Just to the east of Auckland, this is a great area for windsurfers and kitesurfers of all abilities and experience levels.
This is a long sandy spit which offers plenty of choice when it comes to spots to launch from. It only covers a small area but it is never crowded, even during the summer. No wetsuit is needed in summer as the water temperature will be approaching 30° C, while a normal wetsuit will be fine in the winter months.
The best months are from December to May, when the wind blows most consistently from the north or the north-east. You usually get speeds of about 10 to 15 knots, though they can be much stronger on occasion and may even reach 40 knots. It is also possible for the winds to work during the winter and spring, though they will be less predictable. The water is shallow and cloudy, with the surface choppy most of the time and the occasional small waves created by the wake of the ferry. The best time to be out here is at high tide.
Parking is available just a couple of minutes walk away from the beach, or you can get here by public transport if you prefer. The beach doesn't have any facilities of its own, but you are close to Auckland centre and the nearby towns can all provide accommodation, places to eat and drink etc.
This is a pretty safe place to be. The tide can come in pretty fast though, especially around the car park launching area, so make sure your gear doesn't get washed away.