Porpoise Bay

📍 Local Knowledge

Porpoise Bay in the Catlins is an exposed beach and reef break offering fairly consistent surf that can work year-round. The best surf occurs with a south swell and offshore winds from the north, with some protection from southwest winds, typically during autumn—especially in July—when clean, rideable waves are most common. The beach produces both left and right-handers alongside left and right reef breaks, and even when it’s breaking, the lineup is rarely crowded. Surfers should be cautious of strong rips, exposed rocks, and the presence of sharks.