Waiwhakaiho
Nationally significant reef and river-mouth peak at New Plymouth, where offshore reefs focus swell onto the river delta; the right is the favoured wave, the left runs up the beach. It picks up more swell than Fitzroy. Locals report a decline over the last decade, and very long-period swell makes the crests snap at low tide. It is listed as a surf break of national significance in Schedule 1 of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement. It works best on a WNW swell with SSE winds around high tide. Watch for: crowds, river outflow, wastewater outfall nearby.
Waiwhakaiho surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- WNW (290°)
- Direction range
- 250° - 350°
- Size range
- 0.7m - 2.7m
- Ideal size
- 1.6m - 2.2m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 13s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (150°)
- Offshore range
- 105° - 195°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- high
Water temp
16°C
Wetsuit
4/3mm fullsuit
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
8/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Waiwhakaiho?
The Waiwhakaiho profile favors high tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Waiwhakaiho?
The Waiwhakaiho profile uses wind from SSE (150°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 105° to 195°. 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 Waiwhakaiho?
The Waiwhakaiho scoring profile favors swell from WNW (250° to 350°), a swell-height range of 0.7m to 2.7m, 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 Waiwhakaiho?
The main season at Waiwhakaiho is Mar-Nov.
How do I get to Waiwhakaiho?
The spot profile lists NPL as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 12 minutes.
What kind of wave is Waiwhakaiho?
Waiwhakaiho is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Mar-Nov
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Fitzroy Beach
🛢️ Barrel potential • High tide magic • Taranaki staple
Bell Block Reef
🥝 Left-hand reef • WNW swell magnet • New Plymouth and North Taranaki
Back Beach
🌋 Taranaki power • Black sand punch • City center surf
Stent Road
🗻 Taranaki's finest • Volcanic backdrop • Complete point package
Rocky Lefts
🥝 Left-hand point • WSW swell magnet • Surf Highway 45
Backdoor Stent
🥝 Lefts and rights • Reef • WSW swell, Surf Highway 45