Waipaoa River Mouth
River-mouth bar at the south end of Poverty Bay with the longest right in the Gisborne area; it needs a rare big S or good NE swell, and the Gisborne study says it is only for confident, fit surfers and strong swimmers. It works best on an ESE swell with WNW winds around high tide. Watch for: river-mouth currents; long paddle.
Waipaoa River Mouth surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ESE (120°)
- Direction range
- 70° - 180°
- Size range
- 0.9m - 4.3m
- Ideal size
- 2.4m - 3.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.92×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (290°)
- Offshore range
- 245° - 335°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- high
Water temp
18°C
Wetsuit
3/2mm fullsuit
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
5/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Waipaoa River Mouth?
The Waipaoa River Mouth profile favors high tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Waipaoa River Mouth?
The Waipaoa River Mouth profile uses wind from WNW (290°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 245° to 335°. 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 Waipaoa River Mouth?
The Waipaoa River Mouth scoring profile favors swell from ESE (70° to 180°), a swell-height range of 0.9m to 4.3m, 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 Waipaoa River Mouth?
The main season at Waipaoa River Mouth is Jan-Aug.
How do I get to Waipaoa River Mouth?
The spot profile lists GIS as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 25 minutes.
What kind of wave is Waipaoa River Mouth?
Waipaoa River Mouth is a beach break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 8/10.
Best Season
Peak: Jan-Aug
Getting There
Nearby Spots
The Cliff
🥝 Left-hand point • S swell magnet • Gisborne
The Island (Tuamotu Island)
🥝 Lefts and rights • Reef • SE swell, Gisborne
Wainui Beach
🇳🇿 NZ's Hossegor • Hollow east coast • Multi-section variety
Makorori Point
🥝 Right-hand point • ENE swell magnet • Gisborne
Makorori Centres
🥝 Lefts and rights • Reef • E swell, Gisborne
North Makorori Reef
🥝 Left-hand reef • ENE swell magnet • Gisborne