Surville Cliffs

Cliff Northernmost mainland cliffs of New Zealand

Northern‑most mainland cliffs in New Zealand’s Northland Region; visitors come for sheer coastal escarpments, seabird colonies and remote coastal walks.

Main image
Surville Cliffs
-34.3936, 173.0139

How to Get to Surville Cliffs #

Located at the northern end of the Northland Region. The cliffs are accessed via the Awanui-Cape Reinga route; from Kaitaia it is a drive of roughly an hour plus depending on stops. A sealed road reaches the main viewpoints but expect narrow sections and variable weather.

Tips for Visiting Surville Cliffs #

  • The cliffs are remote and windswept-secure any loose gear and avoid standing too close to the edge.
  • Bring a windbreaker and binoculars; birdlife (including seabirds) is often visible from the cliff tops.
  • Combine with a drive to Cape Reinga for a full northern tip itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Surville Cliffs #

Best during the southern summer and shoulder seasons for clearer weather and sea views.

Summer
December-February (Southern Hemisphere) · 16-24°C (61-75°F)
Warmer weather and highest chance of clear vistas.
Spring and Autumn
September-November, March-May · 12-20°C (54-68°F)
Milder temperatures and fewer tourists.
Winter
June-August · 8-16°C (46-61°F)
Windier and colder; dramatic seas but less comfortable to linger.

Weather & Climate near Surville Cliffs #

Climate

Temperate climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cool winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 10°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1396 mm/year), wettest in June.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 16°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
16° 22°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 17°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
17° 22°

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
16° 22°

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
14° 19°

Weather

117 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm).

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
13° 17°

Weather

117 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (162 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
11° 15°

Weather

162 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° 15°

Weather

142 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
10° 16°

Weather

160 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
11° 16°

Weather

118 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
12° 17°

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm).

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
13° 18°

Weather

88 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 15°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Cool
18°C
Temperature
15° 20°

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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