Kai-Iwi Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

The water temperature (15 °C) at Kai-Iwi is quite cool. If the sun does come out as forecast, it should feel warm enough to surf in a good sealed spring wetsuit. Some surfers would prefer to wear gloves and boots too. Effective windchill factor of (13 °C) will make the air and water feel about the same temperature.

Map of current New Zealand Surface Water Temperatures based on measurements from oceanographic satellites

Map of current New Zealand Sea Water Temperature Anomalies (compared with long term averages at this time of year)

(click thumbnails to expand)

Below is a graph of Historical Sea Surface Temperature for Kai-Iwi. This has been derived from analysis of two decades of oceanographic satellite measurements of nearby open water. We have calculated the average water temperature variation around the year as well as the extremes that have been observed on each date.

All of the graphs for the surf breaks presented on Surf-Forecast.com are on the same scale to enable comparison between locations around the world.

Kai-Iwi water temperatures peak in the range 18 to 20°C (64 to 68°F) on around the 8th of February and are at their minimum on about the 29th of August, in the range 12 to 14°C (54 to 57°F). The highest Kai-Iwi water temperatures in early to mid February require something like a 3/2mm fully sealed wetsuit. The minimum water temperatures at Kai-Iwi in late August are ideally suited to a 4/3mm wetsuit + 3mm boots, although a 5/3mm wetsuit may be preferable for longer sessions and cold windy days.

Actual sea surface water temperatures close to shore at Kai-Iwi can vary by several degrees compared with these open water averages. This is especially true after heavy rain, close to river mouths or after long periods of strong offshore winds. Offshore winds cause colder deep water to replace surface water that has been warmed by the sun. Air temperature, wind-chill and sunshine should also be considered before deciding on the kind of wetsuit needed to stay warm when surfing at Kai-Iwi. Refer to our detailed weather forecasts for this information.