Makarori Point

Makarori Point is a right-hand point break on a rocky headland north of Wainui, known for long, peeling waves that can suit a wide range of surfers. The spot is described as exposed and reliable year-round, with May singled out as the best month. A solid south-swell setup is the key to getting the wave to wrap and set up well. Wave character is often soft and fat, with quality improving as swell size builds. On good days, riders can get very long rides (reported up to around 200 meters), and the wave is typically described as peeling from the point into the bay. While it is generally a dependable break, reports also note that very large surf may not always hold perfectly at the point, though bigger south swells can still bring powerful and challenging sessions. Wind-wise, offshore NW influences are associated with cleaner, more groomed faces. Typical wind speeds are reported in the roughly 10–25 knots range, with gusts characterized as light and conditions described as very consistent by some accounts. Best months for wind/sessions overlap strongly with late autumn, particularly May (with other sources extending the best window into June through August). Safety-wise, rocks at the point and submerged boulders are the primary hazards, and rip currents are associated with the point-break setup and outgoing tides. The spot is popular, so lineup awareness matters—especially when weekends and good swells bring crowding. There are no lifeguards reported at the spot; if you need emergency help, call 111 and seek the nearby hospital in Gisborne (about 10–15 minutes away).