Wharariki Beach Surf Break

Lat Long: 40.51° S 172.67° E

Wharariki Beach Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Issued: 11 pm 20 Sep 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Today's Wharariki Beach sea temperature is
13.8°C
0.6° 

Wharariki Beach surf forecast is for near shore open water. Breaking waves will often be smaller at less exposed spots.


Wharariki Beach surf forecast from 20 Sep 2026:

  • Best quality surf: Wednesday 23 Sep, 3PM (local time) - 8ft (2.4m), 16s period, W swell with offshore winds.
  • Most powerful swell: Monday 21 Sep, 12PM (local time) - 10ft (3.0m), 16s period, W swell with 3,794 kJ wave energy.
  • Next surfable swell (1★+): Wednesday 23 Sep, 3PM (local time) - 8ft (2.4m), 16s period with W swell.

Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Wharariki Beach this week:

The surf forecast for Wharariki Beach over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Sep 23) at 3PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 2.4m and 16s period. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.

The most powerful waves expected at Wharariki Beach in the next 16 days are 3.0m 16s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Sep 21) at 12PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.7m 6s period and expected on Friday (Sep 25) at 3PM.

Wave TypeTime (NZST) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+) 3PM (Wed 23rd Sep)8ft (2.4m) 16s
Best Surf 3PM (Wed 23rd Sep)8ft (2.4m) 16s
Most Powerful12PM (Mon 21st Sep)10ft (3.0m) 16s

Table - best surf conditions forecast for Wharariki Beach over the next 16 days.


Short Range Forecast

Light rain (total 4mm), mostly falling on Wed afternoon. Very mild (max 14°C on Mon night, min 7°C on Wed afternoon). Winds decreasing (near gales from the W on Mon morning, light winds from the SSE by Wed afternoon).

Days 5-7 Weather Summary

Light rain (total 6mm), mostly falling on Fri night. Very mild (max 12°C on Fri morning, min 8°C on Wed night). Winds increasing (calm on Wed night, strong winds from the W by Thu afternoon).

Monday
21
Tuesday
22
Wednesday
23
Thursday
24
Friday
25
Saturday
26
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
Rating
(10 max)
!
0
0
0
0
1
1
3
4
4
3
1
0
0
0
1
2
0
0
Swell
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Wave
Height (m)
Direction
Period (s)
3
W
17
2.5
W
16
3
W
15
1.9
W
14
2.3
W
7
2.5
W
10
2.2
W
15
2.4
W
16
2.4
W
16
2.2
W
16
1.9
W
16
1.9
W
15
1.2
W
15
0.9
W
14
0.7
W
14
1.4
W
13
1.6
W
7
1.8
W
8
1.6
W
8
Wave Graph
Metric surfscale
Energy kJ
4293
3356
3603
1472
495
1264
2211
2824
2891
2429
1745
1679
606
324
192
683
232
396
308
Wind (km/h)
20
SW
50
WSW
55
W
35
W
45
WSW
45
WSW
40
WSW
20
WSW
10
SSE
5
S
25
WSW
45
W
35
WSW
25
WSW
40
WSW
20
WNW
15
ESE
15
E
10
WNW
Wind State
cross-off
cross-off
cross
cross
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
off
glassy
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross
cross-off
cross
cross-on
High Tide
5:21AM2.26m
6:03PM2.39m
6:37AM2.36m
7:06PM2.55m
7:33AM2.54m
7:54PM2.75m
8:17AM2.75m
8:35PM2.96m
8:56AM2.95m
9:11PM3.15m
9:33AM3.14m
9:47PM3.30m
Low Tide
11:08PM1.15m
11:39AM1.10m
00:25AM1.05m
12:48PM0.96m
1:23AM0.86m
1:40PM0.77m
2:09AM0.63m
2:23PM0.56m
2:48AM0.40m
3:02PM0.37m
3:25AM0.20m
3:39PM0.20m
clear
clear
clear
rain showers
clear
clear
clear
part cloud
rain showers
rain showers
clear
clear
clear
part cloud
cloud
light rain
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunrise">Sunrise</span>
6:20
6:18
6:16
6:16
6:13
6:11
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunset">Sunset</span>
6:23
6:24
6:25
6:27
6:28
6:29
 mm
1
3
1
5
Temp °C
11
11
12
14
13
13
11
11
9
9
11
11
10
12
12
11
11
11
13
Feels °C
6
1
1
7
3
3
2
5
5
3
3
1
1
4
4
6
8
8
8
  • 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 Wharariki Beach Surf forecast

The above surf forecast table for Wharariki Beach provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Wharariki Beach can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Wharariki Beach 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 (Wharariki Beach) 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 Wharariki Beach 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 Nelson - West Coast? If you are looking for accommodation near Wharariki Beach, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Nelson - West Coast, consider staying in Nelson which is 100 km (62 miles) away.

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