Purakaunui Bay (PK Bay)
Consistent, powerful Catlins beach break below the cliffs at Purakaunui Bay, with a DOC campsite behind it. Best on an SSE swell with a NW offshore at any tide; winter is the most reliable season.
Purakaunui Bay (PK Bay) surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (160°)
- Direction range
- 82° - 187°
- Size range
- 0.75m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.4m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 11s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- W (280°)
- Offshore range
- 236° - 355°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
12°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
2/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Purakaunui Bay (PK Bay)?
Purakaunui Bay is a beach break in Catlins, New Zealand, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Purakaunui Bay (PK Bay)?
Purakaunui Bay 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 Purakaunui Bay (PK Bay)?
A W wind is dead offshore at Purakaunui Bay, and anything from the SW round to the N 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 Purakaunui Bay (PK Bay)?
Purakaunui 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.
When is the best time of year to surf Purakaunui Bay (PK Bay)?
The most reliable run of swell at Purakaunui Bay comes Jun to Aug, through the southern winter.
How cold is the water at Purakaunui Bay (PK Bay)?
The water at Purakaunui 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 Purakaunui Bay (PK Bay) good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 2/10). Things to watch for: sharks and strong rips.
How do I get to Purakaunui Bay (PK Bay)?
The nearest airport on our list is DUD, then it's roughly a 2-hour drive.
What other surf spots are near Purakaunui Bay (PK Bay)?
The closest breaks we track are Long Point (4.3 km), Catlins River Mouth (11 km) and Papatowai (Kings Rock) (11 km), handy when Purakaunui Bay isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Jun-Aug
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Long Point
🥝 Left-hand point • S swell magnet • The Catlins
Catlins River Mouth
🥝 Lefts and rights • Beachbreak • SSE swell, The Catlins
Papatowai (Kings Rock)
🥝 Lefts and rights • Big-wave reef • S swell, The Catlins
Cannibal Bay
🥝 Lefts and rights • Beachbreak • S swell, The Catlins
Nugget Point Beach
🥝 Lefts and rights • Beachbreak • SSE swell, The Catlins
Kaka Point
🥝 Lefts and rights • Beachbreak • SE swell, The Catlins