Banks Peninsula - Raupo Bay Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright, Rusty here. Let me break down what we’ve got for Banks Peninsula over the next couple of weeks.

First up, we’re looking at a pretty drawn-out stretch. The surf is going to be around, but finding a truly clean, user-friendly window is going to take some patience. The water temp is sitting at 52°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year – not a bad little bonus for the early morning sessions.

The story starts on Tuesday, July 7th. Raupo-Bay is seeing a 7 ft ENE swell with a short 9-second period. The combined energy is strong, at 1313, but the cross-off wind from the SSE makes it a bit of a wrestle. The conditions are described as clean, but the forecast isn’t enthusiastic, so it’s one for the keeners who don't mind a bit of chop.

Wednesday and Thursday keep a similar pattern. The swell hangs around 7 ft to 8 ft, shifting east, with periods at 10-11 seconds. The wind stays cross-off from the SSE or SSW, keeping the surface clean enough, but the energy is high (peaking at 1859 on Thursday afternoon). It’s rideable for the experienced crew, but the average punter might find it a bit bumpy and full.

Now, here's the standout. Friday, July 10th, is your call. Both the morning and afternoon sessions are looking solid. The swell drops slightly to 6 ft from the east, with a 10-11 second period. The wind goes offshore from the WSW and SW – that’s a clean sweep. The combined energy is moderate (1060-1304), but the "offshore and clean" call is music to my ears. Crowds are sometimes around, but with that quality, a few heads in the water is the price you pay.

Saturday morning, July 11th, is a real gem for the quiet surfers. We get a glassy, dead-calm morning with a 4 ft south swell. The period is a very long 16 seconds – that’s pure groundswell energy. The combined energy is 1115, which is significant, but this long-period swell will be lining up best at the points and reefs rather than the beachies, which can break a bit too fast and straight. It’s a morning for the log or a single fin, with perfect clean conditions. Glassy winds and 16 seconds is a gift, but the size is small.

After that, we hit a rough patch. From Saturday afternoon through to Tuesday, July 14th, the wind turns onshore or cross-onshore, with choppy conditions and small, weak swell. The energy drops to the 200-400 range, and the period is short. This is a 3-4 day lull of poor quality.

Things start looking up again on Wednesday, July 15th, but it’s not a full recovery. Thursday, July 16th, is a return to good form: a 5 ft ESE swell with a 14-second period. The wind goes cross-offshore and then light offshore from the SW. This is clean, good-energy surf. The combined energy sits at 1278, so the ocean has some push.

Friday, July 17th, is the big boy on the horizon. The swell jumps to 10 ft in the morning and 13 ft in the afternoon from the SSW. The period is 8-10 seconds. The wind is fresh offshore from the SSW/SW at 19 mph. This is a serious set-up. The forecast notes the swell is predicted to be too big for this break. Anything over 8 ft is expert territory, and at 13 ft with that energy (3020), this is strictly for the heavy-water crew. Only the top-tier locals should be looking at this. It’s a spectacular show, but not a paddle-out for the faint of heart.

Saturday, July 18th, stays large and clean, with 12 ft swells and strong offshore wind. Again, expert-only territory. The energy is very strong (3476).

By Sunday, July 19th, the swell drops to 8 ft from the south, with a 10-second period. The wind is gentle offshore from the WSW. This brings excellent conditions for experienced surfers, with the combined energy at 1891. It's the pick of that second week for anyone with a bit of skill.

The final days from Monday, July 21st, fade out into onshore winds and small, weak swell, closing the 16-day window on a flat note.

Best bet overall? That Friday, July 10th window is the most user-friendly, clean, and consistent. For the pure, glassy, classic session, Saturday morning July 11th is the quiet winner. And for the thrill-seekers who know what they’re doing, Friday July 17th and Saturday July 18th are the heavy days to watch.

Rusty.

Read more