The Surf Window

Stent Road

Taranaki, New Zealand

Reef breakAdvanced

A remote, high-performance reef break hidden along the Taranaki coastline, Stent Road is a local secret that fires brilliantly on big south swells and rewards the long drive with outstanding, uncrowded waves.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

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

Wind

NW

Offshore

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

March–September

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Left (primary)

Bottom

Reef

Shape

Fast, hollow left-hand wall, clean barrels on the right swell

Length

50–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced
  • •Why: Remote, reef-heavy, and powerful, this is not a place for the inexperienced.

Hazards

  • •Very remote access via unsealed road
  • •Shallow reef throughout
  • •Cold water and hypothermia risk
  • •No amenities whatsoever

Local Tips

  • •The name "Stent Road" is the actual road you follow, locals give directions by the road name rather than GPS coordinates.
  • •Bring a packed lunch, a good wetsuit, and someone you trust, the nearest surf shop is over an hour away.

Location

Map showing the location of Stent Road in Taranaki, New Zealand

-39.2819, 173.8911