
Surf Forecasts:
Whangara surf forecast from 14 Jul 2026:
- Best quality surf: Friday 17 Jul, 3AM (local time) - 5.5ft (1.7m), 16s period, ESE swell with cross-offshore winds.
- Most powerful swell: Friday 17 Jul, 12PM (local time) - 6ft (1.9m), 16s period, ESE swell with 1,743 kJ wave energy.
- Next surfable swell (1★+): Wednesday 15 Jul, 3AM (local time) - 1.5ft (0.5m), 11s period with ESE swell.
Best Forecast Surf Conditions for Whangara this week:
The surf forecast for Whangara over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Wednesday (Jul 15) at 3AM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.5m and 11s period with a secondary swell of 0.4m and 5s. The wind is predicted to be offshore as the swell arrives.
The most powerful waves expected at Whangara in the next 16 days are 1.9m 16s and forecast to arrive on Friday (Jul 17) at 12PM. Winds are predicted to be cross-onshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 2.3m 13s period and expected on Friday (Jul 17) at 9PM.
| Wave Type | Time (NZST) & Date | Wave Height & Period |
|---|---|---|
| Next good surf (1 star+) | 3AM (Wed 15th Jul) | 1.5ft (0.5m) 11s |
| Best Surf | 3AM (Fri 17th Jul) | 5.5ft (1.7m) 16s |
| Most Powerful | 12PM (Fri 17th Jul) | 6ft (1.9m) 16s |
Table - best surf conditions forecast for Whangara over the next 16 days.
The Lowdown
Alright folks, Rusty here. Let's have a look at what's on the cards for the next couple of weeks.
First up, we’ve got a bit of a slow start, but don’t worry, it won’t stay flat for long. The real action kicks off later this week, so keep your boards waxed.
The standout session is shaping up for Friday, July 17th at Whangara. This is the one to circle. We’re looking at a solid groundswell pushing in from the ESE at 6ft, with a lovely long period of 16 seconds. That’s proper energy, and the combined swell energy is pumping hard at 1608. With a light WNW breeze keeping it glassy and clean, this is prime territory for experienced surfers. The offshore wind is perfect, and with that long period, it’s going to be a ripper. The water temp is about average for the time of year, so no surprises there.
Saturday, July 18th is still a very good option. The swell drops a touch to 6ft from the ESE, but the period is still a solid 14 seconds, and the combined energy is strong at 1126. A light WNW offshore wind will keep the faces clean in the morning. It’s a bit smaller than Friday, but still a fantastic session for anyone who can handle a decent-sized wave.
The week leading up to that is a slow burner. Wednesday, July 15th has tiny 2ft ESE swell, but the wind is straight offshore from the WNW, so it’s clean but very small. Thursday, July 16th builds a little, with 3ft to 3ft ESE swell and cross-off winds, but the best of it is still marginal.
After the big weekend, things drop off fast. Sunday, July 19th gets messy with strong southerly winds and onshore chop. There’s a long gap of poor conditions after that, with only small, clean windows on Tuesday, July 22nd (morning) and Wednesday, July 23rd (morning) with NW offshore winds, but the swell is tiny.
The second week is a mixed bag of inconsistent small waves. You’ll get a few clean mornings, like Saturday, July 25th morning with glassy conditions and a small 3ft NE swell, and Sunday, July 26th morning with a 3ft SE swell and offshore winds. But the consistency is low, and the size is nothing to write home about. Crowds are only sometimes an issue at Whangara, so you’ll likely have plenty of room when it’s on.
This is one of those rare spots where a long period swell like that Friday one can really shine. It’s a beach and reef setup, so the long lines will hold up well.
Rusty.
Short Range ForecastMostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Thu afternoon, min 10°C on Thu night). Wind will be generally light. | Days 5-7 Weather SummarySome drizzle, heaviest during Sun morning. Very mild (max 14°C on Sat afternoon, min 9°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light. | ||||||||||||||||||||
Wednesday 15 | Thursday 16 | Friday 17 | Saturday 18 | Sunday 19 | Monday 20 | Tue 21 | |||||||||||||||
Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | |
Swell Height Map | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wave Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ESE 12 | ESE 11 | ESE 10 | ESE 13 | ESE 15 | ESE 17 | ESE 16 | ESE 16 | ESE 15 | ESE 15 | ESE 14 | ESE 14 | SE 13 | ESE 13 | ESE 13 | SE 12 | S 11 | ESE 12 | ESE 11 | ESE 11 | ESE 11 |
Wave Graph | |||||||||||||||||||||
79 | 68 | 63 | 56 | 242 | 556 | 1245 | 1608 | 1654 | 1297 | 1126 | 908 | 732 | 572 | 444 | 347 | 326 | 239 | 163 | 107 | 105 | |
Wind (km/h) | |||||||||||||||||||||
Wind State on-shore cross-onshore cross-shore cross-offshore off-shore glassy | off | off | cross-on | off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-off | cross-on | off | off | cross-on | cross-off | cross-on | cross-on | cross-on | cross | cross-on | cross | cross-off | on |
High Tide | 5:53AM1.57m | 6:27PM1.70m | 6:51AM1.58m | 7:23PM1.72m | 7:48AM1.58m | 8:18PM1.70m | 8:44AM1.56m | 9:11PM1.67m | 9:39AM1.52m | 10:04PM1.61m | 10:33AM1.49m | 10:55PM1.54m | 11:25AM1.44m | ||||||||
Low Tide | 11:48PM0.07m | 12:08PM-0.01m | 00:47AM0.04m | 1:06PM-0.02m | 1:45AM0.01m | 2:03PM-0.02m | 2:41AM0.01m | 2:58PM0.01m | 3:35AM0.02m | 3:52PM0.06m | 4:26AM0.06m | 4:44PM0.12m | 5:16AM0.11m | 5:35PM0.19m | |||||||
— | 7:20 | — | — | 7:20 | — | — | 7:20 | — | — | 7:20 | — | — | 7:18 | — | — | 7:18 | — | — | 7:18 | — | |
— | — | 5:04 | — | — | 5:05 | — | — | 5:06 | — | — | 5:06 | — | — | 5:07 | — | — | 5:07 | — | — | 5:08 | |
mm | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Temp °C | 13 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 16 | 17 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 10 |
Feels °C | 11 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 12 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 7 |
Swell 1 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | ESE 12 | ESE 11 | ESE 10 | ESE 13 | ESE 15 | ESE 17 | ESE 16 | ESE 16 | ESE 15 | S 12 | ESE 14 | ESE 14 | SE 13 | S 19 | SSW 18 | SE 12 | S 11 | S 15 | S 14 | S 14 | S 13 |
79 | 68 | 63 | 56 | 242 | 556 | 1245 | 1608 | 1654 | 1342 | 1126 | 908 | 732 | 1935 | 1274 | 347 | 326 | 1453 | 1163 | 946 | 760 | |
Swell 2 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NNE 5 | NNE 5 | NNE 5 | ESE 10 | S 17 | SSW 18 | SSW 16 | SSW 6 | S 15 | ESE 15 | S 10 | S 10 | S 9 | ESE 13 | ESE 13 | S 16 | S 16 | ESE 12 | ESE 11 | ESE 11 | ESE 11 |
13 | 8 | 5 | 33 | 24 | 30 | 25 | 43 | 298 | 1297 | 489 | 268 | 155 | 572 | 444 | 522 | 781 | 239 | 163 | 107 | 105 | |
Swell 3 Height (m) Direction Period (s) | SSW 9 | S 9 | NE 10 | NNE 5 | NNE 5 | NNE 10 | — | SSW 16 | — | — | — | S 25 | SSW 23 | — | — | SSW 12 | ESE 12 | — | — | — | — |
17 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 9 | — | 24 | — | — | — | 12 | 874 | — | — | 140 | 299 | — | — | — | — | |
Wind waves Height (m) Direction Period (s) | NW 3 | — | — | NNE 5 | W 3 | NNW 10 | W 3 | SSW 6 | S 6 | — | — | — | — | SSW 9 | S 5 | SSE 5 | — | — | — | — | — |
1 | — | — | 9 | 1 | 19 | 5 | 88 | 40 | — | — | — | — | 249 | 77 | 62 | — | — | — | — | — | |
Nearest Offshore or Glassy | |||||||||||||||||||||
Distance (km) | 0 | 0 | 64 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 0 | 51 | 110 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 17 | 0 | 62 |
Best forecast wave conditions in Gisborne and Mahia | |||||||||||||||||||||
Best forecast wave conditions in New Zealand | |||||||||||||||||||||
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Information about the Whangara Surf forecast
The above surf forecast table for Whangara provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at Whangara can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our Whangara 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 (Whangara) 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 Whangara 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 Gisborne and Mahia? If you are looking for accommodation near Whangara, camping, hotels and holiday cottages in Gisborne and Mahia, consider staying in Gisborne which is 22 km (14 miles) away.











