The Surf Window

Oreti Beach

Southland, New Zealand

Beach breakIntermediate

Near Invercargill in New Zealand's Southland, Oreti Beach is one of the southern hemisphere's longest beaches, a windswept 35km stretch where the cold Southern Ocean delivers powerful surf to the most southerly surf beach in New Zealand.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalSSW (195°)
WindowSSE–WSW (150°–240°)
Size–S 1.5–3m at 14–18s

Wind

N

Light to NE under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Apr

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Multiple peaks along the immense beach

Length

60–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced surfers
  • •Why: Very cold water, powerful Southern Ocean swells, and remote setting require experience

Hazards

  • •Very cold water, 9–13°C requires 5/4mm hooded wetsuit
  • •Burt Munro's speed records were set on this beach, occasional vehicles on the beach
  • •Very exposed, southern latitude winds are powerful

Local Tips

  • •Burt Munro (The World's Fastest Indian) set motorcycle speed records at Oreti, Invercargill celebrates his legacy
  • •The beach extends 35km, walk to find completely empty peaks
  • •Bluff Oysters from nearby Bluff are the finest oysters in New Zealand, a seasonal delicacy

Location

Map showing the location of Oreti Beach in Southland, New Zealand

-46.4667, 168.3500