This could well be one of the most picturesque beaches around, even by New Zealand's high standards. It's a relaxing place to surf with some fantastic views, and is suitable for everybody from beginners upwards.
The beach is pretty big, a semicircular area of sand that leads into McKenzie Cove. It is usually less crowded than many other North Island spots, and there are never more than a handful of surfers out here.
This is a place that works only on a falling tide, and it will start working at less than 1 m and build up to a maximum of about 2.5 m. It is best when the wind is blowing from the south-west or the south and the swell is coming against it from the north of the north-east. It is a beach break, both right and left, and the waves are hollow and fairly fast which makes them fun to ride. Length will usually be short and not get much more than 50 m unless you catch it on a very good day when it might get towards 150 m.
The road runs right by the side of the beach and you can park anywhere along it before walking down to the shore. As with most New Zealand beach is it is short of facilities though if you want to make it a decent trip you can of course camp here.
There aren't any hazards here so just get out and enjoy it as much as you can.