Porpoise Bay
Long crescent beach next to Curio Bay with several peaks, bigger at the north end and gentler toward the south, where a surf school runs lessons. Works on SW to SE swell with a northerly offshore at any tide.
Porpoise Bay surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Direction range
- 118° - 212°
- Size range
- 0.75m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.4m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 11s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
12°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
4/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Porpoise Bay?
Porpoise Bay is a beach break in Curio Bay, Catlins, New Zealand, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Porpoise Bay?
Porpoise Bay picks up swell from the ESE round to the SSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the S. 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 Porpoise Bay?
A N wind is dead offshore at Porpoise Bay, and anything from the NW round to the NE 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 Porpoise Bay?
Porpoise Bay 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.
How cold is the water at Porpoise Bay?
The water at Porpoise Bay 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 Porpoise Bay good for beginners?
Yes, it's one of the friendlier waves around, rated 3/10 for difficulty. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Hector's dolphins often swim in the bay.
How do I get to Porpoise Bay?
The nearest airport on our list is IVC, then it's roughly a 1.5-hour drive.
What other surf spots are near Porpoise Bay?
The closest breaks we track are Papatowai (Kings Rock) (28 km), Long Point (35 km) and Purakaunui Bay (PK Bay) (39 km), handy when Porpoise Bay isn't working. Fun fact: it's the most southerly break we track in New Zealand.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Papatowai (Kings Rock)
🥝 Lefts and rights • Big-wave reef • S swell, The Catlins
Long Point
🥝 Left-hand point • S swell magnet • The Catlins
Purakaunui Bay (PK Bay)
🥝 Lefts and rights • Beachbreak • SSE swell, The Catlins
Catlins River Mouth
🥝 Lefts and rights • Beachbreak • SSE swell, The Catlins
Cannibal Bay
🥝 Lefts and rights • Beachbreak • S swell, The Catlins
Nugget Point Beach
🥝 Lefts and rights • Beachbreak • SSE swell, The Catlins