The Surf Window

Whale Bay

Waikato, New Zealand

Point breakAdvanced

The middle section of Raglan's famous point break complex, Whale Bay steps up the power and intensity between the more forgiving Manu Bay and the exposed outer sections.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

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

Wind

NW

Offshore

Tide

Mid

LowMidHigh

Season

March–September

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Left

Bottom

Rock

Shape

Faster, hollower lefts than Manu Bay, can barrel on the takeoff with a shorter window to set up

Length

100–250m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Advanced
  • •Why: The takeoff is more demanding than Manu Bay and the reef is shallower, solid surfing technique required.

Hazards

  • •Exposed rock reef throughout
  • •Powerful rip current on bigger swells
  • •Less accessible than Manu Bay, requires a walk along the coastal path

Local Tips

  • •Whale Bay fires best on a 5–6ft SW swell with light NE wind, conditions that also pump Manu Bay and Indicators simultaneously.
  • •The walk along the cliff path to reach Whale Bay is one of the most scenic in New Zealand.

Location

Map showing the location of Whale Bay in Waikato, New Zealand

-37.8006, 174.8686