Surf Forecasts:
Tawharanui surf forecast from 29 Jul 2026:
- Most powerful swell: Friday 31 Jul, 6AM (local time) - 5ft (1.5m), 6s period, NNW swell with 164 kJ wave energy.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Tawharanui this week:
The most powerful waves expected at Tawharanui in the next 16 days are 1.5m 6s and forecast to arrive on Friday (Jul 31) at 6AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.4m 5s period and expected on Sunday (Aug 02) at 3AM.
| Wave Type | Time (NZST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | - | - |
| Best Surf | - | - |
| Most Powerful | 6AM (Fri 31st Jul) | 5ft (1.5m) 6s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Tawharanui over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
G’day, Rusty here. Let’s talk Tawharanui. First thing’s first: there’s a big dry spell coming. Nothing worth paddling out for until Sunday, August 9th, so that’s a ten-day gap of flatness or trash.
Water’s sitting at about 58°F, which is right on the money for this time of year.
Finally, on Sunday the 9th, we get some swell. It’s 8ft from the NE, but the period is short at 8 seconds. That’s a lot of lumpy, chunky water. Combined energy is serious—900 in the morning, hitting 1162 by afternoon. Wind turns clean offshore (SSW) in the arvo, but it’s howling at 19 mph. Tawharanui is a beach-and-reef setup, and with that much swell and short period, it’s a washing machine. Not a beginner spot today. The call is marginal.
Monday the 10th is the monster day. Swell hits 12ft from the NE, with a long-period 12-second groundswell. The energy number is massive—3868. The wind is screaming offshore from the SSW at 31 mph. That’s near gale force. For a reef or point, those long-period NE swells are magic, but here on the beach-and-reef mix it can break weird. That wind will groom it, but with that much power, it’s for experts only. Crowds are often, so expect a packed lineup of the brave. The report says the swell is too big for the break.
Tuesday the 11th is still a big day with 7ft NE swell and a 12-second period. Energy at 1129. Offshore winds from the SSW at 16 mph in the morning, but the afternoon whips up to 25 mph offshore—clean but a workout.
Wednesday the 12th is your best day overall. Swell drops to 5ft from the NE, period 11 seconds, with energy at 629. Offshore wind from the SW at 12 mph keeps it clean. It’s got power, but it’s not a full-on battle. The morning is flagged as “very good conditions.” That’s the sweet spot for any surfer who’s got some experience.
Thursday the 13th bumps back up to 7ft NE at 13 seconds, energy 1346, but the wind goes cross (NW) and then cross-on, making it choppy. Leave it.
So, in short: Wednesday the 12th is your standout for clean, powerful waves that you can actually surf. The big days on the 9th and 10th are for the hardcore crew only.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 5mm), mostly falling on Thu night. Very mild (max 14°C on Wed afternoon, min 10°C on Fri night). Mainly fresh winds. | Days 4-6 Weather SummarySome drizzle, heaviest during Sat night. Very mild (max 14°C on Mon morning, min 7°C on Sat night). Mainly fresh winds. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wednesday 29 | Thursday 30 | Friday 31 | Saturday 1 | Sunday 2 | Monday 3 | Tuesday 4 | |||||||||||||||
AM | 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 13 | E 13 | E 12 | E 12 | N 5 | NNW 5 | N 6 | N 7 | N 7 | N 6 | NNW 6 | E 11 | E 8 | ESE 7 | NE 14 | N 16 | NE 16 | NE 15 | NE 14 | ESE 6 | E 6 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 84 | 83 | 76 | 72 | 52 | 117 | 83 | 59 | 32 | 16 | 11 | 9 | 29 | 15 | 7 | 7 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | off | cross-off | off | off | off | off | off |
High Tide | 7:12PM2.40m | 7:22AM2.31m | 7:51PM2.47m | 8:04AM2.37m | 8:30PM2.52m | 8:45AM2.41m | 9:09PM2.55m | 9:27AM2.44m | 9:49PM2.55m | 10:09AM2.45m | 10:31PM2.54m | 10:52AM2.44m | 11:14PM2.51m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 1:04PM0.80m | 1:32AM0.85m | 1:46PM0.72m | 2:13AM0.78m | 2:26PM0.66m | 2:53AM0.72m | 3:04PM0.62m | 3:33AM0.67m | 3:42PM0.62m | 4:13AM0.64m | 4:21PM0.64m | 4:55AM0.63m | 5:04PM0.69m | ||||||||
 | |  |  |  |  | | |  |  | | | | | | | | | | | | |
 | 7:20 | — | — | 7:20 | — | — | 7:18 | — | — | 7:18 | — | — | 7:16 | — | — | 7:16 | — | — | 7:15 | — | — |
 | — | 5:32 | — | — | 5:34 | — | — | 5:35 | — | — | 5:36 | — | — | 5:36 | — | — | 5:37 | — | — | 5:37 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | 1 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 13 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 10 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 14 | 14 | 12 |
Feels °C | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 13 | E 13 | E 12 | E 12 | ESE 12 | ESE 11 | N 6 | N 7 | N 7 | N 6 | NNW 6 | E 11 | E 8 | ESE 7 | E 6 | E 6 | E 6 | NE 12 | NE 12 | ESE 6 | E 6 |
| kJ | 84 | 83 | 76 | 72 | 46 | 42 | 83 | 59 | 32 | 16 | 11 | 9 | 29 | 15 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 6 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | N 10 | N 9 | N 9 | — | NE 12 | NE 11 | E 11 | E 11 | E 11 | E 11 | E 11 | NE 15 | NE 15 | NE 14 | NE 14 | NE 13 | NE 13 | E 6 | NE 14 | S 3 | NE 12 |
| kJ | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | 6 | 5 | 38 | 22 | 21 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 6 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | N 19 | NE 18 | NE 18 | NE 17 | NE 16 | NE 16 | N 5 | NE 10 | NE 10 | E 9 | N 16 | NE 16 | NE 15 | E 7 | NE 13 | E 16 |
| kJ | — | — | — | — | — | 7 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 5 | 10 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 5 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NE 2 | NNE 3 | N 3 | N 4 | N 5 | NNW 5 | W 4 | W 4 | WNW 4 | WSW 3 | WSW 3 | SSE 5 | SSE 5 | S 4 | SW 3 | SW 4 | SW 4 | SW 4 | S 4 | ESE 3 | — |
| kJ | 1 | 3 | 6 | 21 | 52 | 117 | 9 | 13 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 76 | 35 | 14 | 5 | 16 | 12 | 14 | 10 | 1 | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 61 | 64 | 61 | 61 | 27 | 65 | 7 | 7 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 107 | 44 | 44 | 22 | 60 | 107 | 183 | 66 | 22 | 66 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Northland | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Tawharanui Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Tawharanui provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Tawharanui can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Tawharanui 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 (Tawharanui) 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 Tawharanui 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.
Tawharanui is 48 km (30 miles) from the city of Northshore. If you plan a holiday in Northland, look for hotels and other accommodation in Northshore. Northshore has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.
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