Paturau River surf break

Paturau River surfForecast / Nelson – West Coast / New Zealand

information circle16 Day Weather and Surf, issued 6 pm Wednesday 18 Mar 2026 NZDT
Forecast update in hr  min  s Forecast update imminent
Paturau River surf forecast is for near shore open water. Breaking waves will often be smaller at less exposed spots.
Today's Paturau River sea temperature is
17.9° C
(Which is normal for this time of year)

Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Paturau River this week:

The surf forecast for Paturau River over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Thursday (Mar 19) at 1AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.3m and 9s period with a secondary swell of 0.2m and 13s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.

The most powerful waves expected at Paturau River in the next 16 days are 1.3m 16s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Mar 23) at 7PM. Winds are predicted to be glassy at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.7m 6s period and expected on Thursday (Mar 26) at 1AM.

Wave TypeTime (NZDT) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+) 1AM (Thu 19th Mar)4.5ft (1.3m) 9s
Best Surf 4AM (Sun 22nd Mar)4ft (1.2m) 13s
Most Powerful 7PM (Mon 23rd Mar)4.5ft (1.3m) 16s

Table - best surf conditions forecast for Paturau River over the next 16 days.


Updates in  hr  min  s Forecast update imminent

Short Range Forecast Mostly dry. Warm (max 20°C on Thu morning, min 15°C on Thu night). Wind will be generally light.

Days 3-6 Weather Summary Mostly dry. Very mild (max 19°C on Mon morning, min 13°C on Sun night). Wind will be generally light.

Wed
18
Thursday
19
Friday
20
Saturday
21
Sunday
22
Monday
23
Tuesday
24
PMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAM
Rating
(10 max)
0
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
1
1
2
3
1
2
3
2
3
2
0
2
0
Swell
Height Map
Wave Height (m) & direction (?)
0.8
WSW
1.3
WSW
0.9
W
0.8
WSW
1
WSW
1
WSW
0.9
WSW
1
WSW
1.1
WSW
1.1
WSW
1.2
WSW
1.2
WSW
1.1
WSW
1
WSW
1.1
WSW
1.3
WSW
1.3
WSW
1.1
WSW
0.9
WSW
0.8
WSW
0.8
WSW
Period(s) (?)13910111211111312121314131314161413131312
Wave
Graph
(?)Metric surfscale
Energy kJ (?)209260148163285234190326371371476522402342421763659396261181172
Wind
(km/h)
20
W
15
E
10
ESE
5
WNW
5
S
10
E
5
NW
5
ENE
5
NNE
5
NW
5
S
5
ENE
5
WNW
5
SE
10
E
5
NNE
5
SSW
5
WNW
10
W
5
SSW
20
ESE
Wind State (?)
onshore
cross-onshore
cross-shore
cross-offshore
offshore
glassy
cross-
on
cross-
off
cross-
off
glassglasscross-
off
onglasscrossoncross-
off
glasscross-
on
offcross-
off
crosscross-
off
glasscross-
on
cross-
off
cross-
off
High Tide
/ height (m)
10:25PM
2.76
10:38AM
2.91
11:01PM
2.85
11:15AM
2.98
11:39PM
2.89
11:55AM
2.98
12:18AM
2.86
12:37PM
2.89
1:01AM
2.76
1:25PM
2.73
1:49AM
2.60
2:23PM
2.52
2:50AM
2.43
Low Tide
/ height (m)
4:14PM
-0.14
4:31AM
-0.13
4:50PM
-0.26
5:07AM
-0.21
5:28PM
-0.29
5:45AM
-0.23
6:08PM
-0.24
6:25AM
-0.16
6:51PM
-0.10
7:11AM
-0.02
7:39PM
0.09
8:04AM
0.17
8:35PM
0.32
9:11AM
0.37
Wed
18
Thursday
19
Friday
20
Saturday
21
Sunday
22
Monday
23
Tuesday
24
Sunrise--7:30--7:31--7:31--7:33--7:33--7:35--7:35
Sunset7:45--7:44--7:43--7:40--7:39--7:37--7:36--
cloud
cloud
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
part cloud
part cloud
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
part cloud
Rain (mm)
---------------------
Temp. °C181620201619181617171518181519181519191518
Feels °C (?)161518201518181616171418181517171517171316
  • Map Icons:
  • Break
  • Live Wave Height (m)
  • Live Wind Speed (km/h)
  • Surf Rating (10 Max)
  • Ocean Swells (m)
  • Wind Speed (km/h)
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Information about the Paturau River Surf forecast

The above surf forecast table for Paturau River provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Paturau River can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Paturau River 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 (Paturau River) 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 Paturau River 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 Nelson - West Coast? If you are looking for accommodation near Paturau River, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Nelson - West Coast, consider staying in Nelson which is 99 km (61 miles) away.

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