Destination guide

Auckland, New Zealand

A city built between two harbours, with flat sheltered water inside the Waitematā and open coast on either side.

About Auckland

Auckland sits on an isthmus between two harbours, which is why New Zealanders call it the City of Sails and why it kites well: whatever the wind is doing, some piece of sheltered water is working.

Point Chevalier, on the central Waitematā Harbour, is the mapped riding area — flat water, good for beginners and for freestyle, on south-westerly through north-westerly wind at 12 to 20 knots through spring and summer. It is a city beach rather than a wilderness one, which is much of its appeal: you can ride and be back in town in twenty minutes.

The season runs through the southern spring and summer, roughly October to March, though the west coast beaches beyond the city work at other times.

Auckland is a practical base rather than a pilgrimage — the wind is moderate and the spot is urban — but the harbours, the islands of the gulf and the west coast surf beaches are all within an hour, and Raglan, the country's most famous wave spot, is two.

When to go

Best months: January, February, March, October, November, December.

Kite areas

1 distinct riding area documented within this destination.