Whangara Surf Break

Lat Long: 38.58° S 178.21° E

Whangara Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Issued: 11 am 14 Sep 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Today's Whangara sea temperature is
13.5°C
0.6° 

Whangara surf forecast is for near shore open water. Breaking waves will often be smaller at less exposed spots.


Whangara surf forecast from 14 Sep 2026:

  • Best quality surf: Monday 21 Sep, 6AM (local time) - 7.5ft (2.3m), 15s period, S swell with offshore winds.
  • Most powerful swell: Monday 21 Sep, 6AM (local time) - 7.5ft (2.3m), 15s period, S swell with 2,215 kJ wave energy.
  • Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 14 Sep, 9PM (local time) - 5.5ft (1.7m), 12s period with S 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 Monday (Sep 14) at 9PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 1.7m and 12s period with a secondary swell of 0.2m and 11s. The wind is predicted to be glassy as the swell arrives.

The most powerful waves expected at Whangara in the next 16 days are 2.3m 15s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Sep 21) at 6AM. Winds are predicted to be offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 3.5m 9s period and expected on Friday (Sep 18) at 9PM.

Wave TypeTime (NZST) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+) 9PM (Mon 14th Sep)5.5ft (1.7m) 12s
Best Surf 6AM (Mon 21st Sep)7.5ft (2.3m) 15s
Most Powerful 6AM (Mon 21st Sep)7.5ft (2.3m) 15s

Table - best surf conditions forecast for Whangara over the next 16 days.


The Lowdown

Alright, let’s break it down. The surf window starts Monday, September 14th at Whangara, but don’t rush out. Monday’s got tiny 1ft swell out of the NE with a 12 second period, and even though the wind is glassy, the wave energy is weak (31). It’s a flat, glassy pond out there.

Things get interesting Tuesday, September 15th. The morning serves up a clean 5ft swell from the south, 11 second period, with light cross-off wind. The energy climbs to a moderate 537, so there’s some real push. It’s a decent option, but that afternoon the wind turns onshore and makes a mess.

The real standout hits on Thursday, September 24th. Mark it down. We’ve got solid 10ft swell from the south, period around 9 seconds, and the energy is strong (1793 to 1601). The wind goes offshore and clean from the NW, which is perfect for Whangara’s reef and beach setup. This is heavy-duty, powerful surf – well over 8ft, so it’s for experienced surfers only. Expect proper, beefy waves and clean faces all day. Crowds are possible, so expect some company if you’re out there.

Before that, Wednesday the 23rd sees a massive 13ft south swell, but it’s cross-onshore and messy. The energy is enormous (2670), but the wind and size make it a total bust for surfing. Honestly, that looks more like a kite surfer’s playground than a paddle session.

After the 24th, things chill out. Friday the 25th offers a glassy 3ft ESE swell with 10 second period and clean energy (270). It’s a mellow, fun option for an easy session. Saturday the 26th morning is glassy again with 6ft south swell, period 7 seconds – a punchy, fun option for the weekend.

Late in the period, the real power returns on Tuesday, September 29th. We’re looking at a 7ft south swell with a very long 15 second period and massive energy (1858). The wind is clean and cross-off, which is prime. But this is big, fat, long-period groundswell. It’s going to unload on the reef and point breaks, not the beach, with long lulls between sets. Top-shelf stuff for experts.

Water temp at Whangara is around 56°F, which is about average for the season.

First week is slow to build, but the second week fires. Best bets: Tuesday morning the 15th for a clean start, and the absolute standout is Thursday the 24th of September for a heavy, clean session. Then keep your eye on Tuesday the 29th for more serious power, though it’s a little less certain this far out.

Rusty.

Short Range Forecast

Mostly dry. Very mild (max 17°C on Wed morning, min 9°C on Mon night). Wind will be generally light.

Days 4-6 Weather Summary

Heavy rain (total 33mm), heaviest during Fri afternoon. Very mild (max 17°C on Thu morning, min 8°C on Fri night). Winds decreasing (strong winds from the SW on Fri afternoon, light winds from the W by Sat afternoon).

Monday
14
Tuesday
15
Wednesday
16
Thursday
17
Friday
18
Saturday
19
Sunday
20
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
Rating
(10 max)
0
0
3
2
0
2
1
0
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
2
1
0
0
0
1
Swell
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Wave
Height (m)
Direction
Period (s)
0.3
NE
12
0.3
NE
12
1.7
S
12
1.5
S
11
1.2
SSE
10
1.2
SSE
10
0.7
SSE
9
1
SSE
9
1
SE
11
0.8
SE
10
0.8
SE
9
0.4
SE
15
1.1
SE
13
1.7
NNE
9
0.9
SE
12
2
S
8
1.4
SSE
8
0.7
SE
11
0.6
SE
11
0.6
SE
11
1.6
S
8
Wave Graph
Metric surfscale
Energy kJ
22
22
802
517
294
271
88
158
245
136
101
68
369
517
236
502
232
121
96
94
291
Wind (km/h)
5
NNW
5
ENE
5
NW
5
N
25
NE
15
NW
10
NW
10
NE
20
WNW
15
NNW
15
NW
15
NNE
30
WSW
45
SW
35
SW
15
WSW
10
ENE
20
W
20
WSW
30
SW
20
WSW
Wind State
glassy
glassy
off
cross-off
cross
off
off
cross
off
off
off
cross-off
cross-off
cross
cross
cross-off
cross
cross-off
cross-off
cross
cross-off
High Tide
8:18PM1.54m
8:45AM1.51m
9:05PM1.49m
9:31AM1.49m
9:51PM1.45m
10:16AM1.45m
10:36PM1.39m
11:01AM1.41m
11:21PM1.34m
11:48AM1.37m
00:08AM1.30m
12:35PM1.34m
00:56AM1.26m
Low Tide
2:11PM0.11m
2:36AM0.10m
2:59PM0.15m
3:22AM0.14m
3:46PM0.19m
4:06AM0.19m
4:32PM0.24m
4:51AM0.24m
5:18PM0.29m
5:35AM0.29m
6:04PM0.33m
6:21AM0.32m
6:51PM0.36m
part cloud
part cloud
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
clear
part cloud
cloud
light rain
heavy rain
heavy rain
rain showers
clear
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
rain showers
rain showers
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunrise">Sunrise</span>
6:09
6:07
6:05
6:05
6:03
6:01
6:00
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunset">Sunset</span>
5:55
5:57
5:57
5:58
5:59
6:00
6:00
 mm
3
11
15
4
1
1
Temp °C
12
11
10
14
14
13
17
17
12
17
17
13
11
10
10
14
15
15
17
10
8
Feels °C
10
9
8
10
9
11
15
14
8
13
14
10
5
1
2
11
12
10
13
2
3
  • Map Icons:
  • Break
  • Live Wave Height (m)
  • Live Wind Speed (km/h)
  • Surf Rating (10 Max)
  • Ocean Swells (m)
  • Wind Speed (km/h)
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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.

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