The Spit (Cape Palliser)
The region's top-rated wave (10 of 10 in the national surfing guide): fast, barrelling lefts and rights off the reef point at Te Rakauwhakamataku Point, with rides to 350 m. SE swell, SW wind, low to mid tide. It works best on a SE swell with SW winds around low tide. Watch for: shallow reef, remote.
The Spit (Cape Palliser) surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SE (140°)
- Direction range
- 85° - 200°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 4.2m
- Ideal size
- 2.2m - 3.3m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Offshore range
- 180° - 270°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
Water temp
14°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
5/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at The Spit (Cape Palliser)?
The The Spit (Cape Palliser) profile favors low tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at The Spit (Cape Palliser)?
The The Spit (Cape Palliser) profile uses wind from SW (225°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 180° to 270°. 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 The Spit (Cape Palliser)?
The The Spit (Cape Palliser) scoring profile favors swell from SE (85° to 200°), a swell-height range of 0.6m to 4.2m, and a reference period of 13s. 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 The Spit (Cape Palliser)?
The main season at The Spit (Cape Palliser) is Mar-Oct.
How do I get to The Spit (Cape Palliser)?
The spot profile lists WLG as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 125 minutes.
What kind of wave is The Spit (Cape Palliser)?
The Spit (Cape Palliser) is a point break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Seconds
🥝 Right-hand point • SE swell magnet • Palliser Bay and Cape Palliser
White Rock Point
🥝 Left-hand point • SSE swell magnet • Palliser Bay and Cape Palliser
Gnarlies
🥝 Left-hand reef • ESE swell magnet • Palliser Bay and Cape Palliser
Windies
🥝 Right-hand point • S swell magnet • Palliser Bay and Cape Palliser
Ning Nong
🥝 Left-hand point • S swell magnet • Palliser Bay and Cape Palliser
Dee Dees
🥝 Lefts and rights • Reef • S swell, Palliser Bay and Cape Palliser