The Surf Window

Manu Bay

Waikato, New Zealand

Point breakIntermediate

The most accessible section of Raglan's legendary left-hand point system, Manu Bay is where most surfers enter the famous wave, long, walling lefts and a welcoming Waikato surf atmosphere.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size4-8ft

Wind

NW

Offshore

Tide

Mid

LowMidHigh

Season

March–September

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Left

Bottom

Rock and sand

Shape

Long, moderately powerful left-hand walls, more forgiving than Indicators upstream

Length

150–300m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate
  • •Why: The wave length and shape reward progressive surfing but the power level remains accessible for developing surfers.

Hazards

  • •Rocky reef at lower tides
  • •Consistent crowd during the surf season
  • •Cold water (full wetsuit essential year-round)

Local Tips

  • •Manu Bay is the main beach, the car park fills early on good surf days.
  • •Watch from the clifftop path above the bay to read the swell and spot the better peaks before paddling out.

Location

Map showing the location of Manu Bay in Waikato, New Zealand

-37.8006, 174.8686