Te Araroa Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Looks like we’ve got a bit of a mixed bag ahead for Te Araroa. The first week is pretty messy with onshore winds and lumpy conditions, but there’s some real promise in the second week, especially around the 14th and 15th of July. The water temp is sitting at 62°F, which is about average for this time of year, nothing too wild.

The first real surf kicks off Saturday morning, July 4th. We’ve got a 6ft easterly swell with a 12-second period, but the wind is a light cross from the NW. It’s clean enough for a paddle, but the wave comment says it’s marginal, so don’t expect perfection. The combined energy is moderate (861). It’s a consistent spot, never crowded, so you’ll have your pick. The swell direction is a bit off the optimum, but it’s doable.

Sunday the 5th and Monday the 6th are pretty grim. On Sunday, we’ve got 19 mph cross-onshore winds and a messy 4ft east swell. The energy drops to 574. Monday morning bumps up to 8ft from the north, but it’s cross-on and lumpy, with a short 8-second period. That’s not beginner territory—over 8ft is only for the experienced. The afternoon doesn’t get any better.

Tuesday the 7th is still onshore and messy, with 7ft waves and a short period. The energy is moderate (977), but the wind is on it, making it a write-off.

Wednesday the 8th finally shows a glimmer of hope. The wind switches to a cross-off from the south, and we’ve got 8ft from the NNW with a 10-second period. The energy is strong (1616). The waves are clean, but the score is still marginal. It’s a beach and point setup, so the longer period will give better shape, but it’s still a bit raw.

Thursday the 9th and Friday the 10th see the swell drop to 4-5ft, with clean conditions and cross-off winds. The energy is weak to moderate (394-461). Friday afternoon is a standout: 5ft from the ESE with an 11-second period, and the wind is offshore from the SSW at 12 mph. The wave comment says expect very good surf conditions. The energy is moderate (532). This is your best bet in the first week.

Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th morning are flat, with tiny 0.3ft swell. The wind is offshore, but there’s nothing to ride. Sunday afternoon, the 12th, fires up again: 8ft from the SE with a 9-second period, and the wind is offshore. The energy is moderate (962). The wave comment says expect very good surf conditions. This is a solid option for experienced surfers, as it’s over 8ft.

Monday the 13th and Tuesday the 14th are solid. Tuesday morning, the 14th, is a standout: 7ft from the ESE with a 10-second period, cross-off wind, and the energy is moderate (973). The wave comment says expect very good surf conditions. The afternoon is similar, with 7ft and clean conditions. This is the best stretch of the outlook.

Wednesday the 15th is magic. The wind is glassy from the ESE at 3 mph, with a 6ft easterly swell and a 10-second period. The energy is moderate (527). The wave comment says expect very good surf conditions. It’s a consistent spot, never crowded, so you’ll have it all to yourself. This is the pick of the entire forecast.

Thursday the 16th and Friday the 17th turn ugly. Onshore winds and lumpy conditions. Friday the 17th has a huge 8ft swell from the SE with a very long 18-second period, but the wind is 19 mph cross-on, making it a mess. The energy is extreme (4554), but it’s only for kite surfers, not paddle surfers.

Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th improve. Saturday has 7ft from the SE with a 14-second period, onshore but light. The energy is strong (1670). Sunday morning, the 19th, is a gem: 4ft from the SE with a 13-second period, light cross-off wind, and the wave comment says excellent surf conditions for experienced surfers. The energy is moderate (1129). The long period will make it clean and powerful at the point.

So, overall, the standouts are Friday afternoon the 10th and Wednesday the 15th of July. Wednesday the 15th is the absolute best, with glassy conditions and a clean 6ft swell. The second week has more promise, but it’s a bit further out, so keep an eye on it.

Rusty out.

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