Kaka Point
East-facing beach with rocky points and several punchy peaks at the north end of the Catlins. Works on SE to SSE swell with W to WSW winds at any tide, and suits beginners through to experts.
Kaka Point surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (135°)
- Direction range
- 60° - 158°
- Size range
- 0.75m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 11s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 225° - 315°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
12°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
2/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Kaka Point?
Kaka Point is a beach break in Kaka Point, Catlins, New Zealand, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Kaka Point?
Kaka Point picks up swell from the ENE round to the SSE, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SE. It starts working at around 0.75m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 1.8 to 2.4m. Period matters too: aim for 11s or longer, as anything under 8s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Kaka Point?
A W wind is dead offshore at Kaka Point, and anything from the SW round to the NW keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Kaka Point?
Kaka Point isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Kaka Point?
The most reliable run of swell at Kaka Point comes Jun to Aug, through the southern winter.
How cold is the water at Kaka Point?
The water at Kaka Point averages around 12°C, so you'll want a 5/4mm with boots. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Kaka Point good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 4/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Sea lions can bite.
How do I get to Kaka Point?
The nearest airport on our list is DUD, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive.
What other surf spots are near Kaka Point?
The closest breaks we track are Nugget Point Beach (6.3 km), Cannibal Bay (9.4 km) and Catlins River Mouth (11 km), handy when Kaka Point isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Jun-Aug
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Nugget Point Beach
🥝 Lefts and rights • Beachbreak • SSE swell, The Catlins
Cannibal Bay
🥝 Lefts and rights • Beachbreak • S swell, The Catlins
Catlins River Mouth
🥝 Lefts and rights • Beachbreak • SSE swell, The Catlins
Purakaunui Bay (PK Bay)
🥝 Lefts and rights • Beachbreak • SSE swell, The Catlins
Long Point
🥝 Left-hand point • S swell magnet • The Catlins
Papatowai (Kings Rock)
🥝 Lefts and rights • Big-wave reef • S swell, The Catlins