Wharariki Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Alright folks, Rusty here. Let’s cut through the noise and talk about what’s on offer at Wharariki Beach.

First up, let’s be honest: the next week and a half is a tough slog. We’ve got a serious run of poor conditions, with howling winds and messy seas. The first real glimmer of hope doesn’t come until the 10th of September, but it’s still not great. The real standout is shaping up to be the morning of the 15th of September. That’s the one to circle on the calendar.

We’re looking at consistent west-northwest swells for most of the period, which is the optimal direction for this spot. The water temp is sitting at 57°, which is pretty average for this time of year, nothing to write home about.

The first few days are a write-off. Tuesday the 1st and Wednesday the 2nd have strong to near-gale cross-off winds, with a 10ft to 8ft W swell. The energy is massive – we’re talking 3765 to 3196 – but it’s just too messy to be any fun. Thursday the 3rd isn’t any better with rain and cross-onshore winds. Friday the 4th is a total no-go with near gale cross-shore winds and an 12ft swell. The 6th of September, Sunday afternoon, has a big 12ft WNW swell with a 9-second period, and the wind is cross-off, but the file says it’s just too big for this break. By Monday the 7th, we’re looking at a 15ft WNW swell that’s pure chaos – only for the absolute experts, and even then, the cross-onshore wind will ruin it.

Things start to settle down around the 8th of September. Tuesday morning sees a 6ft W swell with a 12-second period and clean cross-off winds from the SE. The energy is moderate at 983, and it’s a marginal call, but it’s the first session that’s even worth a look. The 9th is tiny and then we get a bit of a pulse through the 10th and 11th, but with cross-onshore and cross winds, it’s lumpy.

Now, the 15th of September is the one. Tuesday morning, we’ve got a 3ft W swell with a 14-second period, and the wind is a light, cross-off breeze from the ESE. The file says "expect very good surf conditions." The combined energy is 845, which is moderate, but the long period will bring in some clean, lined-up waves. It’s a small day, but it’ll be glassy and clean. Perfect for an intermediate surfer to get some nice, long rides. The afternoon turns a bit more cross-shore and messy, so get it in the morning.

That’s your window. The rest of the 16-day run is a mix of small, lumpy, or just too windy. Stay patient.

Rusty.

Read more