Horseshoe Bay
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Horseshoe Bay (Hicks Bay) is a fairly exposed right-hand point break on the East Cape corridor that’s best when conditions line up precisely. The spot has a rocky environment with rocks at/near the point, and it’s emphasized that it only works when the swell, wind, and tide are favorable—so sessions can be inconsistent. Surfing quality is described as good to average depending on conditions, but the wave form is consistently peeling when a Northeast swell is running. High tide is repeatedly identified as the optimal tide for the break to come into shape. A northeast swell is the key requirement. Providers also stress that it may only be “just right” for optimal performance, and that wind can affect the clean face—light offshore winds are mentioned as helpful to maintain wave quality. Overall, it’s remote and typically low-profile/uncrowded when it runs, making it attractive for travelers seeking a quieter, self-sufficient shoreline session. Because access is limited and the hazards are real (rocks and potential currents near the point), bringing appropriate safety gear and planning for a long drive to medical services is strongly advised.
- Right-hand point break with a northeast swell at high tide as the core setup
- Peeling, consistent wave shape when conditions align
- Remote, low-profile coastal location
- Peeling right-hand point break with waves that can suit beginners when conditions align
- Best with northeast swell and high tide
- Generally quiet/low-profile due to the remote, least-surfed nature of the area
- Exposed point break that only works when conditions are just right
- Rocky hazards near the break
- Wind/swell/tide alignment is required for the best waves
- Remote access with limited services
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, W, S
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Providers describe the spot as influenced by frontal wind patterns; the wider Gisborne Coast is also noted for southwest-prevailing systems.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts noted by one provider.
- Best Months
- April
- Thermal Window
- Afternoon · Months: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec · Dir: N, NNE, NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW · Regional pattern: moderate thermal reinforcement in clear summer afternoons, most noticeable roughly 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell
- Beach
- Sand — Beach composition is described as sand; the point area includes rocks/rocky shoreline access.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Medium — Described as soft at times and medium overall depending on conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky shoreline access at the point; launch is from the rocky shoreline.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Rocky shoreline access with moderate launch difficulty; exposed point access.
Through the year
Generally quiet due to remote location, but can see more visitors in summer and around holiday periods.
Winter months typically receive more rain and frontal systems.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A fairly exposed right-hand point break at Horseshoe Bay (Hicks Bay). It runs best with a northeast swell at high tide and can be hit-or-miss when conditions are not aligned.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- NE
- Optimal Tide
- High — Both providers and the surf-spot guide emphasize high tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Described as exposed by both providers.
- Wind Effect
- Requires light offshore winds to keep the face clean; conditions may only be optimal when wind and swell line up.
- Bigger Swell
- Can handle larger swells, but paddling out can become challenging as conditions increase.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Providers disagree slightly: one says good quality, another rates it average.
- Wave Power
- Soft — One provider characterizes the waves as soft; another describes moderate power depending on conditions.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Described as peeling by both providers.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling point-break peel with a medium peel speed noted by one provider.
- Ride Length
- Medium — Ride length described as medium; consistent point-break peel when conditions align.
- Ride Length Details
- Consistent right-hand peel when swell and wind conditions align; works most reliably when conditions are just right.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Horseshoe Bay in the full forecast view.
Horseshoe Bay wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–19 ktsGusts 42 kts
- Direction
- WNW299°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2719 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–2.1 m6s period
- Temperature
- 13–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, Horseshoe Bay is forecast for daytime winds of 4–19 kts, peaking around 19 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 42 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.7–2.1 m with a period of about 6s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Tidal currents and rip currents may be present near the point
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue is described as limited, with Coastguard New Zealand and regional emergency services serving larger towns.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are located in Gisborne (about a 2.5-hour drive away). In New Zealand, dial 111 for emergency services.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — One provider describes moderate localism; another describes no localism—local dynamics may vary by time and conditions.
Rules of the spot
Only works when conditions are just right; plan around the required swell and tide. Watch for rocks near the break.
- Best at high tide
- Best on northeast swell
- It only works when conditions align—don't assume it runs every session
- April often provides a more consistent combination of swell and wind
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Whakatane
- Nearest Town
- Hicks Bay
- Nearest Airport
- Gisborne Airport (GIS)
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking or small dirt turn-offs.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English, Maori
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Limited options in Hicks Bay, including a motel lodge and local campsites.
- Food & Drink
- Small general store and a lodge restaurant available in the town of Hicks Bay.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The East Cape area is known for solitude and natural beauty, with a strong Māori cultural presence and outdoor adventure focus.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Horseshoe Bay?
The best overall months at Horseshoe Bay are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. The best wind months are April.
Which wind directions work at Horseshoe Bay?
Horseshoe Bay works with SW, W, S winds.
What skill level is Horseshoe Bay suitable for?
Horseshoe Bay suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.