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 at a Glance#

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.

Air Quality: AQI 22 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
10°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 16° - 22° 19° 98 mm - - 5.1 m/s - -
February - 17° - 22° 20° 94 mm - - 4.7 m/s - -
March - 16° - 22° 19° 118 mm - - 4.6 m/s - -
April - 14° - 19° 17° 117 mm - - 4.6 m/s - -
May - 13° - 17° 15° 117 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
June - 11° - 15° 13° 162 mm - - 4.6 m/s - -
July - 10° - 15° 13° 142 mm - - 4.6 m/s - -
August - 10° - 16° 13° 160 mm - - 5.0 m/s - -
September - 11° - 16° 13° 118 mm - - 5.2 m/s - -
October - 12° - 17° 14° 97 mm - - 5.4 m/s - -
November - 13° - 18° 16° 88 mm - - 4.8 m/s - -
December - 15° - 20° 18° 85 mm - - 4.7 m/s - -

Nearby Attractions to Surville Cliffs#