(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Breaks decent on a good day. Occasionally the swell and wind lines up to get nice barreling waves, and there are different bars that perform differently depending on the swell and wind. Waves are usually inconsistent but reasonably surfable.”
Jack Milne from NEW ZEALAND - 08 Jun 2025
Peka Peka Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 7 votes and 2 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 2.6(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: 2.3(1: Peka Peka is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.8(1: Peka Peka 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: 2.0(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Peka Peka can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.5(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Peka Peka, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 2.6(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Peka Peka are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 3.7(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.5(1: Often too crowded. 5: Peka Peka is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 5.0(1: Getting to Peka Peka 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: 3.8(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 3.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 2.4(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Peka Peka for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 2.0(1: Camping at Peka Peka is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 1.8(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Peka Peka 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 Peka Peka, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 2.2(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Peka Peka where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Peka Peka is in the Wellington Region and the next closest break is Otaki.
90% of the waves are from wind swell and they don't usually line up that well. Best surfed on a board with a bit of volume to help you get through the flat sections of the wave. As with anywhere it can get good (a couple of times a year) but there are always better waves close by. It's ok if you've been surf starved or don't have a lot of time to look else where.”
J from NEW ZEALAND - 16 Apr 2011
Nearest