Moeraki Lighthouse (Moeraki Coast)

Moeraki Lighthouse (Katiki Point) is a rugged, exposed right-hand point/reef wave that wraps around the lighthouse point and can deliver long, walling rides for advanced surfers. The break is heavy and often requires a substantial south (S or SE) swell to reach the point and form cleanly, and it can step up significantly on larger swells, including the potential for a serious “right-hander” feel. Wind and swell timing matter. Conditions are described as best with NW or W offshore winds that groom the face, while S/SE swells are the most reliable triggers for the point break. Sources also emphasize that sessions work around high tide (with one source indicating mid tide), and that the surrounding environment is exposed—so weather and sea state changes can be rapid. Safety is a major consideration here. Sharks are specifically noted as a hazard, and the area is also associated with thick kelp beds, sharp rocks, strong currents on bigger swells, and a slippery/steep approach along the walking route to the point. In addition to the natural risks, local access can be restricted near the penguin colony at dawn and dusk. The spot is generally low-profile and rarely crowded, even when surf is up, but the combination of cold water and a difficult, rocky entry means you should plan gear and contingencies carefully. The cold-water guidance aligns with a spring wetsuit requirement, while regional monthly temperatures support thicker winter protection.