Lighthouse Reef
Right reef just south of Jacks Point: a gnarly drop straight into hollow, barrelling sections over rock. Advanced to expert. It works best on a SSE swell with W winds around low tide. Watch for: shallow rock.
Lighthouse Reef surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (150°)
- Direction range
- 90° - 188°
- Size range
- 1m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.7m - 2.1m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 225° - 315°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
Water temp
13°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
2/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Lighthouse Reef?
Lighthouse Reef is a reef break in Timaru, New Zealand, that mostly breaks right.
What swell works best at Lighthouse Reef?
Lighthouse Reef picks up swell from the E round to the S, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSE. It starts working at around 1m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.7 to 2.1m. Period matters too: aim for 13s or longer, as anything under 10s 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 Lighthouse Reef?
A W wind is dead offshore at Lighthouse Reef, 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 Lighthouse Reef?
Lighthouse Reef is at its best around low tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Lighthouse Reef?
The most reliable run of swell at Lighthouse Reef comes Mar to Oct.
How cold is the water at Lighthouse Reef?
The water at Lighthouse Reef averages around 13°C, so you'll want a 4/3mm fullsuit. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Lighthouse Reef good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 8/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Shallow rock.
How do I get to Lighthouse Reef?
The nearest airport on our list is TIU, then it's roughly a 15-minute drive.
What other surf spots are near Lighthouse Reef?
The closest breaks we track are Jacks Point (1.3 km) and Patiti Point (3.4 km), handy when Lighthouse Reef isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Jacks Point
🥝 Right-hand point • SSE swell magnet • South Canterbury
Patiti Point
🥝 Left-hand point • ESE swell magnet • South Canterbury
Kakanui
🥝 Right-hand point • SSE swell magnet • North Otago
Magnet Bay
🥝 Left-hand point • S swell magnet • Christchurch and Banks Peninsula
Karitane Point (The Point)
🥝 Right-hand point • E swell magnet • Dunedin north
Karitane Bar
🥝 Right-hand beachbreak • E swell magnet • Dunedin north