Drive east from Whangarei on Whangarei Heads Road and follow the signs. Park at the end of the road and walk across the bridge to the beach or swim across the lagoon.
The bar only works when the banks are working so it's better to find out if it is working before you promies someone it is going to be pumping. The beach works most of the time but dependent on the banks.
Overview
Atmosphere
it's all pritty laid back but when it's going off there is a small take off zone and if you are getting in the way people are going to get pritty pised off but there is a long beach with breaks all along it so you can surf away from the people.
General
this spot on it's day is perfect, hollow and long but most of the time it's average and short.
sometimes sick
Had some super fun surfs here when the banks are working, i'll normally walk down the beach and surf on my own as the bar can get packed. Surfed the bar up to 5-6ft.
comment by anonymous, 2006-05-22 22:46:41
demmon fingers
there is this guy who is a local surfer at pataua, he is my idol, he rips the bar to shreads, he has blonde hair blue eyes he kind of looks swedish, like a swedish porn star or something. He pretty much owns pataua, watch out he will snake you if he has the opportunity, hopefully some day you will meet him,
comment by adi rouse, 2006-01-21 07:50:11
80s & 90s
i used to surf pataua bar nearly everyday in the late 80s, early 90s with a li`l group of locals. surfed it up to 8 ft, holds a big swell, and sorts out the weak when it is big. one of the best drops on the east coast, same with horahora bar just up the road.
comment by Rustid, 2006-08-13 18:47:25