Wainui Beach – Pines Reviews and Ratings

“Pines is my favourite spot on the excellent Wainui Beach. The whole beach is a wonderful surfing destination that compares with the best beach breaks in France or anywhere else and Pines is just one of several spots that tends to have a consistent peak.

Why do I like it so much? Because even though I used to live on Cooper Street, right by highly regarded Stock Route, I invariably had better sessions at Pines when I walked there and I often surfed both spots on the same day.

I don't think that makes it a better wave by any means; it's probably just a bit more forgiving than Stock Route, a slower take-off with a little less competition for waves from the local boys who have Stock Route completely wired. This is especially true during those East and North East Swells that Wainui likes so much. (The prevailing swell is from the South - nothing wrong with that direction, still can give great surf at Wainui, but East Swells seemed to me to be peakier and more hollow)

If I'm honest, on overhead hollow days at Stock Route, I wasn't up to the take-off which resulted in eating a lot of sand, whereas Pines gave me a bit more time and was a bit more forgiving. Also, a few rocky outcrops at Pines means that is usually still has a bit of shape after a big swell has hammered the banks flat at Stock Route other parts of the beach. Pines tends to provide more in the way of lefts, which is possibly why it never gets crowded. Last, Offshore NW winds at Wainui can get a bit strong at times (too much of a good thing) and Pines is the most sheltered part of the beach which makes the waves here easier to paddle in to.

Like all of this coast, cross-on Northeast sea-breezes can be a problem in summer. Some days they come up as early as 9am and build through the afternoon. Sponge Bay and Midway Beach are less affected.

Years ago, before I lived in Wainui I used to camp in the dunes at the end of the Pines car park. Probably not strictly allowed but you still see the occasional tent or van there so I guess it is tolerated as long as you are discrete. Further up the coast large areas set aside for Freedom camping - a good long-term solution if you are staying in the area for several weeks. Otherwise, there are plenty of hostels and motels around.

There has been vast improvement in the quality of the store/ take away down at Stock Route. I'm not sure hungry surfers are worthy of such gourmet food, but thanks just the same for providing the best Burgers in New Zealand. The Poverty bay Club in town is a good bet too and there is a neat little cinema next door. For your supplies the Farmer's market by the Museum has quickly grown to more than 30 stalls of high quality local produce.”

Rob Davies from NEW ZEALAND - 06 Mar 2010