(NOTE: Reviews may be edited by our content team for the purposes of ensuring accurate and relevant information)
“hi,
I was disappointed to read this comment (“Whakatane Heads is the most over rated surf spot in New Zealand. Hardly ever breaks and is polluted beyond a joke.”
MORGZ from NEW ZEALAND - 13 May 2010) especially the bit where it is polluted beyond a joke! Our river and bar entrance is not polluted at all, the water clarity is great. However, if we have a significant rain fall or flood then the river is dirty only because of that factor - then it clears within a few days depending on the severity of the flood. This happens worldwide - any flooding creates a dirty river or sea but it does not mean it is polluted. The duty maritime officer is always picking up any debris that has come down in the floods in our river entrance and around the moorings.
Raewyn, Whakatane”
Raewyn from NEW ZEALAND - 12 Jul 2016
Whakatane Heads Ratings
Overall: 3.0. Based on 8 votes and 3 reviews. Vote
Quality on a good day: 3.6(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: 1.9(1: Whakatane Heads is a fickle surf spot that only works a few times a year. 5: Reliable year-round spot). |
Regional Rating: 3.2(1: Whakatane Heads is usually very poor quality compared to other spots in Bay of Plenty. 5: the best break in Bay of Plenty). |
Difficulty Level: 3.6(1: Suitable for Groms. 3: Intermediates. 5: Expert tow-in surfers only). |
Onshore Wind: 2.4(1: even a light onshore ruins the surf. 5: Whakatane Heads can offer better rides with a light wind behind them). |
Other Options: 3.7(1: If wind or tide conditions are poor at Whakatane Heads, it will be poor everywhere nearby. 5: other locations nearby provide a rich variety of wind and swell exposures). |
Wind and Kite Surfing: 1.0(1: An unsuitable spot. 5: Wind and wave conditions at Whakatane Heads are often excellent). |
Water Quality: 2.8(1: Known health risks from pollution. 5: Never any pollution). |
Crowds: 2.9(1: Often too crowded. 5: Whakatane Heads is an isolated spot where you are unlikely to meet other surfers). |
Access: 4.4(1: Getting to Whakatane Heads 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: 2.4(1: Locals are hostile to visitors. 5: Either there are no locals who surf, or else they are accommodating and friendly). |
Accommodation: 3.9(1: No convenient places to stay indoors. 5: A wide variety of accommodation near Whakatane Heads for all budgets from hostels to luxury hotels). |
Camping: 1.7(1: Camping at Whakatane Heads is not possible. 3: Camping tolerated but no facilities. 5: A nearby camp ground has excellent facilities and a good vibe). |
Entertainment: 3.7(1: Besides the surf and the solitude there is nothing to do when it is flat. 5: Whakatane Heads is in such an interesting area to visit that getting wet is a bonus). |
Equipment and Repairs: 3.5(1: Nothing can be sourced, not even wax. 5: Quality surfing equipment can be purchased or hired. Major repairs can be fixed too). |
Eating: 4.3(1: Bring your own food, there isn't even a shop. 5: A wide variety of places to eat and drink at Whakatane Heads, from fast food and cafes to fancy restaurants). |
Drinking: 3.9(1: Alcohol is not allowed in the country. 5: There is an excellent pub near Whakatane Heads where you can stay or park a camper van overnight). |
“Morgz you got that spot on but you forgot to mention the mako sharks around the river mouth.”
Blades from NEW ZEALAND - 11 Jul 2010
“Whakatane Heads is the most over rated surf spot in New Zealand. Hardly ever breaks and is polluted beyond a joke.”
MORGZ from NEW ZEALAND - 13 May 2010
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