Shipwreck Bay
Shipwreck Bay is New Zealand's remote reward—a long left point break at the end of Ninety Mile Beach in the far north that can produce rides lasting three minutes or more. The journey here requires commitment: a 4WD or lengthy beach walk through one of the world's most pristine stretches of sand. But that isolation preserves something increasingly rare: genuine solitude in world-class waves. The main left and the Peaks section further out both light up when distant groundswells arrive from the Tasman, offering the kind of soul-surfing experience that defined the sport before crowds and cameras.
Shipwreck Bay surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (220°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 260°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.4m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (180°)
- Offshore range
- 140° - 220°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
- Optimal range
- 0.2m - 1.2m
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
3/10
👥 Spring Break (Sep 26 – Oct 12) — expect extra crowds
Access: 4WD required or long beach walk from Ahipara. Nearest bookable gateway is Kerikeri / Bay of Islands (KKE, Air NZ from Auckland, ~1.5hr drive). The closer Kaitaia strip (KAT, ~20km) is Barrier Air only and rarely sells through international itineraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Shipwreck Bay?
The Shipwreck Bay profile favors low tide, ideally between 0.2m and 1.2m 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 Shipwreck Bay?
The Shipwreck Bay profile uses wind from S (180°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 140° to 220°. 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 Shipwreck Bay?
The Shipwreck Bay scoring profile favors swell from SW (200° to 260°), a swell-height range of 0.5m to 2.5m, and a reference period of 14s. 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 Shipwreck Bay?
The main season at Shipwreck Bay is May-Oct. A secondary window runs Mar, Apr, Nov. Winter best (Oct peak). Receives distant groundswells.
How do I get to Shipwreck Bay?
The spot profile lists KKE as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 90 minutes. 4WD required or long beach walk from Ahipara. Nearest bookable gateway is Kerikeri / Bay of Islands (KKE, Air NZ from Auckland, ~1.5hr drive). The closer Kaitaia strip (KAT, ~20km) is Barrier Air only and rarely sells through international itineraries.
What kind of wave is Shipwreck Bay?
Shipwreck Bay is a point break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: May-Oct
Secondary: Mar, Apr, Nov
Winter best (Oct peak). Receives distant groundswells.
Getting There
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