The Surf Window

Papatowai

Otago, New Zealand

Beach breakIntermediate

Deep in the Catlins wilderness of New Zealand's far south, Papatowai is a tiny community at the mouth of the Tahakopa River where Tasman Sea and Southern Ocean swells create beach break in one of the most remote and beautiful coastal environments in New Zealand.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size–S 1.5–2.5m at 12–16s

Wind

NW

Light under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Apr

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach and river mouth break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Peaks around the river mouth

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: River mouth dynamics in a remote setting require self-sufficiency

Hazards

  • •Very remote, Papatowai has a tiny permanent population
  • •River mouth currents after rain
  • •Cold water, 9–12°C

Local Tips

  • •Florence Hill lookout nearby gives extraordinary views over the Catlins coast and forest
  • •Yellow-eyed penguins (kākāpō) come ashore at dusk at several Catlins beaches, extraordinary sightings
  • •The Catlins is one of New Zealand's last great wilderness regions, pristine and spectacular

Location

Map showing the location of Papatowai in Otago, New Zealand

-46.5619, 169.4708