Whangamata Bar Surf Forecast and Surf Report

G’day, Rusty here. Let’s be real—the next couple of weeks at Whangamata Bar are a mixed bag. Most of the time it’s flat or messy, but there’s a proper pulse of groundswell brewing for the second week that’ll get the heart rate up. Let’s run through it.

Right now, we’re waiting. The first real surf worth paddling for kicks off Monday the 6th of July with a 7 ft swell from the NNE, but the period’s a short 7 seconds and the wind’s a cross-off from the NNW at 12 mph. The combined energy’s moderate (553), but the report calls it marginal—tide and quality are questionable, so keep expectations low if you’re itching to paddle.

By Monday afternoon, it drops a bit to 6 ft from the NNW, still cross-off, but the energy jumps to 956. Still, the wave comment says “marginal.” Not the day to push it.

Tuesday the 7th is a write-off. Morning has 4 ft with a cross-on ENE wind at 12 mph, and afternoon sees 7 ft but with stronger 16 mph onshore winds. Both sessions score zero and the description says “poor surf conditions.” Leave the board in the car.

Wednesday the 8th shows promise. Morning: 5 ft from the NNE, 8-second period, cross-off SSW wind at 9 mph, and moderate energy (708). It’s still “marginal.” But the afternoon gets interesting—5 ft from the ESE, 10-second period, clean cross-off SW wind at 9 mph, and energy jumps to 844. The wave comment says “expect very good surf conditions.” That’s the best of the first week, and it’s clean.

Thursday the 9th fades fast. Both sessions have 3 ft from the east, 10-second period, but the afternoon is glassy with a light SSE breeze. Energy’s low (190 then 185). “Surfable but very ordinary.” A glassy morning paddle might give you a few fun ones if you’re not picky.

From Friday the 10th through to Tuesday the 14th, it’s grim. Waves shrink to 2 ft and below, with only 1 ft days and weak energy in the 30–134 range. Winds are mostly cross or onshore, and every report says “poor.” That’s a solid 5-day gap of nothing worth chasing.

Then the second week delivers a standout. Wednesday morning the 15th is still small and messy (1 ft, 22 mph onshore), but don’t be fooled—the big one is coming. Thursday the 16th brings a 10 ft NE swell in the morning, 8-second period, cross-off NNW wind at 12 mph, and energy at 1089—strong. The wave comment says “marginal,” but that’s likely a tide issue. Afternoon pushes the same 10 ft from the ENE, 9-second period, with light onshore wind and energy surging to 1546. That’s a powerful pulse. This is for experienced surfers only—over 8 ft, and the period’s short (8–9 seconds), so it’ll be dumpy and challenging. For experts, it’s the real deal.

Friday the 17th cleans up nicely. Morning: 6 ft from the ENE, 9-second period, cross-off WSW wind at 6 mph, energy 504—still good. But the afternoon is the pick of the second week: 4 ft from the ENE, 9-second period, absolutely glassy with calm wind (0 mph) and energy 305. That’s clean, lined-up, and approachable for intermediates. Could be a magic session.

After that, it drops away into flatness. Saturday the 18th through to Tuesday the 21st sees nothing above 2 ft, and the last few days have 0.3 ft–1 ft with onshore winds and zero energy. The forecast runs dry.

So, the standout is Thursday the 16th for the big stuff—if you’re an expert, that 10 ft NE swell with clean wind is your window, just watch the tide. For a more user-friendly session, Friday the 17th afternoon with 4 ft, glassy conditions, and a good 9-second period is the call. The water temp is 60°F, which is about normal for the time of year, so grab a decent suit.

Crowds at Whangamata Bar can be an issue sometimes, especially when the swell shows. Keep an eye on it.

Catch you out there.

Rusty

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