Smoothwater Bay surfForecast / West Coast South Island / New Zealand

information circle12 Day Weather and Surf, issued 12 pm Monday 05 Jan 2026 NZDT
Forecast update in hr  min  s Forecast update imminent
Smoothwater Bay surf forecast is for near shore open water. Breaking waves will often be smaller at less exposed spots.
Today's Smoothwater Bay sea temperature is
15.8° C
(Which is normal for this time of year)


Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Smoothwater Bay this week:

The surf forecast for Smoothwater Bay over the next 12 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Jan 05) at 10PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.9m and 13s period with a secondary swell of 0.5m and 16s. Another secondary swell of 0.5m and 4s is also forecast. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.

The most powerful waves expected at Smoothwater Bay in the next 12 days are 3.5m 11s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Jan 12) at 4PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore 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 (Jan 05) at 7PM.

Wave TypeTime (NZDT) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+)10PM (Mon 5th Jan)3ft (0.9m) 13s
Best Surf10AM (Fri 9th Jan)6.5ft (2.0m) 13s
Most Powerful 4PM (Mon 12th Jan)11ft (3.5m) 11s

Table - best surf conditions forecast for Smoothwater Bay over the next 12 days.

Updates in  hr  min  s Forecast update imminent

Short Range Forecast Mostly dry. Very mild (max 16°C on Mon morning, min 12°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light.

Days 3-6 Weather Summary Heavy rain (total 208mm), heaviest during Sat night. Very mild (max 17°C on Thu morning, min 11°C on Fri night). Winds increasing (calm on Fri morning, fresh winds from the NW by Sat night).

Monday
05
Tuesday
06
Wednesday
07
Thursday
08
Friday
09
Saturday
10
Sunday
11
AMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNightAMPMNight
Rating
(10 max)
1
1
2
1
0
2
3
3
2
1
1
1
4
2
3
4
2
0
1
1
4
Swell
Height Map
Wave Height (m) & direction (?)
1.1
SW
0.9
WSW
0.9
WSW
1.1
SW
1
WSW
1
WSW
1.1
WSW
1.2
WSW
1.3
WSW
1.1
WSW
0.8
WSW
1.4
WSW
2
W
2
W
1.3
WSW
1.6
WSW
1.7
WSW
2.5
NW
3
WNW
2.5
NW
3
WNW
Period(s) (?)14131312121212111010131313121514149101010
Wave
Graph
(?)Metric surfscale
Energy kJ (?)4312992903252892853413403462502096591357117470299610991104187112241495
Wind
(km/h)
10
WSW
10
W
10
S
5
NNW
15
WNW
10
SSE
0
E
0
NE
5
S
10
WNW
15
W
20
ENE
0
S
10
WNW
10
ENE
15
E
15
N
30
NNE
30
WSW
30
WSW
15
SSW
Wind State (?)
onshore
cross-onshore
cross-shore
cross-offshore
offshore
glassy
crosscross-
on
offoncross-
on
offglassglassoffcross-
on
crosscrossglasscross-
on
crosscross-
off
cross-
on
cross-
on
crosscrosscross-
off
High Tide
/ height (m)
1:36PM
2.19
2:06AM
2.11
2:24PM
2.16
2:52AM
2.05
3:10PM
2.08
3:37AM
1.96
3:55PM
1.98
4:21AM
1.86
4:42PM
1.87
5:07AM
1.77
5:33PM
1.77
5:58AM
1.70
6:29PM
1.70
Low Tide
/ height (m)
7:51PM
0.24
8:13AM
0.31
8:39PM
0.28
8:59AM
0.36
9:26PM
0.36
9:43AM
0.44
10:12PM
0.46
10:29AM
0.54
10:59PM
0.57
11:17AM
0.64
11:48PM
0.66
12:11PM
0.73
12:41AM
0.75
Monday
05
Tuesday
06
Wednesday
07
Thursday
08
Friday
09
Saturday
10
Sunday
11
Sunrise6:09--6:09--6:11--6:11--6:13--6:13--6:16--
Sunset-9:30--9:30--9:30--9:30--9:30--9:30--9:29-
cloud
part cloud
clear
clear
clear
part cloud
cloud
cloud
part cloud
part cloud
mod rain
heavy rain
rain showers
part cloud
heavy rain
heavy rain
heavy rain
heavy rain
heavy rain
rain showers
clear
Rain (mm)
----------7553-46141469194-
Temp. °C161615151615161516171616171713171717161513
Feels °C (?)15141413151416151715141618161115161412106
  • Map Icons:
  • Break
  • Live Wave Height (m)
  • Live Wind Speed (km/h)
  • Surf Rating (10 Max)
  • Ocean Swells (m)
  • Wind Speed (km/h)
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Information about the Smoothwater Bay Surf forecast

The above surf forecast table for Smoothwater Bay provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 12 days. A general guide to surfing at Smoothwater Bay can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Smoothwater Bay 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 (Smoothwater Bay) 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 Smoothwater Bay 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 West Coast South Island? If you are looking for accommodation near Smoothwater Bay, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in West Coast South Island, consider staying in Okuru which is 28 km (17 miles) away.

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