Lets face it, we're having a bad summer in Gisborne. A terrible one, completely out of the ordinary for this time of the year. The weather has been terrible and there have only been small windows of surfing opportunity since Christmas.
When southerly or southwesterly winds mess up the surf in Gisborne, it’s time to hit the road in search of cleaner breaks. At the time of writing its been pretty much doing this everyday since Boxing Day for close to three weeks with no let up in sight. Thankfully, the East Coast boasts an array of fantastic surf spots, both north and south of Gisborne, that handle these wind directions better. From the picturesque Tolaga Bay to the stunning Mahia Peninsula, here’s your guide to finding great waves when the wind doesn’t play ball in Gisborne.
When you travel, even if its not far up the road from home, take a great attitude with you. Great people and behave. Make sure you act in a way that the locals welcome you to share waves with them
Heading North: Towards the East Cape
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Wainui Beach (Sheltered Corners)
- Distance: 5 minutes north of Gisborne
- OK so its till GIsborne: before you boost up the coast check here, if the wind isn't too strong you might luck in around the Tuahine/Cooper St?Stockroute area
- Why Go? Wainui’s southern corners near Stock Route can offer some shelter from southerly winds, especially during mid to high tide. It’s a spot to check close to town when other spots are blown out.
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Makorori Point
- Distance: 10 minutes north of Gisborne
- OK its still Gisborne: Last spot to check locally. Makorori Point can be surfed with decent conditions in onshore winds depending on the swell direction. It is semi protected by the headland from the SW so definitely check it when other local spots are blow out. Read our Makorori Beach Surf Breaks blog for more information
- Why Go? Its on your way to more likely options and you'll drive straight past it heading north. So if its good its an easy option. Best with swell from the easterly quarter
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Tolaga Bay
- Distance: Just over 50kms north of Gisborne
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Why Go?
- Rivermouth: The rivermouth break at Tolaga Bay can provide clean, long rides when the wind is blowing from the south or SW. This spot can be world class when the stars align so well worth a check. YOu need at least a big SE swell to get in here, or anything form east and NE
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The Wharf: Surfing near the historic Tolaga Bay Wharf offers a unique experience. The spot works well in southerly winds, producing fun, consistent waves for all skill levels. A softer wave but really fun and rarely crowded.
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Kaiaua Beach
- Distance: TUrn off not far north of Tolaga Bay then about a 5 minute drive to the beach
- Why Go? A lesser-known gem, Kaiaua Beach is often more protected from southerly winds than Gisborne beaches, offering semi-clean, peeling waves. This quiet spot is perfect for those seeking solitude in the lineup. It is more exposed than Tolaga Bay so this will be the first spot to check on your way north if Tolaga is flat
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Tokomaru Bay
- Distance: 1.5 hours north of Gisborne
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Why Go? With its northern end providing shelter, Tokomaru Bay delivers consistent waves and beautiful scenery. It’s a great spot for surfers looking for a relaxed vibe. Toko Point is a really good wave that will be offshore in SW with a good sized swell to make it break. Surf from mid to high tide. Respect the locals and behave yourself
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Waipiro Bay
- Distance: 2 hours north of Gisborne
- Why Go? This secluded bay often has cleaner waves when southerly winds hit. It can be an uncrowded, peaceful spot for intermediate and advanced surfers.
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Spots: The Creek breaks pretty close to the rocky reef entry and wants some east in the swell. Surf it up to around 4-5 foot before it closes out. Not good for beginner surfers. Frog Rock can handle a bit bigger surf with similar wind and swell conditions to the Creek. Frog rock is also not good for beginner surfers. Kiddies corner, just north of Froggies is a spot better for unskilled surfers if it is breaking
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Hick’s Bay and Te Araroa
- Distance: 2.5 hours north of Gisborne
- Why Go? Located near the East Cape, Hick’s Bay and Te Araroa can offer good surf conditions and stunning coastal views. It’s well worth the drive when Gisborne’s waves aren’t cooperating. Needs the right direction swell to get into these spots
Heading South: Towards the Mahia Peninsula
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Muriwai (South of Gisborne)
- Distance: 10 minutes south of Gisborne
- Why Go? Don’t confuse this Muriwai with the famous Auckland spot! This local gem south of Gisborne often has sheltered waves near its southern end. It’s a great close-to-town option for escaping the wind and rarely surfed.
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Mahia Reefs (Mahia Peninsula north side)
- Distance: 1.5 hours south of Gisborne
- Why Go? One of the most consistent surfing areas on the East Coast, Mahia gets surf and wind conditions from many directions. There are several spots to choose from with SW or southerly winds from Mahanga Beach to the Spit, Boat Harbours, Little Jeffreys and many more.
- The Spit is for expert surfers only and there is a crew of top surfers that live for this spot. Even the best of the best have been badly injured here so if you don't have the skills its best you go surf some of the other northern reef areas. Read this from the ACC about when Maz Quinn got badly injured and helicoptered out of there to put things in perspective.
- Mahanga is a beach break similar to Wainui Beach and can provide some excellent beach break waves on its day
- Northern reefs. Just keep driving along the northern part of Mahia Peninsula past the spit to stumble across plenty more spots that are offshore in south or SW winds
- Watch the below video by Damon Meade to see parts of Mahia full heaving
Pro Tips for Southerly Surf Days
- Check the Forecast: Check out NZ's local surf forecasting website GoodSurfNow for an excellent resource to plan your surf trips. Another good, reliable website to cross reference with is windy.com
- Pack for the Journey: Many of these spots are remote, so bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit.
- Respect the Locals: Be mindful of surf etiquette and the communities that call these spots home. The people of Mahia and the East Coast are really cool, so make sure you behave well to be welcomed to their home
Whether you’re chasing the mellow vibes of Tolaga Bay, the raw beauty of Mahia Peninsula, or the solitude of Kaiaua Beach, the East Coast has plenty to offer when the wind doesn’t favor Gisborne.
Before you hit the road, visit Blitz Surf Shop for all your surfing essentials, from board bags to repair kits. We’ve got you covered for your next East Coast adventure!
Check out our surfboards online and wetsuits online
