Maketu Bar (Maketu, Little Waihi)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Ocean
- Spot Type
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Range
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Maketu Bar is a fairly exposed point break off Maketu Beach in the Bay of Plenty that only works once in a while. Conditions are generally keyed to a significant northeast swell, and the break is best at high tide. Wave shape is described as punchy and hollow when it fires, and another description notes a right-hand point break peeling along the sand and rock bar. Ride lengths can be very long on good days (with reports of typical runs around 150–300 meters and rides exceeding 200 meters when conditions line up). Wind at the location is strongly tied to the Bay of Plenty’s summer pattern. Sea-breeze winds are common, with thermal strengthening most noticeable in summer afternoons. For surfing specifically, sources indicate the break works best with a south component (S wind), while northerly winds can blow it out; suitable wind angles span from the SW through to NE. Safety is a major consideration: the primary hazard is rocks at/near the point and bar area, and strong currents are reported near the estuary mouth. Tips focus on waiting for the incoming tide to cover more of the rock and watching for boat traffic when attempting the bar.
- Best when a northeast swell wraps in and conditions align at high tide
- Potential for long right-hand rides on good days
- Rocks and strong currents make timing and tide choice important
- When it’s on, it can produce long, peeling/clean rights on a northeast swell
- High tide is the key for safer, more workable wave access
- The wider Maketu / Little Waihi area also supports multiple wind and foil sports in and around the estuary
- Only works occasionally with limited clean periods
- Rocks and submerged hazards at/near the bar
- Strong currents near the estuary mouth
- Currents can become very strong on bigger swell
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, S, W
- Offshore directions
- S, SW, W
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Sea breeze — Sea-breeze conditions are common; summer afternoons are most consistent.
- Reliability
- Moderate
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Light gusts reported in the area; baseline guide describes steady conditions.
- Best Months
- January
- Shadow Zones
- Directly behind the headland in strong southerly winds; sand dunes can make SW winds patchy.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed — Sand with rock/point features.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Water is described as chop.
- Launch
- Medium — Beach launch from the Maketu side or paddle from the boat ramp area.
Through the year
Can be crowded during summer holidays and on weekends when the northeast swell is running.
Winter (June to August) is generally wetter and prone to more frequent storms; winter fronts can also affect conditions and estuary water quality.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Kitesurfing is common in the adjacent Little Waihi estuary (flat water). The bar itself is described as an advanced wave-riding area.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
The estuary is a regional destination for windsurfing due to its flat water; the bar area is described as reserved for experienced wave sailors.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7.5 m²
Excellent foiling in the estuary during mid-to-high tide; the bar is described as providing a rolling swell for advanced foil surfers.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters in the estuary channels
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
A fairly exposed point break that only works occasionally. When it lines up, it produces punchy, hollow (or peeling) rights that are best at high tide with a significant northeast swell.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- NE, E
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- High
- Shelter
- Exposed — Point-break exposure; reported as exposed overall and semi-sheltered in another description.
- Wind Effect
- Works best with S wind (onshore-to-cross-shore). North winds blow it out; South to Southwest winds can be more offshore to the break.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold significant size, but currents become very strong.
- Wave Quality
- Good — Some sources rate quality as good, while another notes it can be poor overall and only works at certain times.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Baseline guide describes it as fairly punchy and only working occasionally.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Also described as hollow when it fires.
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Long — Can offer rides exceeding 200 meters on good days; typical range reported as 150–300 meters.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer rides exceeding 200 meters on good days; typical ride length 150–300 meters.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Maketu Bar (Maketu, Little Waihi) in the full forecast view.
Maketu Bar (Maketu, Little Waihi) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–17 ktsGusts 31 kts
- Direction
- WNW285°
- Strongest day
- Thu, Oct 2917 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.4–1.7 m5s period
- Temperature
- 9–21 °C
Over the next 7 days, Maketu Bar (Maketu, Little Waihi) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–17 kts, peaking around 17 kts on Thursday, October 29 with gusts to 31 kts. The prevailing direction is WNW. Waves run 0.4–1.7 m with a period of about 5s. 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
- strong currents
- sharks
- tidal surges
- boat traffic
- submerged hazards in the bar area
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Reported as seasonal.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — On-water rescue is not guaranteed without prior arrangement for kite/wing foiling.
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services via 111; nearest major medical facilities are in Tauranga.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Standard NZ water safety and surfing etiquette applies; be mindful of the channel used by local fishing boats.
- Avoid heavy offshore if possible.
- Wait for the incoming tide to cover the rocks for a safer experience.
- SW winds can be patchy due to sand dunes, but it’s worth trying if the waves look good.
- Watch for local fishing boats crossing the bar.
- The main break is on the bar in front of the surf area.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Tauranga
- Nearest Town
- Maketu
- Parking
- Public parking available at the Maketu Surf Club and near the boat ramp.
- Access
- Access via Maketu Road; the surf break is reached from the end of Town Point Road or via the estuary entrance.
- Local Language
- English, Māori
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Little Waihi Beach Holiday Park provides camping and cabin options nearby.
- Food & Drink
- Local fish and chip shops and a cafe are located in Maketu village.
- Equipment Rental:
- No dedicated rental shops at the spot; rentals are available in Mount Maunganui or Tauranga.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A laid-back, community-focused coastal stretch combining Māori heritage and estuary/wetland nature, with classic coastal activities nearby.
Okurei Point and the 60 km open ocean shore of the Maketu Taiapure.
The historic landing place of the Te Arawa waka (canoe), one of the founding migrations of Māori to New Zealand.
Maketu is the traditional first landing place of the Te Arawa iwi (tribe) in New Zealand, featuring historical significance and Marae.
Popular coastal activity with opportunities to catch kahawai, snapper, and trevally.
Local eatery offering views of the coastline and casual dining.
Local eateries and cafes in the nearby township of Maketu.
Nature walks and bird watching in the restored wetland areas nearby.
Beach walking and estuary exploration at Little Waihi.
Waihi Estuary birdwatching and kayaking at the river mouth near Little Waihi.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Maketu Bar (Maketu, Little Waihi)?
The best overall months at Maketu Bar (Maketu, Little Waihi) are December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January.
Which wind directions work at Maketu Bar (Maketu, Little Waihi)?
Maketu Bar (Maketu, Little Waihi) works with SW, S, W winds. Offshore directions are S, SW, W.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Maketu Bar (Maketu, Little Waihi)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Maketu Bar (Maketu, Little Waihi): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Maketu Bar (Maketu, Little Waihi) suitable for?
Maketu Bar (Maketu, Little Waihi) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Advanced · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.