The Surf Window

Hokitika

West Coast, New Zealand

Beach breakIntermediate

The pounamu (greenstone) capital of New Zealand, Hokitika on the West Coast has a wild beach where Tasman Sea swells and frequent storms create powerful, shifty beach break, and the driftwood-strewn beach has a dramatically moody character all its own.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–W 1.5–3m at 14–18s

Wind

NE

Light under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Apr–Sep

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand and pebble

Shape

Powerful peaks, predominantly lefts

Length

60–120m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate to advanced
  • •Why: Powerful Tasman Sea beach break with cold water and strong rips

Hazards

  • •Cold water, 11–14°C
  • •Very strong rip currents, the West Coast has a high surf drowning rate
  • •Large driftwood logs in the surf after storms, serious hazard

Local Tips

  • •Never enter the water with driftwood logs present, they are extremely dangerous in surf
  • •The Hokitika Gorge (30 minutes inland) has extraordinary turquoise blue water from glacial flour, stunning
  • •Greenstone carving studios in town are the best in New Zealand

Location

Map showing the location of Hokitika in West Coast, New Zealand

-42.7179, 170.9646