Surf Forecasts:
Whangamata Bar surf forecast from 18 Aug 2026:
- Best quality surf: Sunday 23 Aug, 12PM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.8m), 6s period, NNW swell with offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Thursday 20 Aug, 3AM (local time) - 1.5ft (0.5m), 9s period, ESE swell with 45 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Sunday 23 Aug, 12PM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.8m), 6s period with NNW swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Whangamata Bar this week:
The surf forecast for Whangamata Bar over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Sunday (Aug 23) at 12PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.8m and 6s period with a secondary swell of 0.1m and 12s. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Whangamata Bar in the next 16 days are 0.5m 9s and forecast to arrive on Thursday (Aug 20) at 3AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 1.3m 6s period and expected on Sunday (Aug 23) at 12PM.
| Wave Type | Time (NZST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 12PM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 2.5ft (0.8m) 6s |
| Best Surf | 12PM (Sun 23rd Aug) | 2.5ft (0.8m) 6s |
| Most Powerful | 3AM (Thu 20th Aug) | 1.5ft (0.5m) 9s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Whangamata Bar over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright, let’s talk about the next couple of weeks around Whangamata Bar. There’s a long, flat spell to start, so don’t be in a hurry.
We’ve got a quiet run from now through the end of August. The swell is tiny, mostly 0.3ft to 1ft, with wave energy that’s weak (between 5 and 48). The wind is often offshore or glassy, which would be perfect if there was any wave, but there isn’t. This flat spell stretches for eight days. It’s a tough wait.
Then, on the 28th of August, a big, messy swell arrives. It’s 7ft from the NNE on Friday morning, building to 12ft by the afternoon. The period is short (8–9 seconds), so it’s windswell, not groundswell, and the wind is a strong cross-shore at 15 mph. The energy jumps to 514, then a massive 2669. At 12ft, this is for experts only, and with the cross-wind and short period, it’s a chaotic, dangerous mess. It’s more of a kite-surfing day than a paddle session. The beach/bar setup here won’t handle it well.
The 29th of August, Saturday, is the real highlight. The swell drops to a clean 5ft from the NE, with a short period of 8 seconds, but the wind goes light offshore from the WNW in the morning, then WSW in the afternoon. The wave energy is still moderate (437 in the morning, 244 in the arvo). The morning looks clean and the best of the whole outlook. The swell is a bit over 5ft, so it’s not for total beginners, but it’s a solid, fun-size wave for intermediates and above. The water temperature is about average for the time of year, around 60°F.
The standout is Saturday the 29th, early morning. Whangamata Bar (New Zealand) should have clean, offshore conditions with a 5ft NE swell. The light offshore breeze will keep the faces tidy. It’s not the biggest swell of the window, but it’s the only session where the wind and swell line up for a decent paddle. After that, the swell fades and the wind turns onshore, so don’t miss it.
After Saturday, the 30th through to the 3rd of September sees the swell drop back to knee-high or less, with cross-on or onshore winds making a mess. The 1st of September has a 4ft to 4ft swell from the ENE, but the wind is a strong cross-onshore (15–22 mph), so it’s choppy and lumpy. Not worth the trip.
So, to sum it up: a long, flat stretch, then a big, wild swell that’s too rough for most, and then one clean morning on the 29th of August. That Saturday sunrise is your best bet. Make the most of it.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 14°C on Fri afternoon, min 7°C on Wed night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 4-6 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Sun afternoon, min 9°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wednesday 19 | Thursday 20 | Friday 21 | Saturday 22 | Sunday 23 | Monday 24 | Tuesday 25 | |||||||||||||||
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) | S 3 | SE 5 | SE 4 | E 9 | E 8 | E 10 | E 10 | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | NE 14 | NE 14 | NE 13 | N 6 | N 6 | N 6 | NE 12 | E 11 | NE 11 | E 11 | E 11 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
2 | 8 | 18 | 13 | 12 | 35 | 17 | 15 | 7 | 2 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 38 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross-off | cross | cross-off | cross-off | glassy | off | off | off | off | off | off | cross-off | cross-off | off | off | off | cross-off | off | off | off | off |
High Tide | 11:34AM1.69m | 11:49PM1.68m | 12:22PM1.62m | 00:36AM1.59m | 1:12PM1.56m | 1:26AM1.52m | 2:05PM1.52m | 2:19AM1.47m | 3:00PM1.50m | 3:14AM1.46m | 3:55PM1.51m | 4:08AM1.46m | 4:48PM1.55m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 5:42PM0.33m | 6:07AM0.28m | 6:30PM0.42m | 6:53AM0.35m | 7:19PM0.49m | 7:42AM0.41m | 8:11PM0.55m | 8:34AM0.45m | 9:06PM0.57m | 9:28AM0.45m | 10:02PM0.56m | 10:22AM0.43m | 10:57PM0.52m | ||||||||
6:54 | — | — | 6:54 | — | — | 6:52 | — | — | 6:52 | — | — | 6:50 | — | — | 6:48 | — | — | 6:48 | — | — | |
— | 5:44 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:45 | — | — | 5:46 | — | — | 5:47 | — | — | 5:47 | — | — | 5:49 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 11 | 13 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 14 | 12 | 15 | 16 | 13 | 14 | 17 | 12 | 16 | 17 | 10 | 16 | 18 | 14 |
Feels °C | 5 | 9 | 5 | 10 | 11 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 11 | 13 | 10 | 13 | 13 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 11 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 8 | SE 5 | SE 5 | E 6 | E 6 | E 10 | E 10 | E 9 | E 9 | E 7 | NE 14 | E 13 | NE 13 | N 6 | N 6 | N 6 | N 5 | — | NE 11 | NE 10 | NE 10 |
1 | 8 | 12 | 7 | 6 | 35 | 17 | 15 | 7 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 7 | 38 | 7 | 2 | 2 | — | 4 | 4 | 4 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 10 | E 10 | E 9 | E 9 | E 8 | — | — | E 9 | E 9 | E 9 | E 7 | NE 14 | E 12 | E 12 | NE 10 | NE 11 | NE 12 | NE 9 | E 11 | E 11 | — |
2 | 7 | 6 | 13 | 12 | — | — | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 2 | — | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SE 6 | — | E 12 | — | E 11 | E 7 | — | — | — | E 9 | E 9 | E 11 | — | NE 13 | E 12 | E 12 | E 11 | E 11 | — | — | E 11 |
1 | — | 3 | — | 2 | 1 | — | — | — | 2 | 2 | 2 | — | 7 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | — | — | 2 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | S 3 | — | SE 4 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | NNW 4 | NW 4 | NNW 5 | — | — | — | — | — | — | NW 4 | — |
2 | — | 18 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | 5 | 30 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 161 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 109 | 109 | 109 | 109 | 113 | 195 | 237 | 237 | 179 | 6 | 127 | 225 | 242 | 161 | 237 | 237 | 237 |
Best forecast wave conditions in The Coromandel | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Whangamata Bar Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Whangamata Bar provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Whangamata Bar can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Whangamata Bar 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 (Whangamata Bar) 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 Whangamata Bar 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.
Whangamata Bar is 59 km (37 miles) from the city of Tauranga. If you plan a holiday in The Coromandel, look for hotels and other accommodation in Tauranga. Tauranga has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.











