Shipwreck Bay Supertubes
- Shortboard, Advanced riders
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- 10–20 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Shipwreck Bay Supertubes is a highly regarded left-hand point break that rides along a rocky reef point. It’s described as world-class, epic, and fast, with an often hollow/barreling feel when a proper southwest swell lines up. The wave is most consistently workable at low tide. Multiple sources emphasize that the wave needs a big southwest swell and low tide to even break properly, and that the fastest/hollowest section comes when the line connects correctly over the reef and sand point. Wind conditions matter for wave quality: southerly offshore flow helps groom the wave into cleaner, peeling barrels. Some cliff protection is noted for southerly winds, but conditions are still described as not universally reliable and dependent on getting that light offshore component. Safety-wise, the point is unforgiving: there are exposed rocks/submerged reef elements at takeoff and within the run, and strong sweep/currents can show up on larger swells. There is no rescue coverage noted specifically at the spot; regional guidance indicates rescue is limited and emergencies should be handled by calling 111, with Kaitaia medical facilities as the nearest option.
- World-class left-hand point break
- Offshore southerlies groom clean, peeling barrels
- Very long ride potential when swell and tide line up
- World-class reputation for a fast, powerful left-hand point break.
- Offshore southerly wind tends to groom the wave into clean, peeling barrels.
- Very long rides are possible when the conditions line up.
- Advanced-only: fast, powerful, and rocky takeoff zone.
- Low tide and a solid southwest swell are required for it to break correctly.
- Strong currents/sweep can develop on larger sets.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S
- Offshore directions
- S
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Offshore winds blow from the south; overall patterns include southerly offshore winds that groom the wave.
- Reliability
- Moderate
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Sources describe conditions as relatively steady, with grooming offshore flow.
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August
- Shadow Zones
- Cliffs provide some protection from southerly winds.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Mixed — Bay is sandy with rocks around the point; bottom includes rocky/reef sections.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Big — Works on larger southwest swell; optimal swell ranges up to 8 feet+ in some descriptions.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Offshore southerly wind tends to keep conditions groomed when it aligns.
- Launch
- Medium — Beach entry or rocky jump-off at the point depending on swell size.
Through the year
High during summer holidays and on weekends when a good swell arrives.
Winter (June to August) is typically wetter with more frequent storms; Tasman Sea conditions can be stronger.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A world-class, sheltered left-hand point break on a rocky point; it requires a big southwest swell and low tide to work properly.
- Wave Direction
- Left
- Optimal Swell
- SW
- Swell Height
- 0.9–2.4 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low — Low tide is required for the wave to break correctly.
- Shelter
- Sheltered — Sheltered reef point with some cliff protection from southerly winds; still a rocky, exposed takeoff zone.
- Wind Effect
- Southerly offshore winds groom the wave into clean, peeling barrels; offshore from south creates cleaner conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds big southwest swell and wraps it down the headland; on larger sets, the sweep can become very strong.
- Wave Quality
- World class — Long, fast, often hollow barrels; widely described as one of the best left-hand point waves.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Very fast, powerful left point break.
- Wave Shape
- Barreling — Often hollow/barreling when the swell lines up.
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Fast peeling section into the left-hand line.
- Ride Length
- Long — Long, high-performance point rides.
- Typical Ride Length
- 300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Waves can connect for several hundred meters, providing exceptionally long rides across multiple sections of the bay.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Shipwreck Bay Supertubes in the full forecast view.
Shipwreck Bay Supertubes wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–18 ktsGusts 32 kts
- Direction
- W262°
- Strongest day
- Tue, Oct 2718 kts
- Windy days
- 2/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.9–2.3 m11s period
- Temperature
- 12–19 °C
Over the next 7 days, Shipwreck Bay Supertubes is forecast for daytime winds of 2–18 kts, peaking around 18 kts on Tuesday, October 27 with gusts to 32 kts. The prevailing direction is W. Waves run 0.9–2.3 m with a period of about 11s. 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 around the point
- sharp rocks
- submerged boulders
- submerged reef
- strong currents
- stingrays in the shallows
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No rescue coverage is noted specifically at the point; rescue is limited/without dedicated lifeguards at this spot.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional context notes limited rescue availability, with seasonal patrols operating at the main beach.
- Emergency Info
- Dial 111 for emergencies; nearest medical facilities are in Kaitaia (about 15 minutes away).
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate — The spot is highly regarded and can involve local surfer sensitivity.
Rules of the spot
Advanced surfing etiquette and strict awareness of takeoff rotation; standard surfing etiquette applies.
- Vehicle access on the beach is tidal and requires 4WD (for driving further along the beach to reach the points).
- Needs low tides and a really solid southwest swell to even break.
- Walk the point at low tide to understand where the rocks are located.
- Be respectful of local surfers as the spot is highly regarded.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kaitaia
- Nearest Town
- Ahipara
- Nearest Airport
- Kaitaia Airport (KAT)
- Parking
- Park at the end of Wreck Bay Road; then a walk is required to reach the points. Beach parking further along requires 4WD and tide awareness.
- Public Transport
- Very limited; intercity buses reach Kaitaia, but a car (preferably 4WD) is essential.
- Access
- From Kaitaia, head southwest on Redan Street, continue on Pukepoto Road to Ahipara, cross Wairoa River on Foreshore Road, turn to gravel Wreck Bay Road, drive to end and park.
- Local Language
- English, Māori
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Holiday parks, lodges, and rental baches are available in Ahipara.
- Food & Drink
- A few cafes and a local store are located in Ahipara village.
- Equipment Rental:
- Basic surf rentals may be available in Ahipara village.
- Gear Storage
- Limited storage facilities available through local accommodation and the surf school.
- Gear Repair
- Basic surf repair may be available; regional context notes basic fiberglass repair locally.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Te Hiku coastal region is remote and strongly outdoor-focused, centered on the Ninety Mile Beach corridor and Ahipara’s coastal experiences.
An iconic stretch of sand used as a public highway, famous for its vast dunes and fishing.
A sacred Māori site where spirits depart for their homeland.
Remnants of New Zealand's once-thriving kauri gum digging industry with scenic views.
Sliding down massive coastal dunes located further north along the beach highway.
A local cafe and restaurant serving food and coffee with views of the bay.
Guided horseback tours along the beach and through local trails.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Shipwreck Bay Supertubes?
The best overall months at Shipwreck Bay Supertubes are May, June, July, August.
Which wind directions work at Shipwreck Bay Supertubes?
Shipwreck Bay Supertubes works with S winds. Offshore directions are S.
What skill level is Shipwreck Bay Supertubes suitable for?
Shipwreck Bay Supertubes suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced.