Waitarere Reviews and Ratings
(Wanganui and the Manawatu, New Zealand)
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Visitor reviews of Waitarere surf break
(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“I grew up in Levin and Waitarere was where I learned to surf, with a bunch of schoolmates. Great times, but the surf is inconsistent and Offshores are virtually unknown. Early in the morning is best before the breeze gets up, nice glassy conditions.
The beach is great though, long and uncrowded with driftwood and a nice cafe.”
Russel Hanson from NEW ZEALAND - 02 Feb 2013
Waitarere Ratings
Overall: 1.0. Based on 8 votes and 2 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 2.0(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: 2.4(1: Waitarere is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 2.7(1: Waitarere is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Wanganui and the Manawatu. 5: the best break in Wanganui and the Manawatu). |
Difficulty Level: 2.4(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 3.0(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Waitarere can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 1.9(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Waitarere, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 3.3(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Waitarere are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 4.0(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 3.6(1: Often too crowded. 5: Waitarere is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.8(1: Getting to Waitarere 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: 3.4(1: An ugly industrial backdrop. 5: A spectacular setting). |
Local Attitude: 4.0(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 2.9(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Waitarere for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 4.3(1: Camping at Waitarere is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 2.9(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Waitarere is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 2.0(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 3.6(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Waitarere, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 3.4(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Waitarere where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Very very very cool”
Dave from NEW ZEALAND - 12 Feb 2011

