Oakura
Taranaki, New Zealand
Reef breakAdvanced
A small Taranaki surf town south of New Plymouth with a raw reef break that fires on big South Pacific swells, one of the region's most challenging and rewarding waves.
Typical Conditions
The Surf Window
Swell Window
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size4-8ft
Wind
NW
Offshore
Tide
Mid to high
LowMidHigh
Season
March–September
JFMAMJJASOND
The Wave
Type
Right (primary)
Bottom
Reef
Shape
Hollow, punchy reef peaks, fast takeoff with a short barrelling section
Length
30–80m
Skill Level
- •Who it's for: Advanced
- •Why: The reef is shallow, the wave is fast, and the Taranaki weather adds cold, challenging conditions.
Hazards
- •Shallow reef and rocks throughout
- •Cold water (12–14°C in winter, thick wetsuit essential)
- •Unpredictable weather, conditions can change rapidly on the Taranaki coast
Local Tips
- •The Taranaki region sits in the shadow of Mt Taranaki, one of New Zealand's most perfectly conical volcanos and a remarkable backdrop.
- •Oakura works on the same swell that lights up the Taranaki coastline, check multiple spots on a big SW swell day.
Location
-39.2519, 173.9428