Mixed weather doesn't hamper fun

Kahale Gross with his dog Toby playing with sand

Overcast and a cool south westerly breeze failed to dampen the spirits of Northlanders who took to the beaches and waters in the last day of the long weekend.

After a slow start at lifeguard-patrolled beaches on Saturday, numbers slowly picked up on Sunday and more families made their way to their favourite beaches and fishing spots around noon yesterday.

MetService has forecast a low currently developing over the Tasman Sea is expected to move across the North Island on Thursday and drag up cold air from the South Island. Rain is also expected over Northland that day.

Whangarei Heads Surf Lifesaving volunteers Maddie Jameson, left, and Angel Cachemaille head down to Ocean Beach for paddle-boarding yesterday.

Families flocked to Ocean Beach yesterday with their surf boards, kites and sunscreen lotion to mostly have fun on the beach. Some brave souls took to the waters under the watchful eyes of the Whangarei Heads Surf Lifesaving volunteers who patrolled the beach until 4pm.

Chloe Mills waiting to get her kite airborne at Ocean Beach.

South African Etienne Gross' family was among those out and about with their dog Toby.

"Recovering from a tough rugby match," he joked, referring to the Rugby World Cup semifinal clash between the All Blacks and Springboks on Sunday.

Mr Gross spent time playing football with his children, Anya and William, while his wife Marina mostly occupied her time lying on the beach reading a book.

Danish couple Ove and Anne Kjaer parked their car on Mcleod Bay and took to the Reotahi Walking Track.

"Normally we start in Reotahi but the new i-site brochure says you can start in this track and get to Reotahi, then follow the Mt Aubrey walkway which will take us about two hours," Mrs Kjaer said.

Onerahi resident Carol Watene was out fishing with her family on a jetty at Mcleod Bay. "Looking for snapper and parore. After this, we'll go to Urqhuarts," Ms Watene said.

Daytime temperatures in most areas in Northland are expected to be around 20C.

-Northern Advocate photographer John Stone went to Ocean Beach to capture these images of people enjoying the unofficial start of summer.