The Surf Window

Wainui

Gisborne, New Zealand

Beach breakIntermediate

The go-to surf beach for Gisborne on the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island, Wainui is a reliable, accessible beach break that works in a variety of conditions and hosts local surf contests.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalE (90°)
WindowNNE–SSE (30°–150°)
Size4-8ft

Wind

NW

Offshore

Tide

Any

LowMidHigh

Season

March–September

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Moderate beach break peaks, varied in quality, occasionally excellent

Length

30–80m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate
  • •Why: Consistent and forgiving enough for intermediates but the beach break requires reading the lineup and rip channels.

Hazards

  • •Shifting sandbars, the best banks move regularly
  • •Rip currents alongside the lagoon outlet
  • •Jellyfish occasionally present in summer

Local Tips

  • •Gisborne is the first city in the world to see the sunrise, the dawnie here is genuinely special.
  • •The Wainui lagoon outlet at the south end of the beach often creates the best sandbars.

Location

Map showing the location of Wainui in Gisborne, New Zealand

-38.6250, 178.0931