Punakaiki Surf Report & Forecast

Local Knowledge

Punakaiki on the West Coast is an exposed beach break offering quite consistent surf year-round, with waves breaking both left and right and performing best around mid tide. The surf mainly comes from groundswells, with the ideal swell direction from the southwest and the preferred offshore wind coming from the east-northeast. The best conditions reported at Punakaiki occur when a southwest swell combines with an offshore east-northeast wind, creating clean, rideable waves. The spot is rarely crowded, but surfers should be cautious of dangerous rips. The most consistent clean waves are typically found during autumn, especially in March.