Houghton Bay
Reef and sandbar peaks on Wellington's south coast, venue of the 1968 national championships; S swell, low tide, N wind. It works best on a S swell with N winds around low tide. Watch for: reef, rips.
Houghton Bay surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Direction range
- 145° - 205°
- Size range
- 0.7m - 3.3m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m - 2.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
Water temp
14°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
5/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Houghton Bay?
The Houghton Bay profile favors low tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Houghton Bay?
The Houghton Bay profile uses wind from N (0°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 315° to 45°. 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 Houghton Bay?
The Houghton Bay scoring profile favors swell from S (145° to 205°), a swell-height range of 0.7m to 3.3m, and a reference period of 13s. 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 Houghton Bay?
The main season at Houghton Bay is Mar-Oct.
How do I get to Houghton Bay?
The spot profile lists WLG as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 10 minutes.
What kind of wave is Houghton Bay?
Houghton Bay is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Rat Island (Taputeranga)
🥝 Lefts and rights • Reef • S swell, Wellington south coast and harbour
Airport Rights
🥝 Right-hand reef • S swell magnet • Wellington south coast and harbour
Moa Point
🥝 Right-hand reef • S swell magnet • Wellington south coast and harbour
Propellors
🥝 Right-hand reef • S swell magnet • Wellington south coast and harbour
Butterfish Rock
🥝 Right-hand reef • S swell magnet • Wellington south coast and harbour
Pipes (Eastbourne)
🥝 Left-hand point • S swell magnet • Wellington south coast and harbour