Penguin Beach

📍 Local Knowledge

Penguin Beach on the Otago Peninsula is an exposed beach and point break that only works when conditions are just right. The best surf occurs with a northeast swell and offshore winds from the southwest, with some shelter from west winds, typically during summer—most often in January—when clean, rideable waves are most likely. Most of the surf here comes from groundswells, the beach produces both left and right-hand waves, and it works best around high tide on a rising tide. The spot is very rarely crowded, but surfers should be mindful of rocks and the potential presence of sharks.