Crossing the Hokianga Bar in a kayak
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Destinations
Forum Name: Northland
Forum Description: Northland destination info, advice, fishing spots, hints and tips here
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=126540
Printed Date: 31 Jan 2026 at 1:10pm
Topic: Crossing the Hokianga Bar in a kayak
Posted By: secala
Subject: Crossing the Hokianga Bar in a kayak
Date Posted: 12 Dec 2017 at 7:07pm
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Would like to enter the Hokianga harbour in a sea kayak when the weather is favourable. Will be paddling north from the Maunganui Bluff area. Apart from timing the harbour entrance at slack tide, is there any advice from the locals about attempting this. And then, of course, I will need to exit the harbour as well. Appreciate feedback.
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Replies:
Posted By: Steps
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2017 at 7:51am
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I dont know if the Hokianga is the same, but on the inside of a bar there is often an area where pressure waves build up rather mean... even on a flat bar, an area where one could get into trouble in a kayak . Have you been over in a boat to check it out? bars are very different out there to from the shore Kayak experienced in river white water? Or surf? Going alone or have escort? And keep in you could have 1 to 2km from one side to the other... You you have an understanding between swell period and swell height and how that effects the larger sets of waves? ie you may have say a 1m swell, but if have say a 20/24m period, those small sets will be nothing, the big set come in and those waves will stand up 2m+ as the period on the bar compresses.. Throw in the distance, you could very well have to go thru at least one large set.. also n the sets have sets, around the 21 and bigger 42 nd are where those so called 'freak waves ' are. plus having all the usual epirp/ safety equipment of coarse... |
Posted By: secala
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2017 at 8:42pm
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Hi Steps I have a good amount of surf experience having kayaked out of Taranaki for about 12yrs. Have paddled my way up the coast from New Plymouth to Kaipara and have a "romantic motion" of entering the Hokianga. But will take advice on the hazards and avoid if that's the smart thing to do. I have an above average appreciation and respect for the ocean and I'm not going to take unnecessary risks. If it is possible though in "ideal conditions", I would like to know what they would be. Thanks |
Posted By: FishMan
Date Posted: 13 Dec 2017 at 9:14pm
Go to the Hokianga Heads look-out on a big outgoing tide and have a look  Scary.
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Posted By: Steps
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2017 at 8:15am
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Secala.. my question where more things you would be asking yourself.. Something that so many (boaties, land based fishers,) dont consider, under rate or not even aware, is not just waves in sets, but differences in sets of waves.. the predictable 'freak' wave. And an understanding of the effect swell period has on swell height. Put those together and you can have a 1.5m swell, light wind, good tide have a wave stand up in front of you a good 3+m |
Posted By: secala
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2017 at 6:38pm
| Thanks for your insights Steps, I will be sure to be watchful of the dreaded ground swell. |
Posted By: puff
Date Posted: 14 Dec 2017 at 7:28pm
| Don’t run out of fuel... |