Makara
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Makara is a rugged, wind-exposed surf location on Wellington’s west coast. It’s described as a consistent beach break that can work at any time of the year, with the overall best stretch of conditions reported in winter (notably June) when swell and offshore wind patterns align. The spot is sensitive to wind direction. Southeast winds are generally associated with cleaner, more offshore conditions, while northwest winds are more likely to produce messy, cross-onshore wave quality. Gusts and turbulence are common due to the local topography, so even when the swell looks promising, conditions can vary quickly. Surf is reported as working across tides, offering both left and right waves. In addition to the beach break, a left-hand point line is mentioned as longer-running, but it typically requires a significant swell to wrap into the bay. Ride lengths for the beach break are often under 50 meters, while longer, more structured lines are possible at the point during larger conditions. Safety is a major consideration: strong rip currents and sharp rocky hazards are repeatedly flagged, alongside cold water and an isolated coastline with limited immediate help. There are no lifeguards on-site, and paddling out can become very difficult during strong currents—so surf planning should be based on wind, swell size, and current conditions. A thick wetsuit setup (including boots and gloves) is recommended for cold water, and the walk to the point is reported to take roughly 20–30 minutes from the main car park.
- Exposed beach break with consistent year-round potential
- Southeast winds tend to give cleaner/offshore conditions
- Works on all tides; left/right waves reported
- Point left needs a bigger swell to get going and offers longer, more structured rides
- Consistent swell-driven break with year-round surf potential
- Works on all tides, with right and left waves available when conditions line up
- Southeast winds generally help keep waves cleaner/offshore
- Well-known by locals as a go-to option when other nearby areas are flat
- Highly exposed and sensitive to wind direction and gusts
- Strong rip currents and powerful water movement reported
- Cold water year-round; thick wetsuits required
- Limited immediate services at the coast (including no lifeguards)
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, SE
- Offshore directions
- ESE, SE
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind is commonly driven by frontal/pressure-gradient systems and intensified by Cook Strait; strong south/westerly flows are typical.
- Reliability
- Often windy, but can be too small or blown out at times; especially low/unstable periods reported in winter.
- Gust Factor
- Heavy gusts — Gusty conditions are common due to wind being funneled/accelerated by the surrounding hills and coastline.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August
- Shadow Zones
- Significant turbulence and wind shadows from the high surrounding hills can affect wave quality.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed — Sand with mixed/pebble-stone areas and rocky outcrops around the points.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Reported as working with a medium swell; one source specifies about 1.5–3.0 meters as a working window.
- Launch
- Medium — Pebble/stone beach with patches of sand, transitioning to rocky outcrops at the points.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Reported as moderate, with rocky coastline and variable depth.
Through the year
Can get busy on weekends and during good swells in winter.
Winter months (June–August) tend to bring the most frequent storms and heavy gales; winter is also the wettest period.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Rarely kitesurfed due to extremely gusty winds funneled off the hills and the rocky nature of the coastline; only suitable for expert riders in specific conditions.
- Kite Sizes
- 6–9 m²
An exposed Makara beach break that works on all tides, acting as a swell magnet for Wellington. It features both left and right waves; a left-hand point break can offer longer, more structured waves but typically requires a bigger swell to wrap into the bay.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- W, SW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–3 m
- Optimal Tide
- All tides, Mid — Sources describe it as working on all tides, with mid tide noted as a best match for point/overall conditions.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed coastline; conditions are very sensitive to wind direction.
- Wind Effect
- Southeast winds provide cleaner offshore conditions; Northwest winds tend to be cross-onshore and messier.
- Bigger Swell
- Handles size well, but paddling out becomes very difficult with strong currents.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Reported as good when clean and rideable; clean surfable conditions are relatively infrequent.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Generally described as offering good/moderate quality when wind and swell line up.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling — Peeling, with a mix of beach-break waves and more structured left-hand point waves when a swell is large enough.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Beach-break rides are typically shorter; longer rides can occur on the point during bigger swells.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Ride lengths reported as usually less than 50 meters for the beach break, with point waves potentially extending to longer, more structured lines.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Makara in the full forecast view.
Makara wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–28 ktsGusts 48 kts
- Direction
- NNW328°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2728 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.0–2.7 m6s period
- Temperature
- 11–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Makara is forecast for daytime winds of 7–28 kts, peaking around 28 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 48 kts. The prevailing direction is NNW. Waves run 1.0–2.7 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
- shore break
- strong rip currents
- sharp rocks and reef
- cold water temperatures
- isolated location with limited cell service
- deep water drop-offs
- submerged rocks/reef sections
- driftwood after storms
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards present.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated on-site rescue coverage at the spot; maritime emergencies are handled by Coastguard New Zealand.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major hospital is in Wellington city (about 30 minutes drive). For emergencies, call 111.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild — Reported localism is mild.
Rules of the spot
Follow standard surf etiquette. Respect that the area is part of a conservation area.
- No vehicles on the beach
- Check the forecast—Southeast winds are generally the cleanest for waves.
- Bring a thick wetsuit even in summer.
- The point is a long left that needs a big swell to get going, and there is a walk from the car park (reported around 20–30 minutes).
- If conditions are rough, be aware strong currents can make paddling out very difficult.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Wellington
- Nearest Town
- Wellington
- Nearest Airport
- Wellington International Airport (WLG)
- Parking
- Public car park available at the end of Makara Road.
- Public Transport
- Access is very limited; private vehicles are required and there is no public transit directly serving immediate beach areas.
- Access
- Accessible via a winding, narrow bitumen road from Karori in Wellington.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- English, Maori
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Most accommodation is in Wellington city; options near the coast are more limited.
- Food & Drink
- Makara Beach Café is located near the car park.
- Equipment Rental:
- Specialized gear rental is available mainly in Wellington rather than directly at the coast itself.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Makara area is a rugged coastal landscape around Wellington’s wind culture, with nearby viewpoints, coastal tracks, and Wellington’s major museums and waterfront dining.
Large-scale wind farm with viewpoints offering panoramic views of Cook Strait.
National Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa).
Historical Māori fortified village sites located along the coastal ridges.
Coastal paddling and kayaking in Cook Strait.
Award-winning mountain bike park with over 40 km of trails ranging from easy to expert.
Waterfront dining in Wellington’s central harbor area.
A local staple offering coffee, snacks, and meals near the shoreline.
Kapiti Island nature reserve tours and coastal walks.
A 6 km loop track providing coastal views and access to unique geological features.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Makara?
The best overall months at Makara are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are May, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Makara?
Makara works with E, SE winds. Offshore directions are ESE, SE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Makara?
Recommended equipment sizes at Makara: Kitesurfing: 6–9 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Makara suitable for?
Makara suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Expert · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.