Last updated October 2026
Whiritoa Beach is a small surf beach on the Pacific Coast Highway between Waihī and Whangamatā. Hauraki District Council says it is popular with surfers and that many enjoy swimming there, but warns that the shore is quite steep.
The Whiritoa Lifeguard Service patrols the beach and lagoon in summer, and the water holds a Good long-term grade on LAWA. Treat the surf with respect: the steep shore creates heavy breaking waves.
Swimming Facts
Before you swim: Tested weekly Nov–Mar by Waikato Regional Council. Stay out for 48 hours after heavy rain. Latest result on LAWA
Today at Whiritoa Beach
Friday 23 OctoberWater quality track record
What the grades mean
Excellent and Good: rarely unsafe for swimming. Fair: usually fine, but avoid swimming after rain. Poor: often unsuitable, especially after rain, so check the latest result first.
Grades use LAWA’s method: the 95th percentile of routine enterococci results over the five summers from 2020/21 to 2024/25, with at least 50 tests (42 per 100 mL from 109 tests).
Surf Facts
Surf today at Whiritoa Beach
Surf break at Whiritoa Beach
Practical Information
- Location
- Whiritoa, Hauraki District (Waihī Ward), on the Pacific Coast Highway
- Water
- Steep east coast surf beach with a lagoon; tidal (nearest tide station: Whangamatā)
- Water quality
- Good (LAWA long-term grade, summers 2020/21 to 2024/25)
- Testing
- Weekly from November to March by Waikato Regional Council
- Lifeguards
- Whiritoa Lifeguard Service in summer; the flag flies from the clubhouse when they are on duty
- Facilities
- Public toilet near the general store; playground at Whiritoa Reserve; snack bar at the surf club
- Dogs
- Prohibited or restricted on most of the beach; see below
- Cost
- Free
About Whiritoa Beach
Whiritoa is a small coastal settlement with a short, steep beach and a lagoon at its northern end. At the southern end, Hauraki District Council notes a short bush walk to a blowhole, and Waimama Bay is about a 15-minute walk away.
The beach and lagoon are important New Zealand dotterel breeding sites, which is why dogs are so restricted here. South of the Moray Place beach access, dogs are banned all year, including at the urupā site.
Swimming and Water Quality at Whiritoa
Waikato Regional Council tests the water opposite the surf club every week from November to March and shares the results on LAWA. The beach has a Good LAWA long-term grade, based on 109 routine tests over the summers of 2020/21 to 2024/25.
Of 128 tests between November 2019 and March 2025, 97% were suitable for swimming. A Good grade means the water is rarely unsuitable for swimming, but it is a long-term record, not a promise for any particular day.
Check the latest result on LAWA before you swim, and stay out of the water for at least 48 hours after heavy rain.
Hauraki Coromandel Tourism warns that the steep shore produces heavy shore breaks that can be dangerous, and tells visitors to always swim between the flags and beware of rips and holes. Surf Life Saving New Zealand has reported rip rescues here.
The Whiritoa Lifeguard Service patrols the beach and lagoon on land and in the water in summer; check the service for this season’s times. When the red and yellow flag is flying from the clubhouse, they are on duty. The lagoon is the calmer option for small children, under close supervision.
Surfing at Whiritoa
Waikato Regional Council’s surf break records list Whiritoa as a regionally significant reef and beach break, described as powerful and hollow. Hauraki Coromandel Tourism says the steep shore creates a solid beach break for the experienced surfer chasing short rides, with a wandering sandbar for those keen to search.
No official source suggests it for learners. If you are new to surfing, Whangamatā’s beach break to the south is a better choice.
The Blowhole and Safety on the Rocks
The walk to the blowhole at the southern end is short, but the rocks are exposed to the open ocean.
In November 2025 Police reported that two people were trapped at the blowhole by big surf and a rising tide and a bystander was washed in; all three had to be winched out. Check the tide and the swell before you go, and keep well back in big seas.
Where to Learn More
LAWA and Waikato Regional Council: the latest “Can I Swim Here?” result and long-term grade for Whiritoa Beach.
Whiritoa Lifeguard Service: patrol dates and how the flags work at Whiritoa.
Hauraki District Council: dog areas: the dog and dotterel rules for Whiritoa Beach and the lagoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim at Whiritoa Beach?
Yes, many people swim here, but the shore is steep and the shore break can be heavy. Swim between the flags when lifeguards are on duty, check LAWA first, and stay out for at least 48 hours after heavy rain.
What is the water quality like?
Whiritoa has a Good LAWA long-term grade. Of 128 tests between November 2019 and March 2025, 97% were suitable for swimming.
Is Whiritoa patrolled?
Yes, in summer. The Whiritoa Lifeguard Service patrols the beach and lagoon; the flag flies from the clubhouse when they are on duty.
Is Whiritoa good for beginner surfers?
No official source suggests it. It is a powerful, hollow break on a steep shore that suits experienced surfers.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are banned all year south of the Moray Place access. North of it, including the lagoon, dogs are banned from 9am to 6pm from 20 December to 9 February and on public holiday weekends, and on a leash at set times the rest of the year.
Can you walk to the blowhole?
Yes, by a short bush walk from the southern end, but go only in calm seas and check the tide. People have been trapped there by big surf and a rising tide.
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