Kahutara Surf Report & Forecast

Local Knowledge

Kahutara in Kaikoura is an exposed reef and point break that has quite reliable surf, although summer tends to be mostly flat. The best conditions occur when a South-southeast swell, consisting of windswells and groundswells in equal measure, combines with an offshore wind direction from the West-northwest. The break performs best around low tide when the tide is rising and can sometimes be crowded. Surfers should be aware of hazards including rips, rocks, and sharks at this location. The best time of year for consistent, clean waves is during the winter, particularly the month of June.