Murdering Bay (Aramoana)

Murdering Bay (also called Whareakeake) is a remote, exposed right-hand reef-and-point surf break on the Otago coast near Aramoana. It’s known for a rare right-hand point wave and can offer long, peeling rides when a significant swell wraps into the bay. The break is overall exposed, with conditions improving when swell direction and wind align. In general, south winds are described as the best wind direction, with south to South-Southwest winds being offshore-preferred. One guidance set also indicates surf is best during spring and summer, while another indicates a May–September wind window. The swell alignment described as ideal includes northeasterly to north/se-southeasterly components, and larger swells are emphasized as necessary for the wave to work well. Safety is a key consideration: rocks, rips/currents, and shark presence are specifically flagged. Kelp near the point and strong drift during larger swells are also noted. There is no on-site lifeguard service; rescue coverage is described as limited and emergency response would rely on regional services. Crowds tend to stay low because of the difficult access, though it can become busier on rare northeasterly swell days when the point works perfectly. For surf timing, low tide is noted as producing the best wave shape, alongside general guidance that the break can be surfed across all tides depending on conditions.