The high tide brought huge swells with it, sending water across the road at Buffalo Beach in Whitianga this afternoon.

While it was paradise out on the waters for surfers who enjoyed big swells according to MetService, only M.V. Whai skipper John Ellwood decided to brave crossing the Whitianga Bar.

The M.V. Whai skippered by John Ellwood crossing the Whitianga Bar this afternoon. Photo: Rob Reilly, On Fire Cafe.

Speaking from the water, John says everything went 'good as gold” during the crossing and the conditions outside were pretty good.

'Outside [the bar] is about five to six metres, but it's not too bad,” says John. 'It's got a little bit of a south-west to it now so it's flattening it down very quick.

'We waited until the high tide before leaving and nobody followed us out, so I think we're the only one out today.”

Watching from the shore was On Fire Beach Cafe owner Rob Reilly who confirms the Whai and the Coastguard were the only boats he's seen go out this afternoon.

Rob says the conditions at Buffalo Beach have been amazing all day and the huge swells not only brought out a lot of surfers but a lot of curious people down to the waterline to catch a glimpse.

'This morning at the Whitianga River Mouth there were probably about 30 surfers out there in the water.

'It's one of these waves that doesn't work very often, only when it's huge. Today is about the best you'll ever get it.”

This afternoon's high tide sent water across the road at Buffalo Beach in Whitianga. Photo: Rob Reilly, On Fire Cafe.