Opoutama is Mahia Peninsula's mellow gem—a beginner-friendly beach break that produces soft, fat waves perfect for learners and longboarders seeking an uncrowded alternative to New Zealand's more famous spots. The east coast location keeps it off most radar, which means even when it's working, you might have the lineup to yourself. Multiple peaks spread along the beach offer options, while the generally mellow conditions create a low-stress environment for progression. This is the kind of place where families can share waves without anxiety and the competitive pressure of busier breaks simply doesn't exist.
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: 46km from Gisborne Airport. Mahia is an east coast hidden gem.
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Year-round with groundswells. Uncrowded even when working.
Verified by Surfline NZ
How well swell angle matches the spot
Wave height in the ideal range
Each spot has different period requirements. Points and reefs can handle longer periods than beaches.
Offshore/glassy conditions