The Spit (Aramoana)
Sandbar peaks along the beach north of the Otago Harbour mole, shaped by wave focusing over the harbour's ebb-tidal delta and dredge-spoil mounds. The middle of the beach is the most popular and best; the mole end is sheltered ('kiddie corner'). A long-time local's recipe is a 2-3 m east swell, low tide and a moderate SW wind. It is listed as a surf break of national significance in Schedule 1 of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement. It works best on an ENE swell with SW winds around low tide. Watch for: seals, sharks, rips along the mole.
The Spit (Aramoana) surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (75°)
- Direction range
- 25° - 135°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 11s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Offshore range
- 180° - 270°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
Water temp
12°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
6/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at The Spit (Aramoana)?
The The Spit (Aramoana) profile favors low tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at The Spit (Aramoana)?
The The Spit (Aramoana) profile uses wind from SW (225°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 180° to 270°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at The Spit (Aramoana)?
The The Spit (Aramoana) scoring profile favors swell from ENE (25° to 135°), a swell-height range of 1m to 3m, and a reference period of 11s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf The Spit (Aramoana)?
The main season at The Spit (Aramoana) is Jan-Aug.
How do I get to The Spit (Aramoana)?
The spot profile lists DUD as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 50 minutes.
What kind of wave is The Spit (Aramoana)?
The Spit (Aramoana) is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Jan-Aug
Getting There
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