Nugget Point Beach
Sheltered beach on the north side of Nugget Point, where SE to SSE swell wraps around the headland. Best with a W to WSW offshore at any tide, and rarely crowded.
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Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (157°)
- Direction range
- 82° - 182°
- Size range
- 0.75m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.90×
- Ideal period
- 11s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WSW (247°)
- Offshore range
- 202° - 292°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
12°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
1/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Nugget Point Beach?
Nugget Point Beach is a beach break in Nugget Point, Catlins, New Zealand, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Nugget Point Beach?
Nugget Point Beach 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 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 Nugget Point Beach?
A WSW wind is dead offshore at Nugget Point Beach, and anything from the SSW round to the WNW 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 Nugget Point Beach?
Nugget Point Beach 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 Nugget Point Beach?
The most reliable run of swell at Nugget Point Beach comes Jun to Aug, through the southern winter.
How cold is the water at Nugget Point Beach?
The water at Nugget Point Beach 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 Nugget Point Beach 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 1/10). Things to watch for: sharks and strong rips.
How do I get to Nugget Point Beach?
The nearest airport on our list is DUD, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive.
What other surf spots are near Nugget Point Beach?
The closest breaks we track are Cannibal Bay (4.6 km), Kaka Point (6.3 km) and Catlins River Mouth (7.6 km), handy when Nugget Point Beach isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Jun-Aug
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Cannibal Bay
🥝 Lefts and rights • Beachbreak • S swell, The Catlins
Kaka Point
🥝 Lefts and rights • Beachbreak • SE 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