Fitzroy Beach
Fitzroy Beach is New Plymouth's barrel factory—a popular beach break near the city's East End that produces excellent hollow waves when offshore winds align with the right banks. The wave favors high tide on the rise, when the sandbars connect to create left and right peaks with surprising tube potential. Less powerful than nearby Back Beach, Fitzroy offers a more forgiving learning curve while still capable of serious moments. The beach's popularity means you'll share waves, but the consistent quality and easy access make it a cornerstone of Taranaki surf culture.
Fitzroy Beach surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Direction range
- 255° - 300°
- Size range
- 0.3m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.1m - 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Offshore range
- 100° - 170°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- high
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.6m
Water temp
16°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
6/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 12) — expect extra crowds
Access: Right in New Plymouth near East End.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Fitzroy Beach?
The Fitzroy Beach profile favors high tide, ideally between 0.5m and 1.6m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Fitzroy Beach?
The Fitzroy Beach profile uses wind from SE (135°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 100° to 170°. 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 Fitzroy Beach?
The Fitzroy Beach scoring profile favors swell from W (255° to 300°), a swell-height range of 0.3m to 2m, and a reference period of 12s. 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 Fitzroy Beach?
The main season at Fitzroy Beach is May-Aug. A secondary window runs Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct. Winter best. June peak with 25% clean days.
How do I get to Fitzroy Beach?
The spot profile lists NPL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 5 minutes. Right in New Plymouth near East End.
What kind of wave is Fitzroy Beach?
Fitzroy Beach is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: May-Aug
Secondary: Mar, Apr, Sep, Oct
Winter best. June peak with 25% clean days.
Getting There
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Plan a trip around Fitzroy Beach
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