Surf spot

Bethells

Forecast conditions and map view for Bethells in New Zealand, New Zealand NI, West Coast Auckland. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: New Zealand, New Zealand NI, West Coast Auckland
Coordinates: -36.9006, 174.4454

Metric
Metric	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00
Wave height (m)	4	3.9	3.8	3.8	3.9	3.9	3.8	3.7	3.5	3.3	3.2	3.1	2.9	2.7	2.7	2.6	2.5	2.4	2.3	2.2	2.1	2	1.9	1.8	1.7	1.4	1.5	1.3	1.3	1.2	1.1	1	1	1.1	1.1	1.4	1.4	1.5	1.7	1.8	2.1	2.3	2.7	3.1	2.9	2.7	3.6	3.7	3.6	3.5	3.5	3.3	3.1	2.9	2.6	2.6
Wave direction	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	WSW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW
Wave period (s)	10.8	11.2	11.6	11.7	11.2	10.8	10.4	10.3	10.3	10.3	10	9.9	9.9	9.7	9.8	9.8	9.6	9.6	9.5	9.4	9.4	9.3	9.1	8.9	8.9	9.9	8.7	9.2	8.4	8.3	8.7	8.9	8.3	8.1	7.6	10	11.7	11.9	11.8	11.8	11.7	10.2	9.6	9.2	8.7	8.1	10.3	10.3	10.4	10.4	10.6	10.6	10.6	10.8	11.6	11.6
Wave energy (kJ)	3808	3821	3812	3838	3705	3508	3187	2870	2545	2316	2074	1878	1711	1392	1386	1298	1171	1044	938	833	750	657	573	508	441	366	323	266	227	194	170	167	147	147	145	392	537	677	824	951	1207	1052	1384	1568	1308	957	2784	2870	2894	2706	2665	2454	2195	1989	1819	1847
Wind speed (km/h)	16	17.3	18.3	17.8	20.2	17.8	13	12.7	11.9	10.2	7.2	11.2	13.5	15.2	11.4	9.9	5.5	6.3	7.1	11.3	13.1	13	8.2	6.2	8.7	7.7	5.8	8.6	10.9	12.1	8.4	6.9	7	9.4	5.9	11.5	15.8	18.9	18.5	18.4	19.8	14.9	19.3	16.6	11.6	11.4	4.8	5	10.2	15.2	16.6	18.9	20.9	22.5	18.7	16.2
Wind direction	SWOnshore	SWOnshore	SWOnshore	SWOnshore	SWOnshore	SWOnshore	SSWCross-on	SWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SWOnshore	SWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SWCross-on	SWOnshore	SWOnshore	SWCross-on	SWOnshore	SWOnshore	WSWOnshore	WOnshore	WOnshore	WNWCross-on	WNWCross-on	NWCross-on	NNWCross	NCross	NECross-off	NEOffshore	NNECross-off	NNECross-off	NECross-off	NNECross-off	NECross-off	NCross	NNWCross	NCross-off	NCross-off	NNECross-off	NEGlassy	SCross-on	SCross-on	SSWCross-on	SWOnshore	SWOnshore	WSWOnshore	SWOnshore	SWOnshore	WSWOnshore

Bethells Beach (Te Henga), West Coast Auckland, North Island, New Zealand

Bethells Beach, also known as Te Henga, is a wild and scenic surf spot on Auckland’s rugged west coast. It’s known for its long black-sand beach, powerful Tasman Sea swells, and dramatic cliff-backed setting. The beach has a remote, exposed feel despite being relatively close to Auckland, which adds to its appeal for surfers looking for a more natural, uncrowded environment.

Surf character

Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers, though conditions can occasionally suit beginners at smaller sizes.
Wave type: Mostly a beach break with shifting sandbars.
Swell exposure: Very exposed to west and southwest swells, so it can pick up plenty of energy.
Wind: Performs best with light offshore easterly winds; westerly winds can make it messy quickly.
Tide: Can work at different tides depending on sandbar setup, but often better around mid tide.

What to expect

Fast, punchy waves when the swell is up
Hollow sections on the right sandbar setup
Strong rips and currents, especially on bigger days
Conditions that can change quickly due to shifting sandbanks

Hazards

Powerful surf and undertow
Rip currents
Shallow sandbars at times
Exposed coastline and changing weather
Limited shelter from wind and swell

Atmosphere

Bethells has a raw, untamed West Coast vibe. The surrounding dunes, black sand, and nearby cliffs make it one of Auckland’s most iconic beaches. It’s a great spot for surfers who enjoy natural settings and a more adventurous feel.