Auckland - Glendowie sandspit

Location: Glendowie Sandspit
Access from: West Tamaki Rd or Vista Cres.
Wind Direction: N, S, SE, SW
Level: Beginner to Expert

Description:
There are two ways to get to this magic spot. For beginners or first timers park in Vista Cres and walk down the path and along to the end of the sandspit to Launch. The more experienced can Launch from the reserve down the bottom of West Tamaki Rd in S/SE/SW and kite around the point to the spit. During southerlies the Northern side of the sandspit provides mirror flat water and the southern side has slight chop but more consistent wind. Both sides can be kited in a Northerly.
Learners need to be wary of the current caused by the river as it can be quite strong. Beware of broken glass in the area. Can be kited in all tides but works best mid to high to avoid the walk out to the water which can be muddy and slippery.
In a S/SE/SW at low tide a shallow lagoon opens up off West Tamaki Rd which delivers flat water for those game to do the walk out. Be careful as it is slippery and there are patches of oysters.
SW here can be very gusty and unpredictable and the river is home to plenty of large ferries so be careful!