Red Island (Waimārama Coast)

Red Island (Waimārama Coast) is a quite exposed beach-and-reef surf spot in Hawke's Bay that does not work very often and has no strong seasonal pattern. It is accessed from the Waimārama area and is highly tide-dependent, with a walk time of roughly 45 minutes to an hour—so timing with the tide is critical. When conditions line up, the spot offers a mix of beach and reef breaks with both left and right options, including a notable left-hand reef that wraps around the island. Providers describe good wave quality in the best setups, with the spot most often working around mid tide and with northwest winds acting offshore. The working swell is typically from the south/southeast, wrapping correctly to improve ride quality. Wind reliability for the spot is described as low, and surf cleanliness is also inconsistent: one dataset reports a substantial likelihood of being blown out (about 35% in June) and only a smaller proportion of clean, surfable conditions (about 18% in June). Because it can become difficult to access and paddle out on larger south swells, the spot is best approached by intermediate surfers with careful planning. Safety is a major consideration at Red Island. Expect rocks, strong currents (including rip currents that can be especially strong around the island), and tide entrapment risks. There’s no lifeguard presence at the spot; in an emergency you should call 111, and medical facilities are reported to be about 30–40 minutes away in the Hastings/Napier area. Check tide charts before committing to the walk, and plan for the possibility that the return route can be cut off at higher tide.