(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Yeah it’s a vibe out the mighty port, yeah bloody magic spot, yeah lotta people get skunked and never come back, but that’s good. Some of the locals show their skills and experience by riding the waves right past the rocks like Mason Ho styles. Yeah Deffs a bit of local Knowledge to be learnt, they are protective for a reason, it’s a diverse spot that’s all I’ll say. Shout out to the PDUB crew, Boris, haldane, Darcy John, tai, Fin, Ants, Toddy, Bonsey, Steven, raadeeraa up the mighty K Road crew as well I’ll say no more chur Diggaaa.”
Digga from NEW ZEALAND - 18 Feb 2023
Port Waikato-Sunset beach Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 33 votes and 13 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 2.8(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: Port Waikato-Sunset beach is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.8(1: Port Waikato-Sunset beach is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Raglan and West Waikato. 5: the best break in Raglan and West Waikato). |
Difficulty Level: 3.6(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.5(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Port Waikato-Sunset beach can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Port Waikato-Sunset beach, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 2.5(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Port Waikato-Sunset beach are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.9(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.0(1: Often too crowded. 5: Port Waikato-Sunset beach is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 3.2(1: Getting to Port Waikato-Sunset 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: 3.1(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 2.5(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 Port Waikato-Sunset beach for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 2.3(1: Camping at Port Waikato-Sunset beach is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 1.9(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Port Waikato-Sunset beach is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.9(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 2.3(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Port Waikato-Sunset beach, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 1.9(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Port Waikato-Sunset beach where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Pretty crap most of the time, no banks and very exposed. Plus, I've had stuff stolen from my car on multiple occasions.”
Flynn from NEW ZEALAND - 16 Jun 2021
“Never really any good banks. Have been surfing here for ten years as it's the closest spot for me. Locals get angry as soon as there are more than ten people in the line up. Probably better to go Raglan or if you don't want to commit to that drive Karioatahi the beach over the other side of the river seems to be more consistent.”
Carl from NEW ZEALAND - 04 May 2021
“Kitesurfed here for years. Can work realy well in s/w which bends around the point to give a side on and a cleanish left and right either side of the main rip. Powerful main rip works well to get out back. Extremely pushy when big but it gives good period and flat sections. I used to go when the tide was to high to go elsewhere however in the last two years the beach has disappeared altogether and launching and landing have become treacherous. Could be fun with a big board big kite and a small swell on a summer sea breaze.”
Marinus from NEW ZEALAND - 18 May 2016
“The drive was longer than the other Auckland West Coast beaches, and passes through swampy low land and subsiding farms.
Once at the beach the sea is a dark brown colour from the Waikato river water, which is not clean due to farm pollution.
The waves were a bit soft due to the very flat beach and shallow ocean sea floor from river sediment.
Raglan is so much better.”
Frankie von Spankie from NEW ZEALAND - 31 Jul 2014
“Localism is really bad here. Inconsistent beach break, if a bank starts to work it's crowded with locals and dropping in on every wave is the norm . Yup, car break in at car park. Sadly not worth the drive.”
frothing from NEW ZEALAND - 21 Feb 2014
“Have just had the best ever surfing experience over Easter. The wave machine was working with a easy paddle out back to set up for the next wave. There were enough waves for everyone and we had nothing but good surfer respect on the waves. It is a paradise worth checking out...”
Wayne from NEW ZEALAND - 06 Apr 2013
“Watch out for locals stealing from your car .... have been broken into a few times .... once I pissed a local off and had my two front tires slashed on my car .... have only seen a shark a couple times but have seen guys fishing and catching sharks were I have been surfing ....”
been ripped off at port from NEW ZEALAND - 18 Jan 2012
“I have a bach down there and it is a laid back cruisey place. My brother in law just spent several hours having an awesome kite surf on Sunset beach up to the river mouth. He has also kite surfed in the harbour. Quite a few bods seem to succeed with long boards surfing and also standing up paddle surfing.”
Clive from NEW ZEALAND - 02 Feb 2011
“I thought that first review was a bit harsh, maybe bad personal experience. I have surfed port for 14 years and my mates and I have never had a problem with people being agro or had our gear messed with. I've known people to get there cars broken into at some of the 'nice' beaches. Never seen a shark either. True, Port is a bit 'Do and Hope' when it comes to getting a decent wave, but its a beautiful beach, super laid back and has the best sunsets. If your wanting a pro wave, Port may not deliver, but if your laid back or a tourist its a really nice drive with great fish and chips at the end of it all for you.”
Stephen from NEW ZEALAND - 14 Jan 2011
Nearest