Ocean Beach Hawkes Bay
Ocean Beach Hawkes Bay is the East Coast's shape-shifting canvas—a long stretch of beach and reef breaks where the constantly moving sandbars ensure no two sessions are ever quite the same. The year-round southeast groundswell exposure keeps waves arriving when other regions go flat, while the uncrowded nature means you can walk down the beach until you find your own peak. The Art Deco architecture of nearby Napier and the renowned Hawkes Bay wine region add cultural dimensions to surf trips here, creating a complete destination experience beyond the waves themselves.
Ocean Beach Hawkes Bay surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (140°)
- Direction range
- 100° - 180°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.2m - 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (270°)
- Offshore range
- 240° - 300°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
4/10
Crowd level
3/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 12) — expect extra crowds
Access: 20km from Hastings. Multiple breaks along beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Ocean Beach Hawkes Bay?
The Ocean Beach Hawkes Bay profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Ocean Beach Hawkes Bay?
The Ocean Beach Hawkes Bay profile uses wind from W (270°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 240° to 300°. 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 Ocean Beach Hawkes Bay?
The Ocean Beach Hawkes Bay scoring profile favors swell from SE (100° to 180°), a swell-height range of 0.5m to 2m, and a reference period of 12s. 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 Ocean Beach Hawkes Bay?
The main season at Ocean Beach Hawkes Bay is Jan-Dec. Year-round. Groundswells from SE.
How do I get to Ocean Beach Hawkes Bay?
The spot profile lists NPE as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 30 minutes. 20km from Hastings. Multiple breaks along beach.
What kind of wave is Ocean Beach Hawkes Bay?
Ocean Beach Hawkes Bay is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Jan-Dec
Year-round. Groundswells from SE.
Getting There
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