Kite-surf Stonefields

Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert Type: Ocean Water type: Shallow, Flat, Chop Water hazards: None Water quality: Cloudy Infos: A variety of water conditions ranging from dead flat to chop. A tidal channel can be used for greater apparent wind effect. The tidal channel also has stronger wind due to funneling effects. This spot can be ridden from 1/4 tide to high tide. Outgoing tide better for lighter winds. Beach type & size: Grass, Sand - Small Infos: The beach has soft sand and a good grassy area to launch kites from. The entry is difficult. Identified hazards: None Beachgoer: None Weather specificities: During summer the air temp ranges from 20-30C. In winter temps ranging from 10-20C. Water temps in summer can exceed 30C. Wetsuit not needed in summer but rash shirt necessary. Wind type: Thermal, Frontal Wind specificities: The best time to kite here is spring but winter is still a good time. Summer is warm with hot water but winds lighter 15-20 knots, suited to outgoing tide. Spring: small kites required on occasions. Lot's of days with 30-35 knots westerly, 25 knots SW and 15-20 knots thermal driven SW-SSW wind. Summer: breezy, 15-20 knots thermal driven winds from the WSW-SSW. The odd 25+ knots SW day. Odd NE day which doesn't work at this spot. Winter: lots of good SW days but not as consistent as spring. Autumn: mostly NE winds, but the odd good SW day. Westerly is onshore. Southerly is sideshore. Northerly can also work but there are other spots that work far better from this direction. WSW is prevailing direction in Auckland so perfect for this spot. The wind here is far smoother than the inner city beaches. Best months: September, October, November Access description: by Car - A 5km drive from the airport. On the Eastern shores of the Manukau Harbour. There is a 20 minute walk over rough terrain to get to the beach. Specific rules: Other Extra: Leash required. Local kiters will not tolerate without. Don't trespass on private property nearby. Pick up all rubbish. Nightlife: Nearby South Auckland is a melting pot of different Polynesian cultures. The closest town Mangere can get quite rough on Fri, Sat nights so best to go elsewhere. Auckland city is 20km away but Manukau city is only 10km away and is the most densely populated part of NZ and hence the last place to go to sleep. Then again if you come here during spring you'll be too exhausted from constant kiting to worry about partying. Accommodations: Parking