kiteboarding spots.