Robin Hood Bay Reviews and Ratings
(Kaikoura and Marlborough, New Zealand)
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Visitor reviews of Robin Hood Bay surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Robin Hood Bay is a useful indicator of the vastly better spots an hour or two further south. If it is flat here it may be very small down the coast too and in this case it is worth checking if a Northwest swell is running, in which case you would be better off driving to Nelson. Robin Hood Bay is also important for Nelson and Blenheim locals who don't have many options for a surfing locally and don't necessarily want to make a long drive every time. As a result, there can be a few in.
Because it is the nearest surf spot to Picton, for traveling surfers it provides a scenic spot to park up for a few waves the evening before taking the ferry to North Island. Alternatively, if you are heading South and haven't surfed for a while, this is a good place to loosen up and get some forgiving waves.
Like all the East Coast breaks it can get big but on these days the long paddle out can be very hard work for little reward. Even on smaller days when the wind is offshore there isn't a lot of shape to the surf here.”
webmaster from NEW ZEALAND - 06 Mar 2010
Robin Hood Bay Ratings
Overall: 1.0. Based on 3 votes and 1 review. Vote
Quality on a good day: 2.0(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: 2.7(1: Robin Hood Bay is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.0(1: Robin Hood Bay is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Kaikoura and Marlborough. 5: the best break in Kaikoura and Marlborough). |
Difficulty Level: 2.5(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: Robin Hood Bay can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 2.5(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Robin Hood Bay, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.5(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Robin Hood Bay are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 4.3(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.7(1: Often too crowded. 5: Robin Hood Bay is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 5.0(1: Getting to Robin Hood Bay 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: 4.5(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: 2.0(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Robin Hood Bay for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 3.5(1: Camping at Robin Hood Bay is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 1.5(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Robin Hood Bay 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: 1.0(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Robin Hood Bay, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 1.5(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Robin Hood Bay where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
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