Stormrider Guide to surfing Waikato

New Zealand, PACIFIC OCEAN

Indicators to Manu Bay, Raglan, Rambo Estrada

Summary

+ Constant swell supply	- Heavy onshores
+ Raglan’s famous lefts	- Strong currents
+ Points, rivermouths & beachbreaks	- Raglan crowds
+ NZ’s favourite surf town	- Some difficult access

Incessant swells pummel the black sand beaches and rocky headlands of the Waikato region, home to New Zealand’s most famous wave and surf town, situated a mere 2hrs drive from Auckland. Incredibly long and graceful lefthanders hug the headlands at a series of bays in Raglan, providing a world-class playground for a multitude of local, regional and international surfers.

When to Go

With 5 out of 6 days showing some SW-W swell arriving throughout the year, this is a very consistent coastline. A sprinkling of NW only reinforces the picture, with heights up to 24ft and 20 second period possible. The prevalent SW-W wind actually shares much of the winter months with E quadrant winds, before reasserting dominance in the summer months. N to E winds blow for about a quarter of the time annually. Semi-diurnal tides at Raglan with a 3.9m max tidal range.

Surf Spots

At the south end of Sunset Beach, Port Waikato's current scoured beach terminates at the headland cliffs where a throaty lefthand point breaks on the rocks below. Powerful walls and hollow sections when the sand joins the rocky fingers. Advanced to expert surfers only as the entry off the rocks is sketchy and locals intolerant. A gravel road leads to Te Akau, a powerful high tide beachbreak with scattered rocks north of Raglan. The rivermouth at Te Akau South helps break up the close-outs, on this wild stretch of coast. Both need small swells and any E wind. It's a long, arduous paddle across the current strafed Harbour entrance from Raglan to Mussel Rock. Sand commutes around the rocks with greatly varying results from slopey shoulders to fast tubes. Small days only. Same applies across the channel at Raglan Bar, where a changeable set of sandbanks will see some fast hollow peaks on calm wind days, which keeps the numerous kitesurfers on the beach. Tucked into the corner of Raglan Bay, Ngarunui Beach always serves up something to ride, catering for all abilities. The rip in the southern corner gives an armchair ride out the back where rolling walls stretch both ways for the regular crowds. It's the easiest check and surf in Raglan and where the surf schools ply their trade. More peaks down towards the harbour, but they will be messed up by the SW winds. Manu Bay is the innermost of the 3 Raglan points starts with a hollow barrel section over the Ledge before bending into a walling section that can race for 300m or more past the boat ramp. Jumping from the rocks past the take-off spot requires good timing. Further west the Boneyards section may provide a relatively less crowded alternative. Despite having a reputation as being the lesser of Raglans three left points, Whale Bay can still pack a punch at smaller sizes when it breaks close to the rocks and sections on the headland to the east of the bay. On larger days the wall loses steepness and rolls along, unless the swell is more W-NW making it barrel over the boulders that have a tendency to pop up. Often slightly less crowded than the other two points with less locals, giving the intermediates a chance. Indicators is the longest, fastest and most critical of Raglans 3 points. On smaller days Indicators splits into 2 or 3 sections. Outside Indicators has a heavy take-off into a throaty barrel and picks up the most size, but also the most wind. Indies has some hollow sections interspersed with performance and cutback walls. The final Valley section speeds up and hollows out again an lower tides. Larger days will occasionally break far enough out to link up with Whale Bay and maybe even Manu, but it's very unlikely to join the dots for the full 2km. All the points want SE offshores but handle a bit of SW, especially at Manu. Ruapuke is a summer alternative to the crowds found at Raglans beaches, a powerful, swell-magnet spot. Usually blown out of control, the north end cleans up nicely in a NE wind and small swell. The Toreparu Stream can shape some bars down the south end at higher tides. Vicious rips when it gets overhead. Knowing someone who can negotiate the farmers permission is required to surf Albatross Point, a rare bird which requires a huge swell to refract around into Arohaki Bay and hit multiple left points. It would be possible to take a boat from Kawhia Harbour, but again, local knowledge is essential. Located at the mouth of the Marokopa River, Kiritehere is a sectiony left point with powerful walls at higher tides.

Statistics

dominant swell

SW -W

swell size (ft)

5-6

6-7

consistency (%)

dominant wind

SW -NW

S -W

SW -NW

average force

consistency (%)

water temp (C)

wetsuit

3/2

4/3

3/2

Travel Information

Weather
A moderate wet climate influenced by SW-W winds year-round. The weather changes quickly. Winter rainfall is quite heavy from May-Aug with cold temps and good ski conditions on Mt. Taranaki and bigger, consistent swells. Summers are mild. It’s the same story in the water - a good 4/3mm fullsuit in winter and a 3/2mm fullsuit for summer.

Lodging and Food
Raglan is a full on surf town with every type of accommodation; basic (Raglan Backpackers, Karioi Lodge; fr $11/n), to the ideally located Whale Bay house rentals (fr $130 to $290/n) or eco options with Solscape and off-grid Indicators Beach House. Expect $12-25 for a meal from the varied Raglan eateries.

Nature and Culture
Kawhia hot springs can be dug out of the sand on Ocean Beach, 2hrs either side of low - take a shovel. Fishing is good in and outside the harbours (Manukau,Raglan, Aotea, Kawhia).