Desperation Point Surf Break

Lat Long: 39.47° S 173.86° E

Desperation Point Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Issued: 5 am 10 Jul 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Today's Desperation Point sea temperature is
14.7° C
0.6° 

Desperation Point surf forecast is for near shore open water. Breaking waves will often be smaller at less exposed spots.


Desperation Point surf forecast from 9 Jul 2026:

  • Best quality surf: Wednesday 15 Jul, 3PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 15s period, WSW swell with cross-shore winds.
  • Most powerful swell: Wednesday 15 Jul, 6PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 15s period, WSW swell with 3,593 kJ wave energy.
  • Next surfable swell (1★+): Saturday 11 Jul, 12AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 16s period with WSW swell.

Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Desperation Point this week:

The surf forecast for Desperation Point over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Saturday (Jul 11) at 12AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.4m and 16s period with a secondary swell of 0.2m and 21s. Another secondary swell of 1.3m and 6s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.

The most powerful waves expected at Desperation Point in the next 16 days are 3.0m 15s and forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Jul 15) at 6PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 2.2m 7s period and expected on Monday (Jul 13) at 6PM.

Wave TypeTime (NZST) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+)12AM (Sat 11th Jul)4.5ft (1.4m) 16s
Best Surf 3PM (Wed 15th Jul)10ft (3.0m) 15s
Most Powerful 6PM (Wed 15th Jul)10ft (3.0m) 15s

Table - best surf conditions forecast for Desperation Point over the next 16 days.


Short Range Forecast

Mostly dry. Very mild (max 11°C on Sun afternoon, min 8°C on Fri night). Winds decreasing (fresh winds from the SSE on Fri morning, calm by Sun morning).

Days 4-6 Weather Summary

Moderate rain (total 12mm), heaviest on Mon night. Very mild (max 15°C on Wed morning, min 10°C on Mon morning). Mainly fresh winds.

Friday
10
Saturday
11
Sunday
12
Monday
13
Tuesday
14
Wednesday
15
Thursday
16
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
Rating
(10 max)
0
2
4
3
2
4
4
2
3
1
0
0
2
0
2
2
!
4
3
2
1
Swell
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Wave
Height (m)
Direction
Period (s)
1.7
WSW
17
1.5
WSW
16
1.4
WSW
16
1.2
WSW
14
1.2
SW
15
1.5
WSW
16
1.5
WSW
16
1.4
WSW
15
1.3
WSW
15
1
WSW
14
0.8
WSW
14
1.2
WNW
8
1.3
WNW
9
1.6
NW
8
2
W
12
1.8
WSW
16
3
WSW
15
2.5
WSW
14
2.3
WSW
15
2.1
WSW
15
1.8
WSW
14
Wave Graph
Metric surfscale
Energy kJ
1716
1155
933
545
623
1155
1112
840
656
413
236
192
286
341
1117
1693
3557
3051
2228
1928
1393
Wind (km/h)
40
SSE
30
SE
15
E
15
SE
15
SE
10
E
5
ENE
10
NW
10
NNE
20
NNE
30
N
25
NNW
5
N
15
NW
20
NNW
20
NNW
20
NNW
15
N
15
N
20
NW
20
W
Wind State
cross
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
off
off
cross
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross
glassy
cross-on
cross
cross
cross
cross-off
cross-off
cross
on
High Tide
5:40PM2.76m
6:01AM2.82m
6:58PM2.92m
7:18AM2.93m
8:01PM3.13m
8:23AM3.09m
8:54PM3.34m
9:18AM3.23m
9:44PM3.50m
10:09AM3.33m
10:33PM3.58m
10:57AM3.35m
11:20PM3.56m
Low Tide
11:12AM0.80m
11:57PM0.89m
12:31PM0.74m
1:13AM0.75m
1:42PM0.59m
2:15AM0.56m
2:40PM0.42m
3:09AM0.38m
3:32PM0.27m
3:59AM0.26m
4:20PM0.18m
4:48AM0.20m
5:07PM0.17m
part cloud
clear
part cloud
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
part cloud
clear
clear
rain showers
clear
clear
clear
clear
part cloud
cloud
part cloud
light rain
clear
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunrise">Sunrise</span>
7:43
7:43
7:43
7:41
7:41
7:41
7:41
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunset">Sunset</span>
5:15
5:15
5:16
5:17
5:17
5:19
5:20
 mm
12
1
Temp °C
10
10
9
10
10
8
10
11
10
13
13
13
14
14
13
15
15
13
14
14
12
Feels °C
1
2
3
6
5
4
7
8
6
7
7
7
12
11
10
11
11
11
11
10
8
  • Map Icons:
  • Break
  • Live Wave Height (m)
  • Live Wind Speed (km/h)
  • Surf Rating (10 Max)
  • Ocean Swells (m)
  • Wind Speed (km/h)
Map placeholder
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Information about the Desperation Point Surf forecast

The above surf forecast table for Desperation Point provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Desperation Point can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Desperation Point surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Desperation Point) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).

Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Desperation Point may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.

Are you planning a holiday in Taranaki? If you are looking for accommodation near Desperation Point, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Taranaki, consider staying in New Plymouth which is 52 km (32 miles) away.

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