Surf Forecasts:
Whakatane Heads surf forecast from 22 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Monday 24 Aug, 12AM (local time) - 4ft (1.2m), 7s period, NNW swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Sunday 23 Aug, 6PM (local time) - 6ft (1.8m), 7s period, NW swell with 295 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 24 Aug, 12AM (local time) - 4ft (1.2m), 7s period with NNW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Whakatane Heads this week:
The surf forecast for Whakatane Heads over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Aug 24) at 12AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.2m and 7s period with a secondary swell of 0.1m and 12s. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Whakatane Heads in the next 16 days are 1.8m 7s and forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 23) at 6PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-shore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.7m 4s period and expected on Monday (Aug 24) at 12AM.
| Wave Type | Time (NZST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 12AM (Mon 24th Aug) | 4ft (1.2m) 7s |
| Best Surf | 12AM (Mon 24th Aug) | 4ft (1.2m) 7s |
| Most Powerful | 6PM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 6ft (1.8m) 7s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Whakatane Heads over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, mate, Rusty here. Let’s break down what’s on the table for the next 16 days.
First up, the outlook is pretty grim for a long stretch. We’re looking at a big gap of flat to poor conditions right through the first week and a bit. The only spot on the radar is Whakatane Heads (a beach and reef set-up), and it’s honestly not offering much for a while.
From Saturday the 22nd of August right through to Friday the 4th of September, the surf is mostly poor with tiny waves and wonky winds. The energy is weak, with values like 7 (combined energy of all swells directed here) showing barely a ripple. The water temperature is about average for this time of year, nothing weird there.
The first real glimmer of hope comes on Saturday the 5th of September in the morning. That’s the standout. Whakatane Heads should see a clean 6ft swell from the NNW with a period of 8 seconds, and glassy conditions from a light southerly. The combined energy of all swells directed here jumps to 458, which is solid moderate energy. That’s the best on offer – clean, decent size, and the wind is perfect. It’s advanced territory at that size, so not one for beginners.
After that, it fades again. Sunday the 6th of September morning has glassy conditions but only a tiny 1ft swell, so not worth the paddle.
In short, you’ve got a long wait. The only real window is Saturday morning the 5th of September at Whakatane Heads. Mark it, but remember it’s a long-range call, so keep an eye on updates.
Rusty
Short Range ForecastSome drizzle, heaviest during Sun afternoon. Very mild (max 16°C on Sat afternoon, min 7°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 19°C on Wed afternoon, min 8°C on Tue morning). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | Tuesday 25 | Wednesday 26 | Thursday 27 | Friday 28 | |||||||||||||||
AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Swell Height Map |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | ||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | N 15 | WNW 4 | WNW 4 | NW 5 | NNW 6 | NNW 7 | NNW 7 | NNW 6 | W 4 | W 3 | WNW 4 | NW 5 | WNW 4 | N 13 | N 12 | N 12 | NE 10 | NE 10 | N 11 | NNE 9 | NNW 5 |
Wave Graph  | |||||||||||||||||||||
 kJ | 5 | 13 | 32 | 53 | 239 | 132 | 38 | 14 | 10 | 7 | 21 | 8 | 8 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 8 | 19 |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | glassy | cross-on | cross | cross-on | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | on | cross-off | cross-off | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross | off | cross-off | cross-on | cross-off | cross-off | on | glassy |
High Tide | 2:05PM1.62m | 2:07AM1.58m | 3:01PM1.61m | 3:03AM1.55m | 4:00PM1.61m | 4:00AM1.56m | 4:55PM1.63m | 4:54AM1.60m | 5:42PM1.67m | 5:42AM1.64m | 6:23PM1.71m | 6:28AM1.67m | 7:01PM1.75m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 8:28PM0.61m | 8:45AM0.54m | 9:25PM0.63m | 9:44AM0.56m | 10:17PM0.62m | 10:39AM0.53m | 11:07PM0.58m | 11:28AM0.48m | 11:54PM0.52m | 12:11PM0.41m | 00:40AM0.45m | 12:52PM0.34m | 1:25AM0.36m | ||||||||
 |  |  | |  | | | | | | | | | | | | |  | | | | |
 | 6:48 | — | — | 6:47 | — | — | 6:45 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — | 6:43 | — | — | 6:41 | — | — | 6:39 | — | — |
 | — | 5:40 | — | — | 5:42 | — | — | 5:43 | — | — | 5:44 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:46 | — |
mm | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 14 | 16 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 11 | 14 | 14 | 11 | 16 | 18 | 12 | 15 | 19 | 15 | 16 | 18 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 13 |
Feels °C | 10 | 11 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 7 | 12 | 11 | 8 | 12 | 13 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 14 | 14 | 16 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 13 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | N 15 | NE 14 | NE 14 | NE 13 | NE 13 | NNW 7 | NNW 7 | NNW 6 | NNW 5 | NE 11 | NE 10 | NW 5 | WNW 4 | NE 10 | — | NE 10 | NE 10 | — | NNW 3 | NNE 9 | NNW 5 |
| kJ | 5 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 132 | 38 | 14 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 4 | — | 4 | 4 | — | 1 | 8 | 19 |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | NE 11 | NE 11 | N 10 | NE 10 | N 12 | — | NE 12 | NE 11 | NE 11 | N 14 | NE 10 | NE 10 | N 13 | NE 10 | NW 4 | — | NE 10 | NE 9 | — | NE 9 |
| kJ | — | 5 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 3 | — | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 1 | — | 4 | 3 | — | 3 |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | — | — | — | — | — | NE 10 | NE 12 | NE 9 | NE 11 | N 14 | — | N 13 | N 13 | N 12 | N 12 | N 12 | — | — | N 11 | — | N 10 |
| kJ | — | — | — | — | — | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 4 | — | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | — | — | 2 | — | 2 |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | W 3 | WNW 4 | WNW 4 | NW 5 | NNW 6 | WSW 4 | WSW 4 | WNW 4 | W 4 | W 3 | WNW 4 | W 4 | SW 3 | WNW 4 | NE 3 | NNE 3 | N 3 | — | — | NNW 2 | — |
| kJ | 3 | 13 | 32 | 53 | 239 | 15 | 7 | 2 | 10 | 7 | 21 | 9 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 1 | — |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 118 | 119 | 118 | 119 | 119 | 0 | 53 | 119 | 118 | 118 | 119 | 119 | 118 | 123 | 119 | 118 | 119 | 119 | 118 | 119 | 119 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Bay of Plenty | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Whakatane Heads Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Whakatane Heads provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Whakatane Heads can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Whakatane Heads 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 (Whakatane Heads) 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 Whakatane Heads 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 Bay of Plenty? If you are looking for accommodation near Whakatane Heads, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Bay of Plenty, consider staying in Whakatane which is 2 km (1 miles) away. Other places in and around Bay of Plenty where you can find information about places to rent, and car hire include Rotorua which is 70 km (43 miles) away and Tauranga, 79 km (49 miles) away.
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