Counting the waves…
Counting the waves…
There's no sign. You turn off the main road onto a gravel track that tunnels through exotic pines, park where others have flattened the grass, and walk. The path is soft with pine needles, shadowed and quiet except for the muffled roar of surf somewhere ahead. Then the trees fall away and you're standing above the beach—a compact, north-facing arc of sand where the waves peel left and right off a central peak. The sand here is coarser than Te Arai's, darker, embedded with pumice fragments and the occasional twisted piece of driftwood. The surf is punchy and reliable, fed by the same Tasman swells that hammer the coast further north, but the beach's orientation and the offshore reef create surprisingly clean conditions when the wind is right. You'll see two, maybe three surfers out. No one speaks much. Everyone knows the deal: this place stays off the Instagram feed. By mid-afternoon, the sun breaks through the pine canopy at an angle that turns the water turquoise against the darker sand. You dry off on a log, watch the sets march in, and realize you've been here two hours without checking your phone. Forestry doesn't offer facilities or convenience—it offers the increasingly rare experience of a beach that still feels like a secret, even though it isn't one.
Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Forestry Beach.
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Forestry Beach is an open surf beach with conditions that can be challenging for inexperienced swimmers. There are no lifeguard patrols, so visitors must assess conditions themselves and swim at their own risk. The beach is popular with surfers who appreciate the consistent waves, but these same conditions create rips and currents unsuitable for casual swimming. Strong surf skills are recommended. Always check surf reports before heading out and never swim alone at unpatrolled beaches.
Forestry Beach offers surfable waves year-round, though winter months (June-August) often bring larger swells. Summer (December-February) provides warmer water and pleasant weather, ideal for combining surfing with beach relaxation. Early morning sessions typically offer cleaner conditions before afternoon sea breezes. Visit during weekdays or outside of school holidays for fewer crowds. The beach's location south of the more popular Te Arai means it remains relatively quiet even during peak season.
Forestry Beach is accessed via forestry roads south of Mangawhai, requiring a vehicle and some local knowledge as signage may be limited. From Mangawhai village, head south toward Te Arai. The beach sits within a working forestry area, so access roads may change. Check locally for current directions and access permissions. A vehicle with reasonable clearance is advisable. The isolated location means cell phone coverage can be patchy, so plan accordingly and inform someone of your plans.
Forestry Beach itself has no facilities, so visitors must bring all supplies. Mangawhai village, approximately 15-20 minutes north, offers cafes, restaurants, a supermarket, and various accommodation options including holiday rentals, motels, and camping grounds. The nearby Mangawhai Heads has additional dining and lodging choices. For a surf trip, consider self-catering accommodation and packing a cooler with food and drinks, as you'll want to spend the day at this remote beach without facilities.
Forestry Beach attracts locals seeking uncrowded waves away from the busier Mangawhai Heads surf breaks. Its remote location through forestry land means fewer tourists find it, preserving a more authentic surf experience. The beach offers consistent surf with various peaks along its length, allowing surfers to spread out. The wild, undeveloped setting appeals to those wanting to escape commercial beach scenes. However, this remoteness means self-sufficiency is essential, as there are no services or facilities on-site.
