Wainui Beach
Wainui Beach is Gisborne's answer to Hossegor—a powerful, hollow beach break that produces some of New Zealand's best barrels when conditions align. The beach faces east, capturing everything from tropical cyclone swells to southern groundswells across an enormous window. Multiple sections—Stockroute, Whales, Schools, Pines—offer variety depending on conditions, and the quality can surprise visitors expecting the west coast to hold all of Kiwi surfing's best cards. Dangerous sweeps and powerful rips demand respect, but surfers who've paid their dues here speak of sessions that rival anywhere in the world.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (160°)
- Direction range
- 95° - 190°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (300°)
- Offshore range
- 260° - 340°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.6m
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Just outside Gisborne city. Multiple sections: Stockroute, Whales, Schools, Pines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Wainui Beach?
Wainui Beach works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.4m and 1.6m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Wainui Beach?
Offshore wind at Wainui Beach blows from the WNW (300°). Anything in the 260° to 340° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Wainui Beach?
Wainui Beach wants SSE swell (95° to 190°) between 0.6m and 2.5m, with a period of 12s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Wainui Beach?
The main season at Wainui Beach is Jan-Dec. Year-round. Huge swell window from S to NE.
How do I get to Wainui Beach?
Fly into GIS, then allow about 15 minutes by road. Just outside Gisborne city. Multiple sections: Stockroute, Whales, Schools, Pines.
What kind of wave is Wainui Beach?
Wainui Beach is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Jan-Dec
Year-round. Huge swell window from S to NE.