Opoutama
Opoutama is Mahia Peninsula's mellow gem—a beginner-friendly beach break that produces soft, fat waves perfect for learners and longboarders seeking an uncrowded alternative to New Zealand's more famous spots. The east coast location keeps it off most radar, which means even when it's working, you might have the lineup to yourself. Multiple peaks spread along the beach offer options, while the generally mellow conditions create a low-stress environment for progression. This is the kind of place where families can share waves without anxiety and the competitive pressure of busier breaks simply doesn't exist.
Today's Conditions
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Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
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Strike Score Breakdown
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Direction range
- 150° - 220°
- Size range
- 0.4m - 1.8m
- Ideal size
- 1.4m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 20° - 80°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.5m
Water temp
17°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: 46km from Gisborne Airport. Mahia is an east coast hidden gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Opoutama?
Opoutama works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Opoutama?
Offshore wind at Opoutama blows from the NE (45°). Anything in the 20° to 80° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Opoutama?
Opoutama wants S swell (150° to 220°) between 0.4m and 1.8m, with a period of 12s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Opoutama?
The main season at Opoutama is Mar-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. Year-round with groundswells. Uncrowded even when working.
How do I get to Opoutama?
Fly into GIS, then allow about 60 minutes by road. 46km from Gisborne Airport. Mahia is an east coast hidden gem.
What kind of wave is Opoutama?
Opoutama is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 3/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Year-round with groundswells. Uncrowded even when working.