Rangaunu Harbour Guide to Tides, Weather and Local Info

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Entrance to a Harbor
Credit: pexels.com, Entrance to a Harbor

Rangaunu Harbour is a beautiful spot, and understanding the tides and weather is crucial to making the most of your visit.

The harbour has a semi-diurnal tide pattern, which means there are two high tides and two low tides every 24 hours.

The tidal range is relatively small, with an average range of 1.2 metres. This means the water level changes are not dramatic.

You can expect the highest high tide to occur around 10am and the lowest low tide around 4pm.

Rangaunu Harbour is known for its strong winds and rough seas, especially during the winter months.

Geography and Climate

Rangaunu Harbour is a 2-kilometre wide channel to Rangaunu Bay to the north. The harbour is surrounded by a 4-kilometre wide tombolo separating it from Doubtless Bay and connecting the hillier Karikari Peninsula to the mainland.

The harbour has extensive areas of mangroves, tidal sand flats, and areas of eelgrass, plus several small islands, with deeper channels between. Several small islands, including Walker Island, Omaia Island, Okatakata Island, and Motukaraka Island, are located in the harbour.

The water level in the harbour drops significantly at low tide, exposing 53% of the harbour area, which is made up of sand and mud.

Tide Table

Credit: youtube.com, Introduction to Tide Tables

The tide table for Rangaunu Harbour this week reveals some interesting patterns. The highest tide of the week is 2.46 m on Monday, 28th, at 9:57 pm.

You can observe the tide patterns in Rangaunu Harbour, with the 1st tide occurring at different times each day. On Thursday, the 1st tide is at 5:41 am, while on Tuesday, it's at 4:00 am.

The highest tide of the day is usually in the morning, with the 1st tide being the highest. For example, on Thursday, the 1st tide is 2.07 m at 5:41 am.

Here's a breakdown of the tide patterns for each day this week:

Today's Weather

The sun rises at 6:57 am and sets at 5:54 pm, giving us 10 hours and 57 minutes of sunshine.

The average temperature in Rangaunu Harbour is a pleasant 18°C.

The current and average water temperature is a consistent 17°C.

Here's a breakdown of the temperature forecast for the day:

Naturally Yours

Tranquil sunrise over a scenic beach with boats, ideal for relaxation themes.
Credit: pexels.com, Tranquil sunrise over a scenic beach with boats, ideal for relaxation themes.

Rangaunu Harbour is a haven for migratory wading birds, with a staggering 10,000 birds of approximately 70 species using the harbour in the autumn.

The harbour's unique environment attracts a diverse range of bird species, including NZ dotterels, variable oystercatchers, and black-backed gulls.

Birds such as white-fronted terns, Caspian terns, and black shags can be observed nesting in the area, making Rangaunu Harbour a vital breeding ground for these species.

Rangaunu Harbour is also a significant habitat for dolphins, killer whales, and occasionally humpback whales.

Other cetacean species, such as Bryde's whales and sperm whales, can be found in the waters around Karikari Peninsula.

A population of green sea turtles migrates into the harbour waters seasonally, while whale sharks have been spotted in the harbour with increasing regularity.

General Information

Rangaunu Harbour is located on the west coast of the Hokianga Peninsula in Northland, New Zealand.

It's a picturesque and tranquil spot, surrounded by native bush and overlooking the harbour.

A Port Entrance With Lighthouses
Credit: pexels.com, A Port Entrance With Lighthouses

Rangaunu Harbour is a small harbour, approximately 3.5 km long and 1.5 km wide.

The harbour is a popular spot for fishing and boating, with a variety of fish species found in its waters, including snapper and tarakihi.

The harbour's calm and sheltered waters make it an ideal spot for sailing and kayaking.

Rangaunu Harbour is also a significant cultural site, with evidence of Maori settlement dating back to the 13th century.

Elmer Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Here is a 100-word author bio for Elmer Kassulke: Elmer Kassulke is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen interest in storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for research, Elmer has covered a wide range of topics, from the Port of Bristol to the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their expertise spans various categories, including geography, history, culture, and transportation, making them a versatile and reliable voice in the world of journalism.

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