Papanui Beach

📍 Local Knowledge

Papanui Beach on the Otago Peninsula is an exposed beach and point break with fairly consistent surf that can be surfed year-round. The best surf occurs with an east-southeast swell and offshore winds from the southwest, with some shelter from west winds, typically during winter—most often in May—when clean, rideable waves are most common. The beach produces both left and right-hand waves and works best around high tide on a rising tide. The area is generally uncrowded even when the surf is up, but surfers should be mindful of rocks and the potential presence of sharks.