Karitane Bar
Hollow rights on the Waikouaiti River-mouth bar inside the point. Nationally significant (with The Point). The bar is fickle and needs a good dose of east in the swell; when it swings S-SE the back beach is the better call. 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 E swell with W winds around low tide. Watch for: shifting bar, river current, sharks.
Karitane Bar surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Direction range
- 40° - 150°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 3.6m
- Ideal size
- 2.1m - 2.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 11s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 225° - 315°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
Water temp
12°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
5/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Karitane Bar?
The Karitane Bar profile favors low tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Karitane Bar?
The Karitane Bar profile uses wind from W (270°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 225° to 315°. 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 Karitane Bar?
The Karitane Bar scoring profile favors swell from E (40° to 150°), a swell-height range of 0.9m to 3.6m, 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 Karitane Bar?
The main season at Karitane Bar is Jan-Aug.
How do I get to Karitane Bar?
The spot profile lists DUD as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 50 minutes.
What kind of wave is Karitane Bar?
Karitane Bar is a beach break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Jan-Aug
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Karitane Point (The Point)
🥝 Right-hand point • E swell magnet • Dunedin north
Potato Point
🥝 Right-hand point • NE swell magnet • Dunedin north
The Spit (Aramoana)
🥝 Lefts and rights • Beachbreak • ENE swell, Dunedin north
St Clair
❄️ Southern Ocean cold • Roaring forties power • Deep south dedication
Brighton Point
🥝 Right-hand point • S swell magnet • Dunedin south
Kakanui
🥝 Right-hand point • SSE swell magnet • North Otago