Foxton Beach Reviews and Ratings
(Wanganui and the Manawatu, New Zealand)
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Visitor reviews of Foxton Beach surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“I could not believe how terrible this place was for surf, not a single surfable day during my 10 day stay in the region! The local people were extremely hostile to me and my partner in the carpark.
I wish I had of read the other reviews of this place before coming here!
[editor comments: I live in NZ but have never surfed Foxton though I have visited the beach there a few times. Always flat or onshore and a shallow beach profile extending a long way out never bodes well for quality waves except on big tides. Negative reviews like this seem far-fetched. First, because Foxton should be very low on the list of a visiting surfer, especially when the riches of Taranaki are just up the road. Second, sleepy Foxton seemed friendly enough to me. It is possible that these negative reviews are a local wind-up, meant to discourage potential visitors. If any locals feel strongly that Foxton is a secret spot, just get in touch and we will hide it from the site navigation. We have already done this for several places.]”
Canut Ugme from UNITED STATES - 04 Jun 2013
Foxton Beach Ratings
Overall: 1.0. Based on 42 votes and 16 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 1.7(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: 1.6(1: Foxton Beach is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 1.7(1: Foxton Beach is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Wanganui and the Manawatu. 5: the best break in Wanganui and the Manawatu). |
Difficulty Level: 1.8(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 1.8(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Foxton Beach can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.5(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Foxton Beach, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 2.3(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Foxton Beach are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.1(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.2(1: Often too crowded. 5: Foxton Beach is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 2.9(1: Getting to Foxton Beach 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: 2.4(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 2.4(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 2.1(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Foxton Beach for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 2.5(1: Camping at Foxton Beach is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 2.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Foxton Beach is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.5(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 2.2(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Foxton Beach, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 2.1(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Foxton Beach where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“I checked this place out due to reading it supposedly had amazing waves and loads of things to do if the surf was flat. I was extremely disappointed to have booked a 2 week holiday there with my family. When I finally got there the surf for the entire two weeks was the worst waves I have ever seen in my life. I was expecting some decent surf according to the reviews but it was inconsistent, crumbly rubbish. Even when it was supposed to be a good day all it was is gutless close outs dumping on a weak shallow sandy beach.
One of my surfs I was abused and chased from the water by a very angry pack of locals. They threatened to trash my car and give me a beating if they ever saw me there again. The local police were no help and actually told me to leave because they did not want upset the local board riders who were there all year round, and I was only a visitor.
When I had to spend the next week out of the water I found there is nothing to do in this region...absolutely nothing! It was the worst region I have ever visited and I recommend it to everyone who reads this review to stay away from this horrible place.”
Fullapu Falofasofa from SAMOA - 11 Nov 2011
“This break is dissapointing and the place fustrating. After a lengthy paddle out through 5ft onshore closeouts, I was pushed so far down the beach that I could no longer see where my pick-up was parked.
I caught one wave and could not get back out. I got back to find my truck on blocks without its wheels. No cell phone coverage. Dont go to this poverty stricken ghetto.”
Maynard from UNITED STATES - 11 Nov 2011
“Consistently flat and when there is a wave it's because of onshore winds which are always rough and closing out. The waves break on shallow sandbars after travelling more than 5km over a shallow shelf which kills all the power in the waves before they even hit the beach.
The ONLY time it gets some decent power it is too rough to paddle out.”
Kelly Slater from UNITED STATES - 22 Aug 2011
“Fabulous weekend. Fishing tournament awesome”
katie from NEW ZEALAND - 03 Apr 2010
Nearest