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Tapotupotu Beach – current water temperature and swimming conditions

This page shows the current water temperature at Tapotupotu Beach in Northland Region. You can view recent sea temperature trends on a 30-day chart, check typical monthly water temperature ranges, and compare today’s reading with historical averages for this date. The page also includes a 7-day water temperature forecast, nearby beaches with similar conditions, local weather information, and a summary of swimming conditions to help you assess how suitable the water is for swimming.

Tapotupotu Beach
Tapotupotu Beach © D. Jason Robinson

Current Sea Water Temperature

16.7°C
Today
16.5°C
Yesterday
16.6°C
A Week Ago

The average sea water temperature today in Tapotupotu Beach is about 17°C.

Water Temperature in Tapotupotu Beach: Daily Trends, Historical Records, and Forecast

⚠️ This is cool water that may feel brisk on entry. Swimming is usually limited to short sessions, and prolonged stays can become uncomfortable without thermal protection. Many swimmers choose a wetsuit, especially for surfing or open-water swimming.

It’s important to note that these swimming tips and recommendations apply only in settled weather. When air temperatures drop below 20°C — and sometimes even below 25°C — swimming can feel uncomfortable, even when water temperatures are relatively high.

Water Temperature Over the Last 30 Days

From June 10 to July 10

While water temperatures in Tapotupotu Beach declined overall during the past month, they have shown a noticeable rebound over the last week.

According to our forecast, Sea water temperature in Tapotupotu Beach will be 16.9°C in the next 7 days. See the table below for daily data for the upcoming week.

Table of Daily Sea Temperature Data

Date Current Average Forecast
Jul 216.5°C16.0°C
Jul 316.6°C16.8°C
Jul 416.6°C16.0°C
Jul 516.5°C16.0°C
Jul 616.6°C16.0°C
Jul 716.8°C16.0°C
Jul 816.5°C16.0°C
Jul 916.5°C16.0°C
Jul 1016.7°C16.0°C16.7°C
Jul 1116.0°C16.7°C
Jul 1216.0°C16.8°C
Jul 1316.0°C16.8°C
Jul 1416.0°C16.8°C
Jul 1516.0°C16.9°C
Jul 1617.0°C16.9°C
Jul 1716.0°C16.9°C

* Current - Actual water temperature value

** Average - Average water temperature on this day in recent years

*** Forecast - Our water temperature forecast

Actual near-shore water temperatures in Tapotupotu Beach can vary by several degrees from the values shown, particularly after heavy rain, strong southerlies, or prolonged windy conditions. Certain wind patterns can trigger upwelling, where cooler, deeper water is pushed to the surface and replaces the warmer top layer, leading to noticeable short-term changes in water temperature.

Our water temperature forecast is produced using a proprietary mathematical model that combines real-time measurements with long-term historical patterns, local weather conditions, wind strength and direction, and air temperature specific to each coastal region. To improve accuracy, we cross-check data from nearby locations and use multiple sources, including offshore buoys, satellite-based sea surface maps, and observations provided by local authorities.

Annual Water Temperature Overview by Month

Monthly Water Temp Ranges

30°C
25°C
20°C
15°C
10°c
5°C
0°C

Annual Water Temperature Trend

Tapotupotu Beach in the far north of the North Island sits on the western side of Cape Reinga, facing the Tasman Sea. Water temperatures here follow a mild but noticeable seasonal pattern. In summer, from January through March, sea temperatures typically range between 19°C and 22°C, which most people find comfortable for swimming, especially on calm, sunny days. During autumn the water gradually cools to around 17–19°C. In winter, temperatures usually drop to about 14–16°C, while spring sees a steady rise back through 16–18°C as the days become warmer and more settled.

Monthly Water Temperature Range (Min, Max & Average)

Month Min Avg Max
January18°C21°C23°C
February19°C22°C24°C
March18°C21°C23°C
April17°C20°C23°C
May16°C19°C21°C
June15°C17°C19°C
July14°C16°C18°C
August13°C16°C18°C
September14°C16°C18°C
October14°C17°C19°C
November15°C18°C20°C
December16°C19°C22°C

* Click on a month to view detailed water temperature data.

Tapotupotu Beach: Weather Forecast

July 11

8°C / 14°C
scattered clouds: 25-50%
humidity: 73% | wind: 4 kmh

July 12

9°C / 14°C
broken clouds: 51-84%
humidity: 79% | wind: 7 kmh

July 13

12°C / 15°C
moderate rain
humidity: 81% | wind: 11 kmh

July 14

11°C / 16°C
clear sky
humidity: 83% | wind: 7 kmh

Local Water Conditions and Nearby Spots

Nearby Beaches and Water Temperatures

Tapotupotu Bay

⭐ 4.2/5
15.5°C

Sandy Bay

⭐ 3.1/5
17.5°C

Cape Reinga

⭐ 3.1/5
17.1°C

Twilight Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
15.9°C

Te Werahi Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
16.4°C

Pandora Beach

⭐ 3.5/5
16.5°C

Spirits Bay

⭐ 4.2/5
16.2°C

Tom Bowling Bay

⭐ 3.0/5
17.6°C

Te Pua Reserve

⭐ 3.1/5
17.6°C

Swimming Conditions

Swimming at Tapotupotu Beach is allowed, but conditions can vary. The beach is relatively sheltered compared with more exposed west coast spots, though it can still experience surf and changing currents depending on wind and swell. In summer, when the sea is at its warmest and the weather is generally settled, swimming and bodyboarding are popular. Outside the warmer months, the cooler water and stronger swells mean swimmers should take extra care and assess conditions before entering the water. As with many remote Northland beaches, there are no permanent lifeguards, so it is important to swim cautiously and be aware of local conditions.

🏄‍♀️ Nearby Surf Spots and Water Temperatures

Tapotupoto Bay

⭐ 2/5
15.9°C

Herangi Beach

⭐ 2/5
15.7°C

Twilight Beach

⭐ 2/5
17.1°C

Spirits Bay

⭐ 2/5
16.9°C

Te Paki

⭐ 2/5
16.4°C

Scott Point

⭐ 2/5
15.6°C
11 km away 📍 Beach and point

Tom Bowling Bay

⭐ 2/5
16.7°C

Parengarenga Harbour Bar

⭐ 2/5
15.6°C

The Bluff-North Side

⭐ 2/5
17.9°C

Location, Type and Nearby Places

Address: Tapotupotu Road, Cape Reinga 0484, New Zealand

Place Tags:BeachSurf Spot

Water Temperature in Nearby Places

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the sea water temperature in Tapotupotu Beach today?
Sea water temperature in Tapotupotu Beach in the Tasman Sea today is 17°C.
What is the water temperature in Tapotupotu Beach during summer?
During summer, the water temperature in Tapotupotu Beach typically ranges from 16°C to 24°C.
What is the water temperature in Tapotupotu Beach during autumn?
During autumn, the water temperature in Tapotupotu Beach typically ranges from 16°C to 23°C.
What is the water temperature in Tapotupotu Beach during spring?
During spring, the water temperature in Tapotupotu Beach typically ranges from 14°C to 20°C.
What is the water temperature in Tapotupotu Beach during winter?
During winter, the water temperature in Tapotupotu Beach typically ranges from 13°C to 19°C.
Which beaches are popular in the Tapotupotu Beach area?
Some of the most popular beaches in the Tapotupotu Beach area include: Tapotupotu Bay, Sandy Bay, Cape Reinga, Twilight Beach, Te Werahi Beach.
What are the nearest surf spots to Tapotupotu Beach?
Some of the closest surf spots near Tapotupotu Beach include: Tapotupoto Bay, Herangi Beach, Twilight Beach, Scott Point, Te Paki.