The Surf Window

Tairua

Waikato, New Zealand

Beach breakIntermediate

On the Coromandel Peninsula's east coast, Tairua is a twin-town community (with Pauanui across the estuary) where the river mouth creates a shifting sandbar that delivers some of the Coromandel's most powerful and consistent beach break.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–E 1.5–2m at 10–14s

Wind

SW

Light to W under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Mar–Sep

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach and bar break

Bottom

Sand

Shape

River mouth bar peaks, lefts and rights

Length

80–150m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: River mouth bar creates focused, powerful peaks requiring experience

Hazards

  • •Strong rip currents near the river mouth
  • •Sandbar shifts after storms
  • •Popular summer destination, can be crowded

Local Tips

  • •The bar peak is formed and destroyed by storm events, always check current conditions
  • •Pauanui on the south side of the estuary has beautiful surf beaches accessible by water taxi
  • •The Coromandel's seafood, especially mussels and scallops, is exceptional in season

Location

Map showing the location of Tairua in Waikato, New Zealand

-37.0000, 175.8500