Delaware Bay (East end) Reviews and Ratings
(Nelson – Tasman Bay, New Zealand)
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Visitor reviews of Delaware Bay (East end) surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Delaware Bay is best known to surfers for the excellent break at the river-mouth/gravel bar at the West end of the big beach.
The rest of the bay is just an ordinary beach-break. It can be a bit bigger than the bar and is much more suitable for beginners, but apart from that I can't figure why you walk all this way and surf the beach. It's not a bad wave, quite peaky; it's just not as good as the bar. I suppose it could offer a few rights after a session of only going left at the rivermouth.”
Rob Davies from NEW ZEALAND - 06 Mar 2010
Delaware Bay (East end) Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 2 votes and 1 review. 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: 2.0(1: Delaware Bay (East end) is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.0(1: Delaware Bay (East end) is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Nelson - Tasman Bay. 5: the best break in Nelson - Tasman Bay). |
Difficulty Level: 2.5(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 1.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Delaware Bay (East end) can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Delaware Bay (East end), it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Delaware Bay (East end) are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 4.0(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 4.5(1: Often too crowded. 5: Delaware Bay (East end) is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 2.5(1: Getting to Delaware Bay (East end) 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: 4.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 5.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 5.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Delaware Bay (East end) for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 2.0(1: Camping at Delaware Bay (East end) is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 3.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Delaware Bay (East end) 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 Delaware Bay (East end), from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 1.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Delaware Bay (East end) where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |

