Where should a beginner kite in Auckland

Newbies sometimes are confused as to which is the best kitespot in Auckland.

If you are just starting out, the things you need to consider are:

1 - Shallow spots - its hard enough to learn to kite without you losing your board and not being able to get it back.
2 - Large areas of space - when attached to long lines, kites have a habit of coming close to objects, such as trees on the shore, other kitesurfers, big rocks! A newbie needs space, and lots of it!
3 - Flat (ish) water - learning to get out through the whitewater in big wave conditions is a whole new battle, if you can start in relatively flat water you will have won half of the battle.

Based on these three considerations, my suggestions for the best beginner kite beaches are:

1 - Point Chevalier - Southeast to North winds, grassy area to pump up your kite, lots of space where its still shallow for you to practice. Beware of the oyster shells, you must wear booties to kite here.

2 - Shoal Bay - South to Southwest winds, good at high tide, can get a bit muddy at lower tide. Watch for lots of newbies, this place is becoming very popular for learners.

3 - Cheltenham beach - North to Southeast winds, can kite at high and low tide (just be prepared to walk a long way at low tide), nice flat water inland, fun swell if you go out a bit. This beach is busy in the summer and there is a threat of kiters being banned, so please keep away from the beach and people and take your kite out to sea to prevent any potential accidents.

All of these beaches are within 10km of Auckland City and have ample parking and lots of kiters to meet when its windy :)