The Cut-Nelson Harbour Reviews and Ratings

Visitor reviews of The Cut-Nelson Harbour surf break

• March 11, 2010
  Rob Davies from New Zealand
  

  I shouldn't really review a place I have never surfed, but what the heck. My mate from Nelson has surfed The Cut and sent me an email which I'll quote below:

  "This is a sweet and deceptively powerful wave. A gem in Nelson that works on a Westerly and even a NW. The paddle out is far too long, the other two riders had a dinghy. This is a good idea as once you are out it takes a while for your arms and shoulders to recover."

  I've got a lot of respect for the whole Nelson area. It's totally off the map for most surfers but when it is working (NW swell needed) the surf is classy.

  Twice in 2009 I set off on big trips out of the Nelson area to surf Kaikoura one trip and Gissie and East Cape on the other.

  4 weeks on the road in total, and inevitably some great waves, but both times I had better waves in the Nelson area. Go figure.

• The Cut-Nelson Harbour Ratings

  Based on 2 votes. Vote

  Quality on a good day: 2.5 (1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class).	Consistency of Surf: 1.5 (1: The Cut-Nelson Harbour is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot).
  Regional Rating: 4.0 (1: The Cut-Nelson Harbour is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in New-Zealand - Nelson - Tasman Bay. 5: the best break in New-Zealand - Nelson - Tasman Bay).	Difficulty Level: 2.0 (1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only).
  Onshore Wind: 2.0 (1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: The Cut-Nelson Harbour can offer better rides with a light wind behind them).	Other Options: 3.0 (1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at The Cut-Nelson Harbour, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures).
  Water Quality: 3.0 (1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution).	Crowds: 3.5 (1: Often too crowded. 5: The Cut-Nelson Harbour is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers).
  Access: 3.5 (1: Getting to The Cut-Nelson Harbour requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break).	Scenery: 3.0 (1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting).
  Accommodation: 5.0 (1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near The Cut-Nelson Harbour for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels).	Camping: 1.0 (1: Camping at The Cut-Nelson Harbour is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe).
  Entertainment: 4.0 (1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: The Cut-Nelson Harbour is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus).	Equipment and Repairs: 1.0 (1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too).
  Eating: 5.0 (1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at The Cut-Nelson Harbour, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants).	Drinking: 4.0 (1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near The Cut-Nelson Harbour where you can stay or park a camper van overnight).

  Based on 2 votes. Vote