Hey Dusty,
You cant kite in offshore winds on the coast as the wind is so badly messed up from the terrain and buildings. The reason it's glassy is there aint no wind on the water, and the wind above it is too turbulent to fly a kite unless your destination is Rotto and you're starting 300m out.
The reason everyone kites at Brighton is the walkway is wide, break ins are rare and there are fewer surfers out. There is a shower and tap to wash your gear and it is out of the way of the sailboarders and clubbies further north.
Contacios is a good spot if you want to avoid the circus that is Brighton. Less kiters, better waves but car park can be dodgy.
Good winds, and dont kite in Easterlies unless at Pt Walter,