Shag Beach

📍 Local Knowledge

Shag Beach in North Otago is an exposed beach and reef break with quite reliable surf that can work year-round. The best surf occurs with a south swell and offshore winds from the west, typically during winter—most often in June—when clean, rideable waves are most consistent. Most of the surf comes from groundswells, with the beach break offering both left and right-hand waves and a right-hand reef break as well. It works best around high tide and is very rarely crowded. Surfers should be aware that sharks have been reported in the area.