Rutaki Passage
Rutaki Passage is an exposed reef break on Rarotonga's west coast that has quite reliable surf. An awesome left-hander that is often hollow, best at mid-to-high tide with NE winds and SW swell. Less intense than Avaavaroa, making it a solid intermediate-level option on the island.
Today's Conditions
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 260°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m
- Height multiplier
- 1.03×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 10° - 80°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid to high
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.6m
Water temp
26°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Shore access. 7km from airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Rutaki Passage?
Rutaki Passage works best on a mid to high tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.6m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Rutaki Passage?
Offshore wind at Rutaki Passage blows from the NE (45°). Anything in the 10° to 80° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Rutaki Passage?
Rutaki Passage wants SW swell (180° to 260°) between 0.6m and 2.5m, with a period of 13s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Rutaki Passage?
The main season at Rutaki Passage is Mar-Oct. Autumn-winter for consistent SW groundswells.
How do I get to Rutaki Passage?
Fly into RAR, then allow about 15 minutes by road. Shore access. 7km from airport.
What kind of wave is Rutaki Passage?
Rutaki Passage is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Autumn-winter for consistent SW groundswells.