(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“Tom Pilkinton was asked to leave, so now he surfs and lives in New Plymouth”
Tama B from NEW ZEALAND - 28 Sep 2015
Waitara Bar Ratings
Overall: 2.0. Based on 7 votes and 2 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 4.2(1 star: Even when the swell and winds are optimum, the waves are poor quality, 5 stars: If conditions are right, the waves will be World Class). |
Consistency of Surf: 4.2(1: Waitara Bar is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 4.2(1: Waitara Bar is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Taranaki. 5: the best break in Taranaki). |
Difficulty Level: 4.4(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 5.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Waitara Bar can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.8(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Waitara Bar, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 4.8(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Waitara Bar are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.8(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 4.2(1: Often too crowded. 5: Waitara Bar is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.8(1: Getting to Waitara Bar requires an overland expedition or chartering a boat. 3: A 30 minute walk from the nearest parking. 5: Park a vehicle right by the break). |
Scenery: 4.2(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 2.2(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 3.8(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Waitara Bar for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 4.6(1: Camping at Waitara Bar is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 4.8(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Waitara Bar is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 4.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 4.4(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Waitara Bar, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 4.4(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Waitara Bar where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Waitara is a sick spot that offers left and right bar reef but mostly bar breaks at high and low tides. If your not from Waitara or know the locals good luck getting a wave on a good day and don't be surprised if you get asked to leave the water :)”
Tom Pilkinton from NEW ZEALAND - 28 May 2011
Nearest