Long Point (Catlins)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean, 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Long Point is a left-hand point/reef break on a rocky point in the Catlins area, known for long rides with steep, gnarly drop-ins and hollow/peeling sections. Surf quality can be very good to excellent when the right swell wraps in, and the spot is described as reasonably exposed with reliable conditions that can work at any time of year—though the best month is August. Access and setup are part of the challenge. Visitors reach the point via a reserve/walk that can take roughly 20–30 minutes through protected/private land areas, starting from parking at the end of Long Point Road. The shore approach is a rocky shoreline scramble, and sources emphasize extreme isolation and rapidly changing weather conditions, so preparation and partner plans are essential. Hazards are significant: sharks are listed as a key risk, along with strong rip currents/drift near the point, sharp reef and rocks, and heavy kelp/submerged reef sections. Cold-water exposure is also a major consideration; wetsuit insulation with boots and a hood is recommended, and spring/shoulder timing is specifically noted for the spot’s wetsuit guidance. Rescue and lifeguard support are not provided locally. Wind can strongly affect how the wave behaves. Sources note that onshore winds degrade surf quality, with North/Northwest directions potentially better (offshore) while South/Southwest conditions tend to be onshore and messy. Consistent planning around low tide (best) and the typical swell window for the point helps reduce variability, while winter storms can increase overall danger due to exposure.
- Long left-hand point/reef rides
- Steep, gnarly drop-in with hollow/peeling sections
- Best tide: low
- Best month: August
- Very low crowd levels
- Marked reserve/private-land access rules and wildlife protection
- Long, powerful, left-hand point/reef waves with hollow/peeling sections.
- Relatively reliable surf for a point-reef setup, with best conditions in August and at low tide.
- Crowds are typically very low.
- Spot is remote and exposed with difficult access/entry.
- Sharks are a confirmed hazard; surf with a partner and use extreme caution.
- Cold-water conditions; proper cold-water protection is required.
- Currents/rip and reef/kelp hazards increase risk; no lifeguards and no spot-specific rescue.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NW
- Offshore directions
- N, NW
- No-go directions
- N, NW
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Predominantly frontal/gradient winds in the Clutha Coast region; spot-level sources describe variable wind and note it can be messy depending on direction.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Heavy gusts — Spot-level sources indicate heavy gusting conditions.
- Best Months
- August
- Shadow Zones
- The point can offer some protection from southwesterly winds in specific pockets.
- Thermal Window
- Sea breeze · Afternoon · Dir: E, W, N, S · Weak thermal development overall; occasional summer sea breezes may enhance afternoon sessions, but predictability is limited.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Swell
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocky point/coast; rocky landing/approach.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — Spot-level sources describe big surf potential; swell can be capable of holding large Southern Ocean swells.
- Launch
- Medium — Rocky point access / rocky shoreline scramble.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Spot-level sources list difficult access; a moderate launch difficulty is also reported for the general rocky point access.
Through the year
Low year-round with very quiet conditions typical; August highlighted as best month.
Winter months see frequent storms and cold fronts.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Left-hand point/reef break with a steep, gnarly drop-in, wally/hollow sections, and long powerful rides when swell wraps in correctly.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Best at low tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Reasonably exposed location with some protection in specific pockets, but generally exposed to wind and swell.
- Wind Effect
- Onshore winds degrade quality. North/Northwest winds may be offshore, while South and Southwest winds are generally onshore and messy.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds size but becomes heavy and challenging during large Southern Ocean swells.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Sources vary between good and excellent, but consistently describe reliable/quality surf for a point-reef setup.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Long, walling left-hand rides; can be very powerful.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Spot-level sources describe hollow sections; other sources describe peeling waves that can hold large swell.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling point/reef waves; medium peel speed.
- Ride Length
- Long — Long left-hand point break rides; long left-hander.
- Typical Ride Length
- 100–200 m
- Ride Length Details
- Long left-hand point rides; can peel significant distances along the point on the right swell direction.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Long Point (Catlins) in the full forecast view.
Long Point (Catlins) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 10–19 ktsGusts 42 kts
- Direction
- WNW287°
- Strongest day
- Wed, Oct 2819 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–3.4 m10s period
- Temperature
- 6–22 °C
Over the next 7 days, Long Point (Catlins) is forecast for daytime winds of 10–19 kts, peaking around 19 kts on Wednesday, October 28 with gusts to 42 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 1.0–3.4 m with a period of about 10s. 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
- Sharks (including great white sharks)
- Strong rip currents and drift near the point
- Sharp reef and rocky terrain
- Thick kelp beds
- Extreme isolation
- Cold water exposure
- Submerged reef sections
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards present.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Spot-level sources list no dedicated rescue; remote area response is coordinated regionally.
- Emergency Info
- Rescue availability is listed as no for the spot; emergency services via 111. Nearest medical facilities are in Owaka or Balclutha, with major care at Dunedin Hospital; mobile reception can be spotty.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Sources indicate localism is none.
Rules of the spot
Stay on marked tracks and respect wildlife due to protected areas and private land access.
- No dogs allowed (wildlife protection).
- No camping on the reserve.
- No drones without specific permits.
- Do not disturb yellow-eyed penguins or seals.
- Steep drop-in and hollow sections are key features—treat the entry and lineup with caution.
- Walk to the point takes about 20–30 minutes through the reserve.
- Always surf with a partner due to sharks and remote location.
- Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.
- Access is via private farmland/reserve tracks; keep to marked paths and respect wildlife.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Dunedin
- Nearest Town
- Owaka
- Parking
- Small public parking area at the road end, no facilities.
- Public Transport
- Virtually non-existent; regional bus service to Balclutha from Dunedin
- Access
- Access is gained by walking across the Irihuka / Long Point Reserve from the designated parking area at the end of Long Point Road (rocky shoreline scramble; exposed coastal location in Catlins, Southland).
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Self-catering cottages and camping grounds in the wider Catlins area, particularly in Papatowai and Owaka.
- Food & Drink
- No facilities on-site; nearest supplies/cafes/fuel are in Owaka.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental on-site is listed as extremely limited/available primarily in Dunedin.
- Gear Storage
- No public gear storage facilities available.
- Gear Repair
- No local repair services indicated; specialized repair requires travel.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Catlins region is framed as a nature-focused area with dramatic coastal scenery, rainforest and wildlife viewing opportunities.
An iconic lighthouse on a dramatic headland surrounded by rocky islets (The Nuggets).
A famous three-tiered waterfall within the Catlins rainforest.
A local museum showcasing pioneering and maritime history of the Catlins region.
Walking tracks for secluded bays, caves, and wildlife viewing areas.
A popular local stop in Kaka Point with ocean views and local seafood.
A petrified forest area with opportunities to spot yellow-eyed penguins and Hector’s dolphins.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Long Point (Catlins)?
The best overall months at Long Point (Catlins) are August.
Which wind directions work at Long Point (Catlins)?
Long Point (Catlins) works with N, NW winds. Offshore directions are N, NW. No-go directions are N, NW.
What skill level is Long Point (Catlins) suitable for?
Long Point (Catlins) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate to Advanced.