Tinopai is a settlement in Komiti Bay, part of the Hukatere Peninsula in the northern Kaipara Harbour. It is a popular fishing and swimming spot with a general store, wharf, public toilets and boat ramp.

The Kaipara Harbour is one of the largest harbours in the world, stretching over 947 square km at high tide. It shrinks to 409 square km at low tide, exposing many mudflats and sand flats. Due to the massive, quickly shifting dunes it is also one of the most dangerous harbours in New Zealand. The Puapua Creek drains into the Koiti Bay before entering the Karipara Harbour. Originally, this settlement was called Te Komiti by Maori travellers on the Karipara Harbour.

A combination test for E.coli and Enterococci bacteria is used at this location.

The description above was copied from or heavily based on Swim Guide, with permission.

More Information

• Swim Guide - Weather and water quality for Tinopai at Below Puapua Creek and 8,000 other beaches.