
Surf Forecasts:
Whangamata Estuary surf forecast from 29 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Friday 31 Jul, 9AM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.0m), 7s period, N swell with offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Friday 31 Jul, 6AM (local time) - 5.5ft (1.7m), 7s period, NNW swell with 257 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Friday 31 Jul, 9AM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.0m), 7s period with N swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Whangamata Estuary this week:
The surf forecast for Whangamata Estuary over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Friday (Jul 31) at 9AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.0m and 7s period with a secondary swell of 0.4m and 12s. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Whangamata Estuary in the next 16 days are 1.7m 7s and forecast to arrive on Friday (Jul 31) at 6AM. Winds are predicted to be cross-offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.5m 3s period and expected on Friday (Jul 31) at 9AM.
| Wave Type | Time (NZST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 9AM (Fri 31st Jul) | 3.5ft (1.0m) 7s |
| Best Surf | 9AM (Fri 31st Jul) | 3.5ft (1.0m) 7s |
| Most Powerful | 6AM (Fri 31st Jul) | 5.5ft (1.7m) 7s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Whangamata Estuary over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
G’day, it’s Rusty. Let’s talk about what’s goin’ down at Whangamata Estuary for the next 16 days. It’s a slow burner—first week’s mostly a write-off. Water temp’s about normal for this time of year.
From Thursday the 30th of July through Wednesday the 5th of August, it’s flat or close to it. Tiny waves from 0.7ft to 2ft, combined swell energy mostly under 100—weak as. Winds are light or cross-off, but there’s just no juice. Saturday the 1st of August has a glassy morning but only 1ft and energy at 48. You’re better off takin’ a nap.
Friday the 7th of August morning sees a pulse: 5ft from the north, 8-second period, glassy, energy at 262. Finally somethin’ to ride, but it’s ordinary. Afternoon gets a bit lumpy. Not the day.
Saturday the 8th to Sunday the 9th of August gets rough. Cross-onshore winds up to 25 mph, waves 2ft to 5ft, all chop and mess. Energy up to 420, but it’s wind slop. More for kite surfers than paddle surfers.
Monday the 10th of August morning: 10ft from the ESE, 8-second period, cross-off wind, energy 1137. That’s expert territory—over 8ft. Afternoon hits 12ft, 2611 energy, wind fresh cross-off. Only for the brave.
Tuesday the 11th of August morning is a mess: 13ft, 4813 energy, howling cross-on. Afternoon cleans up a bit with cross-off, 12ft, 4009 energy—still only for experts.
Now the standout: Wednesday the 12th of August. Morning has 8ft from the east, 13-second groundswell, offshore wind from the west at 9 mph, energy at 2288. That’s clean, powerful, and excellent for experienced surfers. The long period might make it a bit straight at the estuary, but it’s the best of the run. Afternoon holds 8ft, light wind, 1769 energy—still clean.
Thursday the 13th of August morning drops to 5ft, east swell, 12 seconds, glassy calm, 704 energy. Very good conditions, even for intermediates. Friday the 14th of August morning finishes with 3ft, glassy, east swell, 301 energy—clean fun.
Lock in Wednesday the 12th of August: big east swell, clean offshore winds, serious energy. That’s your wave.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastLight rain (total 2mm), mostly falling on Thu night. Very mild (max 15°C on Thu morning, min 9°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummaryMostly dry. Very mild (max 16°C on Tue afternoon, min 5°C on Sat night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||
Thursday 30 | Friday 31 | Saturday 1 | Sunday 2 | Monday 3 | Tuesday 4 | ||||||||||||||
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) | E 12 | E 12 | E 12 | N 6 | N 7 | N 7 | N 7 | E 13 | E 12 | ESE 5 | ENE 16 | ENE 14 | ENE 14 | ENE 13 | ENE 13 | ENE 12 | ENE 12 | ENE 12 | ENE 12 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||
105 | 72 | 71 | 61 | 91 | 81 | 50 | 29 | 26 | 24 | 24 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | cross | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | off | off | off | glassy | cross-on | cross-on | cross-off | glassy | off | off | cross-off | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross |
High Tide | 7:02AM1.57m | 7:33PM1.70m | 7:45AM1.60m | 8:13PM1.74m | 8:27AM1.62m | 8:52PM1.76m | 9:08AM1.63m | 9:30PM1.77m | 9:50AM1.64m | 10:09PM1.77m | 10:33AM1.65m | 10:51PM1.76m | |||||||
Low Tide | 1:04AM0.43m | 1:16PM0.29m | 1:48AM0.38m | 1:58PM0.26m | 2:31AM0.33m | 2:40PM0.25m | 3:12AM0.29m | 3:20PM0.25m | 3:52AM0.26m | 4:01PM0.27m | 4:32AM0.24m | 4:44PM0.29m | |||||||
— | 7:16 | — | — | 7:16 | — | — | 7:15 | — | — | 7:13 | — | — | 7:13 | — | — | 7:13 | — | — | |
— | — | 5:28 | — | — | 5:29 | — | — | 5:30 | — | — | 5:30 | — | — | 5:30 | — | — | 5:31 | — | |
mm | — | — | — | 2 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 11 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 10 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 8 | 14 | 15 | 11 | 15 | 16 | 10 |
Feels °C | 8 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 11 | 12 | 7 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 12 | E 12 | E 12 | ESE 11 | N 7 | N 7 | N 7 | N 7 | N 6 | N 6 | ESE 4 | ENE 14 | ENE 14 | ENE 13 | ENE 13 | ENE 12 | ENE 12 | ENE 12 | ESE 4 |
105 | 72 | 71 | 42 | 91 | 81 | 50 | 15 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 5 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 12 | E 12 | NE 12 | E 11 | ESE 12 | ESE 11 | ESE 11 | E 13 | E 12 | ENE 15 | ENE 16 | E 5 | E 4 | E 8 | E 5 | NE 9 | E 18 | — | ENE 12 |
3 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 46 | 43 | 41 | 29 | 26 | 23 | 24 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 6 | — | 14 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | E 12 | N 9 | N 9 | E 19 | NE 18 | NE 18 | ENE 17 | NNE 6 | NNE 6 | E 12 | N 5 | SE 4 | N 5 | NE 16 | E 6 | — | — | E 17 | E 16 |
3 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 13 | 12 | 27 | 4 | 3 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 1 | — | — | 5 | 5 | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | N 3 | N 4 | N 4 | N 6 | W 3 | WNW 2 | W 3 | — | — | ESE 5 | — | — | — | — | W 3 | WSW 3 | SW 3 | — | — |
1 | 2 | 12 | 61 | 6 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 24 | — | — | — | — | 1 | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 4 | 4 | 229 | 198 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 106 | 54 | 9 | 113 | 197 | 216 | 236 | 164 | 194 | 216 | 114 |
Best forecast wave conditions in The Coromandel | |||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||
Header Global | |||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Whangamata Estuary Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Whangamata Estuary provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Whangamata Estuary can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Whangamata Estuary 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 Estuary) 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 Estuary 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 Estuary is 56 km (35 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.










