Wainuiomata River
Heavy left reef at the Wainuiomata River mouth on the remote south coast east of the harbour; S swell, N wind. Strong currents. It works best on a S swell with N winds around high tide. Watch for: heavy waves, strong currents, remote.
Wainuiomata River surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's ConditionsToday's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to WLG, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Pacific is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Pacific — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Get the full Wainuiomata River trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (185°)
- Direction range
- 150° - 215°
- Size range
- 1m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 315° - 45°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- high
Water temp
14°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
3/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Wainuiomata River?
The Wainuiomata River profile favors high tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Wainuiomata River?
The Wainuiomata River profile uses wind from N (0°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 315° to 45°. 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 Wainuiomata River?
The Wainuiomata River scoring profile favors swell from S (150° to 215°), a swell-height range of 1m to 3m, 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 Wainuiomata River?
The main season at Wainuiomata River is Mar-Oct.
How do I get to Wainuiomata River?
The spot profile lists WLG as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 45 minutes.
What kind of wave is Wainuiomata River?
Wainuiomata River is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 8/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Oct
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Orongorongo River
🥝 Left-hand point • S swell magnet • Wellington south coast and harbour
Pipes (Eastbourne)
🥝 Left-hand point • S swell magnet • Wellington south coast and harbour
Propellors
🥝 Right-hand reef • S swell magnet • Wellington south coast and harbour
Moa Point
🥝 Right-hand reef • S swell magnet • Wellington south coast and harbour
Butterfish Rock
🥝 Right-hand reef • S swell magnet • Wellington south coast and harbour
Airport Rights
🥝 Right-hand reef • S swell magnet • Wellington south coast and harbour