
Surf Forecasts:
Schnappers Point surf forecast from 2 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Saturday 8 Aug, 3AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.3m), 6s period, NNW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Saturday 8 Aug, 3AM (local time) - 4.5ft (1.3m), 6s period, NNW swell with 140 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Friday 7 Aug, 9PM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.1m), 5s period with NW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Schnappers Point this week:
The surf forecast for Schnappers Point over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Friday (Aug 07) at 9PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.1m and 5s period with a secondary swell of 0.6m and 5s. Another secondary swell of 0.2m and 10s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Schnappers Point in the next 16 days are 1.3m 6s and forecast to arrive on Saturday (Aug 08) at 3AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.4m 3s period and expected on Monday (Aug 03) at 6AM.
| Wave Type | Time (NZST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 9PM (Fri 7th Aug) | 3.5ft (1.1m) 5s |
| Best Surf | 3AM (Sat 8th Aug) | 4.5ft (1.3m) 6s |
| Most Powerful | 3AM (Sat 8th Aug) | 4.5ft (1.3m) 6s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Schnappers Point over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, grab a seat. It’s Rusty here, and I’ve been staring at the charts for our stretch of coast. I’m going to level with you: the next week and a half is going to test your patience, but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s a good one.
The Overall Picture
We’re in a proper flat spell for the most part. For the first several days, we’re looking at tiny, weak leftovers with poor conditions. There’s a long wait ahead, but the models are hinting at a decent pulse of energy arriving later in the period. It’s the kind of thing that will have you checking the forecast every day, hoping it firms up.
The Early Dry Spell (August 3rd to August 15th)
Honestly, the first week and a half is a write-off. From Monday the 3rd through to around Saturday the 15th, there’s almost nothing on offer. Early on, we’ve got a bit of cross-shore chop and next-to-no size. As we move through the first week, it cleans up but the swell drops out completely, with nothing but a ripple and weak, short-period energy showing up. There are a few glassy mornings, but with waves barely a few inches high, it’s not worth paddling out for. This is a long stretch of very little to no surf. The energy is weak, with readings mostly in single digits or under 50.
A Glimmer of Hope (August 16th)
By Sunday the 16th, we see a bit of life with a morning low of 0.6 ft, but it’s still poor. The afternoon gets a little bigger but the wind turns light cross-onshore, which chop it up. It’s not the day.
The Real Window (August 17th and 18th)
Okay, now we’re talking. On Monday the 17th, we start to see the swell begin to move in. The morning still has that longer period swell (18 seconds) but it's tiny at 0.6 ft and clean. The energy is still low. But the afternoon sees a little more size, still small, with the swell direction from the NNW.
But Tuesday, August 18th is the standout. That's the one you need to keep an eye on. The morning is looking like a proper little window. We’re looking at a clean, glassy morning with a light south wind. The swell drops to 3 ft, but that’s coming from the NNW with a period of 11 seconds. The combined energy of all swells directed here jumps way up, reading 222 (moderate), which is the strongest we’ve seen in the entire forecast. This is the day.
The Break
The main spot on the radar is Schnappers Point. This is a point break that lines up well with a northwest swell. It’s a fairly consistent spot, and this particular swell direction is exactly what it wants. The clean morning conditions will be a huge plus, making the most of that 3 ft of NNW groundswell. It should be a fun, playful wave for the intermediate surfer. Just be aware, this spot can get crowded, so get there early.
This is the one to point the car at. Tuesday morning at Schnappers Point. I’ll see you out there.
- Rusty
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 14°C on Mon morning, min 3°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummarySome drizzle, heaviest during Fri night. Very mild (max 12°C on Sat morning, min 3°C on Wed night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Monday 3 | Tuesday 4 | Wednesday 5 | Thursday 6 | Friday 7 | Saturday 8 | ||||||||||||||
Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map | |||||||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | N 21 | N 9 | NNW 5 | NNW 4 | NNW 4 | NW 16 | NW 14 | SSW 2 | NW 16 | N 13 | N 12 | N 12 | N 11 | N 11 | NW 4 | NNW 6 | N 6 | N 8 | N 8 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
9 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 14 | 123 | 35 | 112 | 102 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross | cross | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | on | cross-off | cross-off | glassy | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | off |
High Tide | 00:22AM3.31m | 12:43PM3.15m | 00:59AM3.24m | 1:23PM3.09m | 1:41AM3.13m | 2:08PM2.99m | 2:28AM2.98m | 3:00PM2.88m | 3:26AM2.82m | 4:04PM2.77m | 4:36AM2.70m | 5:19PM2.74m | |||||||
Low Tide | 6:35AM0.18m | 6:48PM0.29m | 7:12AM0.25m | 7:28PM0.39m | 7:53AM0.37m | 8:13PM0.53m | 8:41AM0.52m | 9:07PM0.68m | 9:39AM0.67m | 10:16PM0.81m | 10:52AM0.78m | 11:39PM0.83m | |||||||
— | 7:31 | — | — | 7:31 | — | — | 7:30 | — | — | 7:28 | — | — | 7:28 | — | — | 7:26 | — | — | |
— | — | 5:32 | — | — | 5:34 | — | — | 5:35 | — | — | 5:36 | — | — | 5:37 | — | — | 5:37 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | 2 |
Temp °C | 9 | 14 | 14 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 5 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 9 |
Feels °C | 4 | 9 | 10 | 6 | 5 | 4 | -1 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 10 | 10 | 7 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | N 21 | NNW 4 | NNW 5 | NNW 4 | NNW 4 | NE 4 | NW 5 | — | — | N 13 | N 12 | N 12 | N 11 | N 8 | NW 4 | NNW 6 | N 6 | N 8 | N 8 |
9 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 50 | 35 | 112 | 102 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | NW 19 | NW 18 | NW 17 | ENE 5 | NW 16 | NW 14 | — | NW 13 | — | N 12 | N 12 | — | N 11 | NW 8 | NNW 10 | N 8 | N 20 | NW 19 |
— | 14 | 13 | 12 | 3 | 10 | 8 | — | 7 | — | 3 | 3 | — | 2 | 2 | 19 | 34 | 7 | 14 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NW 5 | N 9 | N 10 | NW 11 | NW 16 | NW 6 | — | — | NW 16 | N 13 | — | — | — | — | N 10 | — | — | — | — |
1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 1 | — | — | 10 | 3 | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SW 2 | WSW 3 | — | — | — | SW 3 | SSW 3 | SSW 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | NW 4 | NNW 6 | — | — | — |
1 | 1 | — | — | — | 2 | 3 | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 14 | 123 | — | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 64 | 64 | 101 | 121 | 93 | 91 | 91 | 96 | 96 | 64 | 64 | 109 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Nelson - Tasman Bay | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Schnappers Point Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Schnappers Point provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Schnappers Point can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Schnappers Point surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (Schnappers Point) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).
Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for Schnappers Point may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.
Are you planning a holiday in Nelson - Tasman Bay? If you are looking for accommodation near Schnappers Point, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Nelson - Tasman Bay, consider staying in Nelson which is 14 km (9 miles) away. Alternatively, find information about places to stay and car hire in Blenheim which is 62 km (39 miles) away











