This is a pretty sheltered spot at the mouth of a river, and although it doesn't break very often when it does it gives good consistent waves. It is a place where those who prefer quality waves rather than big waves will feel at home.
The beach is sandy and clear, and it's pretty big too. Despite it being right on the edge of Auckland, not many people surf here and the chances are that you will be the only person out on these waves.
The swell here starts working at less than 1 m and holds up to a maximum of about 1.5 m, but it does work at all tide positions and on both rising and falling tides so you can just roll up here any time of day. Although it breaks only rarely, when it does so it is like clockwork. It breaks both right and left over a sandbar by the river mouth and the length won't usually exceed about 50 m although on a good day it can get over 100 m.
The beach itself doesn't have any facilities but there are quite a few towns surrounding it that can offer a decent range of accommodation, restaurants, nightlife and entertainment. There is a parking lot close to the beach at the end of Anzac Road, and as usual in New Zealand you can camp here if you wish.
The only thing to be aware of here is the odd rock that can get close to the surface when the tide is low.