Tauranga Bay

📍 Local Knowledge

Tauranga Bay on the West Coast of the South Island is an exposed beach and point break that has reasonably consistent surf and can work at any time of the year. The best conditions occur when a West-southwest swell (a mix of groundswells and windswells) combines with an offshore East-southeast wind, though there is some shelter from south winds and it remains surfable in an onshore breeze. The spot offers left-handers at the beach and a left-hand point break, providing good surf at all stages of the tide. It is sometimes crowded, and surfers should watch out for rocks. The best time of year for consistent, clean waves is during the winter, particularly the month of June.