Stent Road
Stent Road is Taranaki's crown jewel—a world-class right-hand point break that ranks among New Zealand's finest waves. The setup delivers everything: a hollow drop-in, a barrel section, and then a long, workable wall that lets surfers really unload. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Taranaki's perfect volcanic cone, this wave has an atmosphere matched by few places on Earth. The boulder bottom demands respect and the local crew has earned theirs, but surfers who demonstrate patience and lineup etiquette will find one of the Pacific's most complete point break experiences. The drive through rolling farmland and wild coastline is part of the journey.
Today's Conditions
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (230°)
- Direction range
- 200° - 270°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.3m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 60° - 130°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.5m
Water temp
16°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
6/10
Access: 6hrs south of Auckland, 4hrs north of Wellington. ~90min from New Plymouth.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Stent Road?
Stent Road works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Stent Road?
Offshore wind at Stent Road blows from the E (90°). Anything in the 60° to 130° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Stent Road?
Stent Road wants SW swell (200° to 270°) between 0.8m and 3m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Stent Road?
The main season at Stent Road is Mar-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb. Year-round but autumn/winter best for W/SW swells.
How do I get to Stent Road?
Fly into NPL, then allow about 90 minutes by road. 6hrs south of Auckland, 4hrs north of Wellington. ~90min from New Plymouth.
What kind of wave is Stent Road?
Stent Road is a point break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Year-round but autumn/winter best for W/SW swells.
Getting There
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