Dolphin Bay

📍 Local Knowledge

Dolphin Bay in The Wairarapa is an exposed beach and reef break that has fairly consistent surf, although summer tends to be mostly flat. The best conditions occur when a Southeast swell, consisting of a mix of groundswells and windswells, combines with an offshore wind direction from the Northwest. There is no shelter from cross-shore breezes here, though the spot can handle light onshore winds. The beach breaks tend to favor right-hand waves, and there are additional left and right-hand reef breaks available, all of which are surfable at all stages of the tide. It very rarely gets crowded here, but surfers should beware of hazards including rips, rocks, and seals.