Surf Forecasts:
Tauranga Bay surf forecast from 21 Aug 2026:
- Most powerful swell: Saturday 22 Aug, 3AM (local time) - 1.5ft (0.4m), 11s period, ESE swell with 39 kJ wave energy.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Tauranga Bay this week:
The most powerful waves expected at Tauranga Bay in the next 16 days are 0.4m 11s and forecast to arrive on Saturday (Aug 22) 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 4s period and expected on Monday (Aug 24) at 12PM.
| Wave Type | Time (NZST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | - | - |
| Best Surf | - | - |
| Most Powerful | 3AM (Sat 22nd Aug) | 1.5ft (0.4m) 11s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Tauranga Bay over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, Rusty here, let's talk about what's on the menu for Tauranga Bay.
Honestly, the next couple of weeks are looking flat and frustrating. We’ve got a solid run of tiny, weak swell with wind issues that’s just not going to give you much to work with. The only real glimmer of hope comes right at the end of the run.
Right now, and for the first week, the surf is almost non-existent. We’re looking at swell heights barely cracking 2 feet, and most days it’s a battle with cross-onshore winds. The water temp is sitting at 61°, which is pretty normal for this time of year, so at least a good wetsuit will keep you comfortable.
The first half of the run is a write-off. On the 21st, we’ve got a tiny 2-foot easterly swell with a cross-on breeze, making for a choppy mess. The 22nd and 23rd are similar, with even smaller waves and bumpy conditions. The energy is incredibly low, with values barely hitting 73 (weak energy). There’s a few glassy moments on the 24th and 26th, but the swell is so small, just 0.3 to 0.7 feet, it’s hardly worth paddling out for.
The only standout, and I mean *the only* chance for a decent paddle, looks to be around the 5th of September. We’ve got a moderate wave energy of 128 and a clean, glassy morning with a 2-foot swell from the ENE. The wind is light and offshore, which will make for some clean, small peelers. It’s small, but it will be the best we’ve seen in a fortnight. For a beginner-friendly spot, that’s your best bet.
Everything else is a bust. The 30th of August has a touch of energy (108) with a clean cross-off wind, but the swell is a mixed-up 3 feet. After that, the wind turns cross-shore and the waves stay average. It’s a long, dry spell.
So, if you’re desperate, hold out for the 5th of September morning. Otherwise, save your energy and wait for the next system.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 16°C on Sun afternoon, min 11°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 16°C on Mon afternoon, min 11°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light. | |||||||||||||||||||
Fri 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | Tuesday 25 | Wednesday 26 | Thursday 27 | ||||||||||||||
PM | 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) | E 10 | ESE 9 | ESE 10 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | NW 4 | NW 4 | NW 5 | E 12 | NE 12 | E 12 | E 13 | E 13 | E 13 | E 12 | NNE 10 | NNE 8 | NE 10 | E 12 | NE 9 |
Wave Graph  | ||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 70 | 27 | 34 | 17 | 8 | 12 | 28 | 20 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 6 | 14 | 3 | 13 |
Wind (km/h) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | cross | cross-on | cross-on | off | off | glassy | off | cross-off | cross-on | cross-off | glassy | cross-on | cross-off | cross-on | cross-on | on |
High Tide | 2:30AM2.19m | 3:21PM2.15m | 3:22AM2.11m | 4:22PM2.13m | 4:21AM2.07m | 5:19PM2.14m | 5:24AM2.07m | 6:11PM2.19m | 6:19AM2.10m | 6:58PM2.24m | 7:08AM2.16m | 7:41PM2.31m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 8:23PM1.01m | 8:51AM0.93m | 9:19PM1.07m | 9:46AM0.97m | 10:19PM1.09m | 10:44AM0.97m | 11:17PM1.05m | 11:43AM0.93m | 00:09AM0.98m | 12:34PM0.85m | 00:57AM0.89m | 1:19PM0.76m | 1:41AM0.80m | |||||||
 |  |  | |  | |  | | | | | | | | | | | | |  | |
 | — | — | 6:56 | — | — | 6:56 | — | — | 6:54 | — | — | 6:52 | — | — | 6:52 | — | — | 6:50 | — | — |
 | 5:57 | — | — | 5:58 | — | — | 5:59 | — | — | 5:59 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — | 6:00 | — | — | 6:00 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 |
Temp °C | 13 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 14 | 15 | 15 |
Feels °C | 9 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 11 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 10 | ESE 9 | ESE 10 | ESE 9 | ESE 9 | NE 12 | E 13 | E 13 | NNW 5 | NNW 5 | NW 5 | NE 11 | NE 11 | NE 10 | NE 10 | NNE 10 | NNE 8 | NE 10 | NE 7 | NE 9 |
| kJ | 70 | 27 | 34 | 17 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 13 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 6 | 14 | 2 | 13 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NE 9 | NE 9 | NE 9 | NE 13 | NE 11 | E 9 | NE 13 | NE 11 | E 12 | NE 12 | NE 10 | E 13 | E 13 | E 13 | NE 10 | E 10 | NE 10 | E 12 | NE 9 | E 11 |
| kJ | 3 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 12 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | N 15 | N 13 | NE 9 | N 14 | E 13 | NE 10 | N 14 | NE 11 | SE 4 | E 12 | NW 5 | NE 7 | N 7 | E 12 | E 12 | E 12 | E 9 | E 12 | E 10 |
| kJ | — | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | NW 3 | NW 4 | NW 4 | NW 5 | SE 3 | — | SSE 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| kJ | — | — | — | — | 2 | 12 | 28 | 20 | 1 | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | ||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 3 | 52 | 10 | 113 | 518 | 518 | 546 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 518 | 92 | 73 | 518 | 60 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Northland | ||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Tauranga Bay Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Tauranga Bay provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Tauranga Bay can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Tauranga 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 (Tauranga 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 Tauranga 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 Northland? If you are looking for accommodation near Tauranga Bay, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Northland, consider staying in Houhora which is 71 km (44 miles) away. Alternatively, find information about places to stay and car hire in Whangarei which is 93 km (58 miles) away
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