(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Pouawa doesn't see very many surfers. The 15 minute drive here from Gisborne passes right by the famous breaks of Wainui and Makorori, so few bother coming this far, or if they are heading up the coast this far it is usually to get to some place like Tolaga Bay to get a better wind angle.
It's a pristine and totally unspoiled beach, backed by dunes, and actually not a bad place to surf. It is marginally more sheltered from the NE breeze that blows out most north Gisborne breaks on hot summer afternoons. In truth those are the only conditions when I have surfed it, so quite possibly when there is a NW offshore wind and/or a solid swell, it will have a very different (better?) character. When that happens it's so good at the breaks nearer town I just don't get this far. I really must make the effort one day.
Based on several small-swell summer visits with a cross-off NE wind, it seems that it is best at low-tide when it offers are relatively soft right-hander breaking on a sandbar in front of the Powawa stream. Lefts and rights to the south of here tend to be bigger and heavier but are more wind affected and seem prone to closing out.
There are good spots to park up overnight and permitted freedom camping in summer along the south end of the bay. There is even a new public toilet. From Pouawa stream and north for about 5km is a marine reserve with a total fishing ban. As a result, this is the best snorkelling for miles around with heaps of young cray, abundant reef and school fish, octopus and stingrays. When the swell is tiny and the wind has been NW for a couple days the water clears up nicely. Walk around the headland north and explore the marine reserve for another beach that is surfed even less often than Pouawa about a mile away. Take water.”
Rob Davies from NEW ZEALAND - 06 Jan 2011
Pouawa Beach Ratings
Overall: 4.0. Based on 2 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.5(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: 3.5(1: Pouawa Beach is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.0(1: Pouawa Beach is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Gisborne and Mahia. 5: the best break in Gisborne and Mahia). |
Difficulty Level: 3.0(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: Pouawa Beach can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.0(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Pouawa Beach, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 4.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Pouawa Beach are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 3.5(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.5(1: Often too crowded. 5: Pouawa Beach is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 5.0(1: Getting to Pouawa 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: 4.0(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 4.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 1.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Pouawa Beach for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 4.0(1: Camping at Pouawa Beach is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 2.0(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Pouawa Beach is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 1.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 2.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Pouawa Beach, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 1.0(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Pouawa Beach where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
Nearest