Surf Forecasts:
Kahutara surf forecast from 25 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Thursday 27 Aug, 9PM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.4m), 14s period, S swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Monday 31 Aug, 12PM (local time) - 11ft (3.5m), 10s period, SSW swell with 2,612 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Tuesday 25 Aug, 3PM (local time) - 2ft (0.6m), 15s period with S swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Kahutara this week:
The surf forecast for Kahutara over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Tuesday (Aug 25) at 3PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.6m and 15s period with a secondary swell of 0.6m and 9s. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Kahutara in the next 16 days are 3.5m 10s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 31) at 12PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 2.1m 8s period and expected on Friday (Aug 28) at 3PM.
| Wave Type | Time (NZST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 3PM (Tue 25th Aug) | 2ft (0.6m) 15s |
| Best Surf | 9PM (Thu 27th Aug) | 4.5ft (1.4m) 14s |
| Most Powerful | 12PM (Mon 31st Aug) | 11ft (3.5m) 10s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Kahutara over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s get into it. This is Rusty.
Alright folks, Kahutara. We’ve got a bit of a slow start, but there’s something to look forward to. The first few days are small and clean, with a nice long-period groundswell. Tuesday the 25th kicks off with a little 2ft south swell, clean and offshore, perfect for a beginner-friendly paddle. The water’s sitting at 50°, about average for this time of year, so you won't need a 5mm – just a decent spring suit. The wind stays light right through Wednesday, keeping things tidy, but don't expect much push. The wave energy is weak, so it’s more of a cruisy session for a log or a mid-length. Things get a bit messy Thursday with a bigger swell (5 to 6ft) and onshore wind; not the best call. By Friday the 28th we’re back to clean conditions with a 3ft south swell – still manageable, still fun. Saturday the 29th goes glassy but the swell drops to 2ft, short period, so it’s ordinary. Sunday the 30th is clean again with 3ft from the south, but nothing special.
Now, the true standout is Monday the 31st of August. This is the one you circle. Kahutara sees a solid 10ft south swell with a 16-second period. The wind goes light and offshore on the morning. That’s expert territory. Anything over 8ft is for experienced surfers only. The wave quality and consistency line up, and the direction matches perfectly. Glassy conditions in the afternoon too. This is the best on offer. Then Tuesday the 1st of September holds similar size (10ft) with glassy morning wind – again, experts only. From there, the swell slowly backs off through early September, with clean conditions but smaller, weaker energy. From the 3rd onward, there are gaps of a few days with nothing worthwhile.
To be honest, if you’re not an experienced surfer, stick to the first few days for a fun, easy paddle. But for the big dogs, the 31st of August and 1st of September are the ones.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastModerate rain (total 14mm), heaviest on Wed night. Very mild (max 18°C on Tue morning, min 7°C on Wed night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryModerate rain (total 13mm), heaviest on Sun afternoon. Very mild (max 17°C on Fri afternoon, min 3°C on Sun night). Winds increasing (calm on Fri night, fresh winds from the SSW by Sun afternoon). | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tuesday 25 | Wednesday 26 | Thursday 27 | Friday 28 | Saturday 29 | Sunday 30 | Monday 31 | |||||||||||||||
AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | ||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 16 | S 15 | S 16 | S 15 | S 15 | S 16 | S 16 | S 15 | S 13 | S 12 | S 11 | S 11 | S 10 | S 10 | S 9 | S 9 | S 15 | SSW 8 | S 9 | S 10 | S 10 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 179 | 165 | 330 | 215 | 291 | 643 | 1451 | 1104 | 543 | 276 | 163 | 116 | 108 | 102 | 62 | 25 | 112 | 472 | 1306 | 1408 | 524 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | off | off | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross-off | cross | cross-off | off | cross | cross-on | off | off | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross | off |
High Tide | 2:32PM1.85m | 2:52AM1.77m | 3:17PM1.87m | 3:36AM1.79m | 3:59PM1.88m | 4:18AM1.81m | 4:40PM1.91m | 5:00AM1.83m | 5:20PM1.93m | 5:45AM1.86m | 6:03PM1.94m | 6:32AM1.89m | 6:50PM1.94m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 8:46PM0.67m | 8:57AM0.62m | 9:30PM0.63m | 9:46AM0.57m | 10:14PM0.58m | 10:31AM0.53m | 10:58PM0.53m | 11:13AM0.49m | 11:41PM0.50m | 11:55AM0.46m | 00:24AM0.48m | 12:39PM0.46m | 1:08AM0.48m | ||||||||
 |  |  | | |  |  | | | |  | | | |  | |  |  | | | | |
 | 7:03 | — | — | 7:01 | — | — | 7:00 | — | — | 6:58 | — | — | 6:56 | — | — | 6:54 | — | — | 6:54 | — | — |
 | — | 5:52 | — | — | 5:52 | — | — | 5:53 | — | — | 5:54 | — | — | 5:55 | — | — | 5:57 | — | — | 5:58 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | 13 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 10 | 3 | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 18 | 18 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 16 | 17 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 7 | 5 | 10 | 13 | 10 |
Feels °C | 14 | 14 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 1 | -2 | 5 | 9 | 7 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 10 | S 15 | S 16 | S 15 | S 15 | S 16 | S 16 | S 15 | S 13 | S 12 | NE 7 | ENE 7 | S 10 | S 10 | ENE 5 | S 9 | S 15 | S 8 | S 16 | S 10 | S 10 |
| kJ | 94 | 165 | 330 | 215 | 291 | 643 | 1451 | 1104 | 543 | 276 | 156 | 59 | 108 | 102 | 25 | 25 | 112 | 323 | 422 | 1408 | 524 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 16 | S 9 | S 9 | ESE 14 | ESE 13 | ESE 13 | ESE 13 | ESE 12 | ENE 6 | SE 16 | S 11 | S 11 | ENE 8 | SE 13 | S 9 | ENE 7 | NE 8 | S 16 | E 11 | SE 11 | S 15 |
| kJ | 179 | 60 | 24 | 38 | 17 | 33 | 16 | 13 | 103 | 10 | 163 | 116 | 45 | 27 | 62 | 10 | 9 | 310 | 2 | 5 | 440 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ESE 14 | ESE 14 | ESE 14 | WSW 4 | E 11 | ESE 13 | — | — | ESE 12 | — | SE 15 | SSE 14 | SE 13 | S 14 | SE 12 | SE 12 | ESE 12 | SE 12 | — | — | SE 11 |
| kJ | 37 | 36 | 19 | 4 | 9 | 16 | — | — | 13 | — | 8 | 18 | 27 | 16 | 23 | 22 | 14 | 5 | — | — | 5 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | W 3 | WSW 3 | WNW 3 | NNE 4 | NW 3 | S 7 | ENE 3 | ENE 5 | NE 6 | NE 7 | NNE 8 | — | — | ENE 3 | — | W 3 | S 9 | SSW 8 | S 9 | — | — |
| kJ | 4 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 206 | 3 | 74 | 269 | 221 | 491 | — | — | 13 | — | 1 | 39 | 472 | 1306 | — | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 165 | 121 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 81 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Kaikoura and Marlborough | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Kahutara Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Kahutara provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Kahutara can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Kahutara 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 (Kahutara) 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 Kahutara 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.
Kahutara is 106 km (66 miles) from the city of Blenheim. If you plan a holiday in Kaikoura and Marlborough, look for hotels and other accommodation in Blenheim. Blenheim has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.
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